I was waking on the sidewalk.
I’d wager that most problem dogs are unsocialized. They are removed from their litters before the needed 7 weeks of socialization, and will never be “right” in the head. If they’re smallish, and are neutered or spayed, they’re mostly harmless, animated stuffed toys, even if their owners are unfit idiots. I also understand that it isn’t incumbent upon everyone to be knowledgeable as to the ways of dogs. Seems like it would be prudent, though, if you’re going to be anywhere near them.
The most cringeworthy thing I see is people with boxes of 5 week old pitbull mixes selling them on the street. Idiots buy them, and trouble awaits.
As a paper boy there was a Great Dane on my route that would bark and bark at me - meanly. The owner said the previous paper boy tormented the dog. We thought if the dog saw me talking to the owner and then the owner and I walking over the dog could get to know me.
I slowly held out my hand in a fist so the dog could smell me. It seemed like slow motion, but I’m sure it wasn’t, the dog had my entire fist in his mouth!
The owner called him off. I recall scratches but I don’t recall if it bled or not - I don’t think so, at least not much as I just kept on my route with the owner apologizing.
That said, I still like dogs. It really is an owner problem in most cases.