[gundog]

...With any potentially dangerous dog, you have to look them in they eye first...

Doggie faux pas Number 1...direct eye contact will be percieved as a claim to dominance...some dogs will make you prove it.

[dtel]

Doggie faux pas Number 1...direct eye contact will be percieved as a claim to dominance...some dogs will make you prove it.

I disagree with you, by avoiding eye contact you tell the animal he is boss.
If you expect to be boss, the quickest way to establish this fact is through eye contact. Never back down from any animal. Period.

[Alpha One]

Doggie faux pas Number 1...direct eye contact will be percieved as a claim to dominance...some dogs will make you prove it.

I always make sure I speak reassuringly to the dog at the same time. It's always worked for me, and I've been able to approach dogs that most people would rather not be near.