Better to run and look like a coward than to get bit. Looking like a coward in front of a stranger costs you nothing. Misjudging a dog and getting bit can cost you disfigurement or death. You know your dogs; the appliance installer doesn't.
Also, I think it says something about the temperament and worldview of the owners of these dogs that they so often seem very concerned with appearing brave or cowardly.
Yes, and the dachshund is actually the barker and the biter. The installers didn't seem concerned with him.
"worldview of the owners of these dogs": What kind of dogs? Dachshunds? Pits? Labs? In the my experience, "these dogs" is a bit of a code phrase, similar to when politicians have said "you people". As for my worldview, I am opposed to stereotypes and discrimination and do my best to consistent in that.
Another point: bragging about how bitey your dachshund is, as though that vindicates your poorly behaved pitbull, really makes me think you shouldn't own dogs. Why didn't you train your dachshund well? I have met well behaved dachshunds, so what is your excuse? Do violent and poorly trained police justify your violent and poorly trained dogs? Is that what you're trying to say?
No, I'm checking stereotypes. Dachshunds are one of the most aggressive breeds and are well known for their stubbornness. Kudos for anyone able to train them to be well behaved (and ditto for well-trained police)
My dog is a pit-lab mix, but it's telling what you refer to her as. And I'm not sure where you're getting "poorly behaved"; she was literally trying to play with someone in her house. The fact that she wasn't barking or biting the guy should be a telling signal of how well trained and behaved she is, I would think. In other words: the "violent and poorly trained dog" was the one the installer ignored, but the well behaved dog was the one he was afraid of.
There is "suicide by cop". Police don't kill people outside of their official orders (ideally), which are given by politics/law - ofc. you can debate these... and there are electric tasers for example to avoid that police has to shoot.
Also, I think it says something about the temperament and worldview of the owners of these dogs that they so often seem very concerned with appearing brave or cowardly.