Dogs have been in my family most of my life and served as a former Military Working Dog Handler. A lot of people should not have a dog just as some should not have children. Once a DOG is off-leash or the owner has lost control you have what is called a loose Dog and the owner is still just as responsible for whatever happens.
Many folks have service dogs, but in truth, many so-called service dogs are not true service dogs.
I love the fact that there are many new careers for Dogs today. Trained or Service Dog as they have a JOB. What I'm going to say now most of you don't want to know.
NEVER, NEVER NEVER touch or pet a DOG that is not your own dog. Now if you must touch a Dog ask the person if they are the owner? Ask them how long they have had the dog? the longer they have had the Dog the more aware they should be of the Dog's reactions to strangers. If you must touch another dog ASK also if it is Okay to pet there dog? If yes, Look at the dog's ears as they work just like a horse (EARS DOWN AND BACK NOT GOOD) Dogs are natural protectors for the one who feeds them. They are PROTECTIVE of all things belonging to the owner. NEVER PET a strange dog inside a vehicle as they will protect even many non-biters. NEVER in the back of a PICKUP TRUCK. If more than one dog together never pets them as some dogs can be protective of jealous of the other's affections. Let the dog hear your voice and the owners try not to make baby talk with a dog that may be in dog years older than you are.
NOW YOU HAVE THE OKAY TO PET the Dog, so what do you do? make a fist as this will protect your fingers, Hold the back of your hand just close enough for the DOG to small the back of your hand and only one person at a time. If the dog does snap there is not much for them to bite onto the back of your hand.
Remember dogs are pack animals and they will protect the pack and humans can be part of the pack. A female dog can be as protective as a mother bear over her cubs.
NOW if your say in an RV Park walking and a dog is loose running or walking about the park and coming closer. If you have time to get out of the way without running do so. Otherwise, STAND STILL STANDING UP and Cross your arms doing this will protect your hands.
If you are the owner of a loose dog and it won't return to you. lay down on the ground as in most cases when the dogs see this, there is a good possibility they will return to you while you are down. "This is pack behaver" But they have to see you lay down.
All dogs will bite if provoked. Try not to give them any reason to bite you! I love all dogs, but I don't pet any dog without having known the owner and Dog.
Be SAFE and DON'T Pet strange DOGS unless trained and have a good reason to do so.
"Is that a sweet dog, YES you are, you're a good boy, what a good dog, you're so sweet." Are the first words before a problem.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, showing six tires down, 3400XD, V6, 7-Speed Automatic 24FL, 170-WB, 24'-3", Coachmen Galleria w/Li3, "Next ROAD TRIP" to where?