When I was growing up (long, long ago), we always had one or two dogs, including big ones. Dogs are often nicer than people. They respond to you: if you are afraid, they are afraid. If you are calm, they are calm. Of course, some dogs are crazy, just like some people. When I meet a new dog, I let him sniff my hand. If he snaps or growls, I don't show fear (I'm much bigger than any dog). I talk quietly to the dog.<br /><br />Only once did a dog attack me and I climbed into a tree. Every time the dog jumped, I smacked him with a baseball glove. He soon tired and went away. Next time he saw me, he remembered the baseball glove and left me alone.<br /><br />All in all, dogs are great friends if you spend enough time with them.