:/ the same thing kind of happened to me and my friend when we were letting our dogs play yesterday, at a park that allows dogs to be off-leash as long as they're "UNDER VOICE COMMAND", which is actually the general rule in most big parks in my area. I feel that Gonzo is actually more obedient off-leash than on, because he knows he has to give me all of his attention when he is off-leash. A Lab ran across the street and through the field and right up to my friend's Aussie (again, with the owner yelling and the dog acting like he was deaf ), and was jumping all over Chance, the Aussie. Chance did definitely growl and snap at the Lab, and he's a VERY friendly dog who has never done that to Gonzo, ever.

When we saw the Lab coming, we immediately called our dogs and put them on their leashes, so we could stand in front of them and control the situation if need be... I definitely think if there are people/animals/cars/etc closeby or the dog has unpredictable recall, the dog should definitely be on-leash. But, there's NO way you should be punished for wanting to play with your obedient dog, and you be punished simply because your dog expects some manners from other dogs! That lady sounds way crazy... next time I advise you to put her on-leash if another dog is coming towards you, so you definitely won't be in the wrong. ^_^