I lived next to a part pit for 1 year. After giving the dog biscuits every day for months, I offered to help them with their pool cover. The owner of the dog had to restrain her from attacking me until I got up on the pool deck. I guess she knew my feelings about pits even though I tried to be friendly.
Some dogs are stupid, just like us. They are too stupid to remember. Anyway, yes, dogs sense your fear and think you have done wrong or are up to no good...Kinda like us if we look around and are always in guard mode. (which we should be)