Hmmmm... perhaps that's part of the problem with today's litigious society - too many people busy looking at it from the almighty courtroom's point of view rather than invoking their God given common sense. Just a theory...
Defending yourself in court is called "reality."
If you don't believe me, just try not showing up if you are charged and summoned.
And honestly, do you think the jury will dispassionately look at a biting by a poodle and a fatal mauling by a 150# rottie in exactly the same way?