Don't worry too much about people reprimanding you for something. Most of the people in this part of AB are like yourself in that they love animals and are passionate about their welfare.
I live in a city centre and never venture into the countryside - but as a teenager I used to walk my dog up a country road. I was, and still am, not fully aware of the rules of the country with a dog. My dog was terrified of cows - which was weired because his daddy was a bull-mastiff.
Have a nice weekend.