[LypeReexy]

I don't see it as a problem because you were in control of the situation and your dog. That's a whole different story than the assholes with out of control dogs, or those who refuse to follow the leash law.

While I hate dealing with the ignorant dog owner who allows Fido to blast around everywhere and spurns the leash law, it is vital for dogs to learn how to act off-leash and have a strong recall. Context is what separates the situations.

I love that my dog heels off lead, has a great recall (let me tell you, that was a bitch to teach a hound mix), and can reliably stay within my sight and voice whether we are pottying in the yard or out hiking. But I never turn him loose in strange places, and I'm the first to leash up if I see another person or dog. And any place it's posted, he's on a leash.

Just as it's important to have a dog leash trained, I feel it's also important to have them accustomed to being off lead. I don't think you did anything wrong.