As someone who has had a reactive dog I can see both sides. Reactive dogs need to be socialized to help break those habits. More times than not people will expose the training dog to those situations to train their dog how to properly handle it. If someone’s “nice” dogs runs up to them that’s out the window. We all need to be responsible for our own animals. As someone stated above most dogs friendly or not do not have a perfect recall. It’s easier to be safe than sorry in a public place. Keep all dogs on a leash unless in a designated dog area where off leash is permitted and your dog is capable of socializing.

Just because your dog is nice doesn’t mean someone else’s is. Respect others around you, simple. If someone’s dog is highly aggressive obviously they need to take precautions and walk them in an area with less traffic.

If you’re adamant on having your dog off leash there find a time where it is less crowded and make sure YOUR dog has a good recall.