Ginger's Mom, I agree, this is a huge pet peeve of mine also. Duncan used to be allowed off leash and he would run and play with any other dog off leash also. If we came upon one that was leashed, I would call him and he would come back to me and I would leash him. I certainly didn't want to be "that jerk with the dog running up to others dogs." Since Duncan has shown himself lately to be very dog aggressive both on and off leash, he is always on a leash now. We used to go to a park in NJ (Ramapo Reservation) and everyone else had their dogs off leash. Most of them were extremely well behaved and their owners had control of them at all times. 90% of them were smart enough to figure out that if my dog was on a leash, it was for a reason and they kept their dogs away. One time though, Duncan and I were hiking up the mountain and came across a couple and their lab in the middle of the path. Apparently, the woman had fallen and sprained her ankle. The dog was just milling around them off leash. I waited patiently with Duncan a little off the trail about 25 ft or so away for them to get themselves together and get back on their feet. They saw we and moved to the side of the trail but did not call their dog back or move him at all. I waited some more. Finally the guy yelled to me(in an annoyed tone of voice) "Don't worry, he's friendly." I yelled back, "Well, worry, because he's not!" I was so annoyed. I mean I could see if their dog was bigger than Duncan but Duncan had to be at least 2x or 3x the size of their dog!!! When people are stupid like that, it almost makes you want to teach them a lesson. But of course, you can't take it out on the dogs. I cannot afford to pay everyone in town's vet bills so Duncan is always leashed. If a dog off leash comes up to us, I usually stand between them as best I can and look around for the owner. Not easy with an angry, curious dog behind you and another coming at you. If there was no owner around, I don't know what I would do....If I let go of Duncan's leash, he might be friendlier to the newcomer than if he is right next to me. He tends to be WAY overprotective leashed. But then that changes the whole responsibility issue right?
Maybe go for a walk without your dogs one night at the same time you usually go and if you see the dogs and their owners, explain the situation and ask them to please keep their dogs under control and anticipate your daily walks. I have found that people often want to cooperate and are just not aware that their behavior is causing a problem to others. If that doesn't work, carry your cell and call animal control right then and there.