People who let their dogs outside without a fence or leash

I love to take my dog for walks, but unfortunately it's getting to the point where I might have to stop because of inconsiderate people in my neighborhood who just let their dogs run free. My dog is pretty big and very strong and it's very hard for me to control her when a strange dog runs up to us because she gets scared and starts jumping around in all directions. My dog is very gentle, but who knows what the temperament of these other dogs is like? I've had large male dogs come up to me and my female dog growling and showing their teeth, their owners no where to be found. I just try to stay calm and keep walking, but it's scary and frustrating. I feel so helpless because if they start attacking my dog, I feel like there's nothing I can do short of getting myself in the middle of a dog fight. Once a dog actually starting h umping my dog and I was trying to pull her away but I wasn't strong enough and I was afraid to push the other dog off because I didn't want him to turn around and try to bite me. Luckily another neighbor helped me. Anyway, sorry this is so long, but I was wondering if this happens a lot to anyone else and if there is anything I can do about it? I've just been trying to avoid blocks where we've encountered loose dogs, but now it's happened on every block near us.

Re: People who let their dogs outside without a fence or leash

I'd definitely say something to the owner about leash laws. I have in the past. I live in the city and I'd never keep my dog off the leash. There is only one dog in our neighborhood who I trusted off the leash (he was like the town mayor- got along with everyone) but otherwise, I think it's unacceptable.