Predators share many behavioral mechanisms. My Irish Wolfhounds were superbly adapted to ascertaining the most minute changes in movement of potential prey or enemies.
Before the earliest men in the area that became Ireland arrived, the native canids were using such evolutionarily acquired skills to determine which ungulate might have an injured joint, a torn ligament, a split hoof, or any other injury which would make that animal an easier meal with less risk.
Men then bred those wolfhound predecessors for their ability to ascertain non-verbal ques to human behavior. The result was an animal that can read human body language to the extent that their usefulness as throne room guard dogs was such that export of such dogs was forbidden, and only the kings could afford to feed them, in any case.
Elderly and children move differently, as is true for all species. Predators key in on such different movements.
As Jefferson advised in his letter to Cartwright, “....let your gun be your constant companion on your walks.”
A common belief among the Founders was that “..it is the right and duty of the citizen to be at all times armed”. Given the rising frequency of home invasions, it is reasoned and prudent to carry when at home.
Most solitary predators are extremely stealthy...less energy expended and less risk of injury and starvation. A notable exception would be a large, male grizzly bear that has no natural enemies and can run down and easily kill almost any large prey encountered, but still, it’s a shorter chase when they can sneak closer before attacking!
One could make an argument for keeping small, quick terriers that would attract predators and keep them preoccupied long enough for you to pull out your cannon for the kill shot.....3-Ss and put the monitoring collar on a bus headed for Tampa or Miami!! HAW
JC