I'm a big 6'1" man, and generally a lover of dogs, but I'm exactly the same. I once had a massive German shepherd barrel up to me at full tilt, no owner in sight, and launch itself into my belly. It was being friendly, as it happens, but that's hardly much comfort when a 30kg bundle of muscle and claws hurls itself at you at a full sprint.

The owner, when they materialised a few moments later, was a middle aged woman who chuckled about how "he's a big softy, he just wants attention". Like, sure, but it would have been small comfort if I'd been a 10 year old child or something. Keep that "lovable scamp" on a fucking lead if you can't keep them to heel...

No reason we can't do both. Dog owners should have to hold more legal responsibility for their dogs (and the same for all animal keepers really), especially when they cause actual harm. Banning breeds bred specifically for aggression is also sensible when they are identified.

On the other hand, whenever you hear or see a headline of "(dog) attacked and maimed (someone)", the (dog) usually comes from a small select group of dog races. Or did you ever hear "Poodle killed baby"?

Yes, the main problem is the owners. But certain owners attract certain kinds of dog races, and it is not always a smart or healthy match.

Happened to my son when he was about 7 . Owners shouting “don’t worry he’s just being friendly”. While son literally pissed his pants.

Life long hatred of dogs

Trust me, that's an unnerving experience for people of all sizes. Always stand your ground though, and loudly shout "NO!". Dogs generally won't attack a full-grown human unless they're trained attack dogs, or if the person runs. When you run it activates the dog's prey drive, and then all bets are off. When you stand your ground, they second guess themselves. We appear to be twice as large as dogs from the dog's perspective, because we stand on two legs. So even if it's a dog that outweighs you, it'll perceive you as larger as long as you don't run.