There's something peculiar about the owners of small dogs. Firstly, some small dogs are hardly dogs at all. I mean, a toy pom, a dog? I don't think so. Me, I like big dogs. Muscly dogs, dogs full of heart and character.
Unfortunately, we have to share our exercise space with badly behaved, off-lead yappers, usually of the terrier type. They run free, bark in my dogs' faces and generally act more aggressively than is appropriate for their size.
We walk on-lead, obey commands and generally behave ourselves because we are big and look bad. I say we, I mean me and the 'boys'. I have seen small dogs run down the badger setts (dangerous habit!) and chase the deer. I feel it is better to have a long, brisk walk than to run madly in the woods (we do have a large garden, so running and jumping and catching balls happens in a safe environment).
Yesterday, we crossed paths with a terrier off-lead. The owner walked past us as we waited off the path. He didn't acknowledge us at all, but his little terror darted out at us, barking hysterically. My dogs sat and watched but I could feel their tension in the leads. I issued a command to the offending furball - stop! leave! It turned tail and dashed off with a yelp. The owner didn't even turn around to look, he just carried on walking. Shame on him.