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So much anger. Maybe people would take on board what your views are on their dogs coming up to yours uninvited if you weren't such a cunt about it. Some guy screaming at them about it in the park will only serve to leave them thinking "don't fancy being like him much" and ignoring your 'advice.'
French_Touch-
There's no screaming going on, you just threw that in for effect. My dog has been attacked three times by dogs off the lead in the last 18 months, and its cost me over £500 in vets fees. Each time my dog was on the lead and minding his own business.
If telling people to keep their dogs away unless I know it's not going to kick off makes me a cunt, so be it. Less of a cunt than people who can't control their dogs off the lead though.
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It's not always easy to be so zen-like when someone's irresponsibility with their pet threatens your safety. Pulling apart fighting dogs and getting bitten for your trouble is zero fun.
Markyboy
Jung
My views, for what their worth (probably not that much):
On letting your dog off the lead - don't unless a) you have absolute confidence in its recall, b) you have absolute confidence in getting it to sit, down and wait until you reach it, c) you can see everything is clear around you, d) you can run faster than your dog or e) you're on your own private estate. Too many dogs running loose with owners reassuring me that they're friendly, just want to play, etc. I don't give a fuck, keep them away from my dog unless I say it's OK.
On leaving them during the day. I now work from home, but used to only do that part-time. My dog was ok at home two to three days a week, crated, as long as he was well walked before I left and when I got back, and as long as gave him the attention he wanted when I was around. I think it's much better now that I'm around pretty much every day, but I don't necessarily think it's bad/cruel to leave a dog alone for the day from time to time. I'm sure not everyone will agree though.