but I could sense he was not going to let me out of his sight.
LOL, he might know that there is an american coming. I remembered when I was a child riding on water buffalo that worked on the rice field plowing the land. Bufallo is a tame animal but when he was angry, he could attack anyone who was close to him.
You're right, they can be as fun and friendly as dogs, but hey have to know and trust you first. Especially in the deep countryside, the livestock aren't accustomed to anyone not from the village.