Where I live in the UK is unimportant. Unfortunately bad dog owners are in most towns and cities. It is these owners that don’t seem to care that their animal is running around causing problems. Even a friendly dog running over to a nervous dog (in a CLEARLY marked hi vis collar and leash with the word NERVOUS on it) can cause stress to the animal.I don’t know where you live but where I’m from well behaved dogs are always off leads. Mine never goes on the lead not even to go to the local shop. We don’t have dog parks either. Dog obviously aren’t allowed in play parks and on some areas of the beach in summer.
It is the duty of the owner with the dog off leash to be aware of what it is doing at all times and be able to recall their animal. If your able to recall without an issue then great it means you have your dog under control. A lot of people seem unable to do this. This is my issue.
Socialisation is very important for dogs but no dog owner should have to deal with the stupidity and selfishness of some dog owners. Sorry but no dog is perfect 100% of the time no matter what their owners would like to believe.