I don't know what planet these people are from, but a "sweetie" is not the description I'd use.
Uh... I know someone whose main threat that they carry a concealed weapon for is a sudden surprise by a vicious dog.
One can usually talk one’s way out of a problem with a person - usually - but a bad dog requires flight or fight, right now.
Yes, my friend did mention to me that if one shoots a dog it’s very much in one’s favor legally to have a bite wound on their person. Not particularly optimal but better than the alternative.