"TaraG" wrote:
...Its extremely easy....and extremely
likely....for a frightened but curious dog to have moments of bravery
where they investigate something that was a source of fear. This can
actually be a *dangerous* time because its likely the dog will get
herself in over her head, but then react on whoever happens to be
nearby.

I hear that. A friend of mine, years ago, had a GSD-mix named Prince.
Prince, unfortunately, had this little fear-biting problem. My friend
warned me ahead of time that I wasn't to talk to, try to pet, or otherwise
interact with Prince. I was okay with that. Prince was okay with that.

About an hour into our visit, Prince walked past me and I absent-mindedly
put my hand on him. Total brain-fart on my part, I'd been warned. He
accepted the pet for a moment. Then, as his owner said, "It's like he
suddenly realized, 'Wait, I don't KNOW you!'" He froze. I froze. We held
that pose, then I slowly lifted my hand and Prince slowly walked away. I
was grateful to be without punctures.

Honestly speaking, that wasn't a good move on your part.

Ditto that.