Petting an off lead dog

[refreshingseahorse]

Walking Ddog on a lead in the local park earlier. An off lead dog wandered up to us. He was friendly and exchanged sniffs with our dog. I gave him an ear scratch. Huffy owner then shows up and tells me off for not asking permission first. Maybe I'm wrong but if you don't want people petting your dog maybe don't let it wander up to people off the lead, or at the very least put one of those warning vests on it.
Here endeth my vent. Thank you for listening.

You’re not wrong op, l would’ve done exactly the same.If a dog comes up to me, wagging their tail😂they just want to say hello.If dog owners are going to take offence to this, then don’t let them run up to people, have them on a lead, simple.

I would never touch a dog without speaking to the owner. Even then I would be looking at the dogs body language.

Owners often get it wrong and misread the dogs behaviour. "he is very friendly" as the dog is licking his lips and side glancing at me.

Depends if the dog is being friendly and seeking attention or not. I've petted dogs which have come up to me in the park off the lead. If on the lead I would always ask (and only really interested if it's a puppy!).

I always pet dogs that come up to me off lead ( though don’t give them treats as you don’t know if they are allowed or have allergies).

You're both wrong, but him far more so. IMHO.