If you don't like an animal why would you walk or stand close to it?

One thing I've noticed the older I'm getting is that people's spacial awareness is awful.
They have no respect for personal space.
This is one of the reasons I don't shop down Oxford Street anymore.
I don't like to be so close to others that I can smell their perfume...
Anyways now I've got a dog I've noticed most people don't see him, or even if they do because he's small and "cute" they think it's OK to stand right close to him.
So much so that if he jumps to protect himself they get upset.
But I've seen children do the same sort of thing.
I guess the worry with a dog is that they will bump and bite!
I get it, but if you're nervous and you've seen him why even test it?
You're putting yourself at risk...