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I have some history with aggressive dogs and try to put things in context. For example, 20 years ago, my two year old daughter was bitten by a friend's Rotty and it required 150 stitches in her head, her eye lid reattached and her tear gland reconstructed. It was her mother's fault for letting her play with the dog when it was being fed. It was one devastating snap/bite to protect his dog bowl full of food. I did not have the dog destroyed and the owners promised to keep the dog put up when other children were present.

Fast forward a few years and I parked at a convenience store next to a pick up truck with the windows down. As I closed my door, a pit bull jumped h.lf way out the window of the truck in full attack mode stopping inches from my face. I quickly entered the store and the clerk and redneck were LOLing at me. I asked the redneck if that was his dog and he said it was and wouldn't leave his vehicle. I was parked inches from his truck and he thought it would be safer if I got in my passenger side. I didn't get emotional, but informed him I had a concealed permit, my 2 year old daughter had been attacked by a dog and if he didn't restrain his pit by the time I went back to my car, I was going to kill his dog. He strained him and I went on my merry way. Stupid owner with aggressive deadly breed.

Then a neighbor 2 doors down had a very aggressive Lab that got loose from his fenced yard and charged my then teenage daughter. She got in the house while I grabbed a BB gun. I called the cops while I kept the dog away from my garage. The neighbors drove by before the police arrived calling for their dog. I flagged them down and showed them their dog circling my house and they made excuses and said I was over reacting. I told them about the attack on my 2 yr old daughter and asked them why their dog had at least 10 BBs in him and was still aggressively stalking me in my yard. I let them see my sidearm since I was in my driveway. They didn't respond, got their dog and he never escaped again. Those were "teachable" pet owners.

“...or letting her play with the dog when it was being fed.”

I was always fearful of that. (Or a treat, favorite toy, etc.) Our current dog started eating with us putting down the dish and waiting for an “okay” before it starts eating. Same with treats, etc. Can even leave the room and come back with him looking down the hall waiting for word or a nod.

And once started eating, take the bowl away and then he would wait again. Part of it is showing them who is boss they say.

Once in awhile if I’m being goofy I shove my head in his dish and pretend to eat. He’s a large mutt, and has never shown any aggression towards us. But I still get worried when little kids are over and if they happen to pull on the wrong part of him. So far so good - with lots of abuse from the little girl from across the street that comes over to play with him.