Thats not how it should be, but thats how it goes most of the time.. Which is why I try and yell at people with loose dogs, turn around before either dogs see's one another, or scare the loose dog into getting away from me because I know that they (the general public) will ALWAYS side with the poor wittle doggy just wanting to play, and OF COURSE it was bound to happen with one of those dangerous pit bull dogs around! I wear good tight fitted walking/running shoes, all the better to kick a stray/loose dog with. I carry my digital camera and have it easily accessible so I can video things, did so last time at the park where I let Bear play on his long line due to a loose chow chow just in case something happened. Also I carry a good sized knife, I have no problem stabbing a loose dog if it decides it wants to get down with Bear, I am his owner and I am there to protect him and I will do that at any means necessary.