I have observed the same thing Ragnar. A small mixed breed dog got a face full of Vibram boot sole from me a last week while I was out on a walk. Its owners came up and started yelling at me for kicking their dog stating he would never hurt anyone. Silent, showing teeth, and close enough for me to kick while off leash I interpret as "I am going to bite you" in dog body language. The boot to the head changed its mind. That dog danged near got shot... If he had been bigger he would have.