I wasn't aware of that rule back when my sister-in-law owned a German Shepherd for protection. He was trained to kill if necessary, but with family he was a big sweeet darling. Sometimes I would lean down and place my cheek on top of his head. There was never an incident, though. He was a good boy who was very tolerant of my ignorance.
That’s great. I have a really good neighbor who can be kind of dumb(like we all can)sometimes. I was showing him my dogs one day in the courtyard. There were two females and one male all intact. He actually bent his face down to kiss the male. It’s wonder he didn’t get bitten. The fence was between them thank heavens. You never do that especially with intact dogs. The male was protecting the females. One of the females was trying to move to the front and the male just grabbed her by the neck(did not hurt her)and made her lay down. That’s how the males control the females.
BTW, the neighbor is really a great guy. :)
Also, don’t be surprised. A lot of people aren’t aware. I only learned about it when someone who did know started telling me some things about dogs and why they act they way they do. She was a good teacher.