OkuriInu follows travelers at night if you look back at it or fall- they'll pounce on you. If you throw a shoe for them to chew on or successfully make it to your front door (and thank them!) you'll be alright. They keep other yokai away from their prey so they're technically making your walk safer if you don't trip.

OkuriInu is a lazy boy who just wants his food. He didn't really mean to be, but he is a good boy.