Especially if it's a pit bull.

Or a rotweiler.  My granddaughter was attacked when she was 6 by 'my cousins' "absolutely harmless" rottie.  Those are big one master dogs and they are frightening to be around.  I don't really understand how people manage to develop a relationship with those dogs, except that they are cute and cuddly when they are 6 weeks old. No dogs for me.

With regard to the leash law in Worcester County, and especially Ocean Pines, Barry was out walking last summer and a large dog came after him one street away from our house.  He stopped dead in his tracks and called me on his cell to call the police.  This dog has an owner who lets him run loose all of the time.  I drove over to where Barry was and the car activity sent the dog back to his porch. However, it was a very scary few minutes and, unlike me, Barry absolutely loves dogs and it scared the heck out of him.  He has since started walking with a very big stick and avoids that street.