My dog, a 5 lb Maltese (Baillei) is curious but mostly obedient. So sometimes I like to let her out into the front yard and watch me and my mom do.. whatever we are doing in the front yard. After an incident a couple years back (long story) , she usually stays on or around my driveway, so I don’t feel it necessary to leash her when she’s only going to be outside for a little while. A few months ago, however, someone was walking their dog (border collie, at least 10x my dog’s size) on my street while Baillei was outside with us. Baillei, being a dog, ran down the street to the guy walking his dog, barking the whole way. I take notice, and immediately run after her, being more scared of the big dog hurting Baillei, than the other way around, because even though Baillei hates other dogs, she really hasn’t ever tried to hurt them. When I get there, the guy begins shouting multiple profanities at me (I am 14) saying stuff like, “CONTROL YOUR FUCKIN’ DOG, DUMBASS”and, “ FUCKING BITCH” as if she had hurt his dog (who did not seem stressed or hurt) I pick up Baillei, say I’m sorry, and run back to my house. My mom says something like “Don’t say that stuff to my kid!” , and I run inside with my dog. After setting her down I begin to cry, because I was 14 and self conscious and sad, etc. All in all, this whole situation made me feel terrible. 

I know that I should have had my dog on a leash or something. I’m just wondering if any of y’all also think he over reacted or something... 

(Sorry for format, I’m on mobile)