Jamie, the first thing I though of while reading your post was the rottie in the cage at your old place. That was one scarey dog. I'm not sure how you ever went out your door with that thing out there!!
But you're right, as a dog owner, I also have to respect that some people are chicken (your word
) and I have no problem leashing or hiding my dog for them. My kids have friends that are afraid of dogs, so pooch gets shuffled off when they're here.
But, you come to the "free range" park for dogs, and you're likely to run into a dog dropping by to say hi.