Dogs are not unclean, but they are regarded as a "tool". A dog has to serve a purpose (guarding, herding, etc.) There are certain steps to be taken to cleanse oneself but dogs are not forbidden. In my experience, those from the subcontinent are more likely to be afraid but that is most probably because of issues with disease and rabies that are not controlled very well in that part of the world (understandably, it's not a high priority in many areas).
IMHO I have had many people approach me and my dog in a friendly way, and those who give us a wide berth - same as happens in home country. I adjust myself and my dog's path to accommodate those who wish to interact and those who do not.
Dogs are not unclean, but they are regarded as a "tool". A dog has to serve a purpose (guarding, herding, etc.) There are certain steps to be taken to cleanse oneself but dogs are not forbidden. In my experience, those from the subcontinent are more likely to be afraid but that is most probably because of issues with disease and rabies that are not controlled very well in that part of the world (understandably, it's not a high priority in many areas).
IMHO I have had many people approach me and my dog in a friendly way, and those who give us a wide berth - same as happens in home country. I adjust myself and my dog's path to accommodate those who wish to interact and those who do not.