[FanIn80]

Ignoring the whole "dogs and owners" thing (as well as the tone of the original post) for a moment... I think it just comes down to simple courtesy. If I want to pet your dog, I'll respond in a manner that indicates that. If I don't want to pet your dog, I'll respond in a manner that indicates that instead. I'm not going to be an a**hole about it, because it's not in my nature, but at the same time, I would appreciate the courtesy of the owner being able to differentiate between the two reactions.

I don't think it's unheard of for somebody to want to walk down a neighborhood sidewalk without a couple of overly-friendly dogs jumping all over them in the process.