It’s a shame. And while I think these pets can be trained, I would never want one or trust one enough. Especially not with kids around.
The problem is that people do not understand a dog’s need to know his place in the hierarchy. A dog does not understand the term parity. They look at an owner who doesn’t dominate as an alpha dog who might be sick or dying. A chance to become the new alpha dog.
Just watch what a dog does when you stop and get gas, for example. The first thing a dog does, when you exit the vehicle, is sit in the driver’s seat. They aren’t doing that because you kept the seat warm or that they wanted to get closer to you. They did it because you vacated your alpha position and they saw a need to fill it.
It’s funny, but true.