I should also say that whenever a dog owner takes the trouble to rein in their dog as I pass then I thank them very much. If I'm on my bike I slow down and stop if necessary because dogs do have this tendancy to run in front of you. ( I think its a predator thing - dogs just don't seem to consider the fact that something could come up on them by surprise)

the Downton Abbey thing is funny - but you realise you'll be on a watch list now since you used those letters, I'm avoiding them