As a huge fan of dogs generally what is largely behind these types of attacks? Do they view us as a food item such as a predator in the wild might in certain situations or as a threat due to abuse and neglect in their history? Just curious. Seems like this happens way to often. I squared off against a large male pit in my 2 acre yard a few years back but fortunately it's owner intervened. I was only armed with a wheel barrow and a 4" folder. Thing never made a sound he just kept working side to side calmly trying to figure out how best to get at me behind that wheel barrow. Happened so fast I wasn't really scared it was more of a crap this big fucker really wants a piece of me. As I was processing whether I could get back to the barn fast enough to grab a more proper weapon the rather freaked out owner showed up. Fortunately the dog showed proper deference to her or we would all of had a very bad day. Spooky in hind sight but the question of why has always troubled me. And why was she so freaked? Had this happened before?
Dogs and little kids generally love me. It is what it is and it's always been like that. Simple minds connecting perhaps. They sense that I genuinely dig them which I do and so they dig me right back. Why did that pit want to get at me in the first place? Dominance? Territory? Crazy? If he'd wagged his tail and smiled as only a dog can do he would have gotten a much different response.