One hears that term often: well-behaved.
But what does that mean? Is it a set-in-stone behavior pattern society expects and the responsible dog owner is pressured to follow?
Or is it more flexible than that?

Well-behaved means something different to individual persons.
For example: a person who is afraid of dogs expects a well-behaved pooch to walk quietly on a leash, minding his own business - always. Lack of knowledge combined with fear makes for very strict expectations - and my social Newf certainly would not have made the cut of a well-behaved dog.
Someone who doesn't like dogs considers the best behaved ones not to seen or heard. He'd have an issue with my Davie walking on his lawn - or Will barking for a couple of minutes to voice her excitement when we play ball.
Even people that love dogs have different opinions: my 250 lbs. dog crazy neighbor loved it when my Newf jumped on him, was space impolite. He invited him to do so; while his wife, also very fond of Baywolf, expected him to be better behaved and have four paws on the ground.

So what's the poor dog to do? And his owner?
Always play it safe as to not offend anybody - and crush the spirit along the way? Conform to all the rules society has set; please everyone all the time? Squeeze into that small, square box made of peoples' fears, entitlements and intolerances?

The thought that intelligent beings cannot live in harmony together unless they are by-lawed in every aspect and watched and reported by their peers so that nobody swerves from the straight and narrow, scares me.
Consequently, I might be regarded by some as an 'irresponsible' dog owner, because I allow my dogs to run, chase, mingle and greet. I allow them the freedom of choice; freedom of expression as much as possible - as long as they don't endanger a person or dog.

Well-behaved to me means that a dog has to follow only rules and regulations that are reasonable, so that co-existing members of society are safe. Reasonable expectations are that owners pick up after their dogs; that they manage and train their dog to not attack, bite and injure, which translates into instant on and off leash owner attention on request combined with bite inhibition; and space-respect.

Every other rule set for dogs and owners is unreasonable.

A responsible dog owner is loyal to his/her dog first. Helping the dog to be the best dog he/she can be - while ensuring that reasonable rules and regulations are followed.

Heck - maybe I have a mental blind spot - but I think I am a really responsible owner with two very well-behaved dogs.