Not so much a dog person but I trust my cats. My grumpy long hair tortie Daphne slammed me a couple of times but she always gave a verbal warning when I didn't put her down fast enough or tried to give her a kiss before I did. I'd pick her up for a short time on occasion. But she couldn't take the side of my head off with one paw swipe. So I was good.Kitty loves mommy until one day he bites her face off. Even a family pet can be unpredictable. A neighbor's dog that they had for years suddenly bit their daughter in the face. I never fully trust any animal.