I think dogs are one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet. They want to be a part of a pack, and do what the pack does.
If they live inside with you, they will be your pack and do as you say. If they live outside, they make their own pack and different rules.
My dogs live inside with us, and I trust them completely not to hurt my kids, chickens, birds, cats etc. But those are my rules and I am the leader. In another yard, who knows? The rules change off our property-and although I think they are sweet dogs, I do not let them run off and do what they want.
If somehow they left home- which they won't do even with the gate open- and then hurt anything I would be devastated. I would love them still, but could I trust them ever again? Hmmm.
Surely other dog owners would feel the same.