The woman sounds like a bit of a twonk but in her defense I too would be concerned to see a ten year old child in sole 'control' of a dog. How would you expect your child to cope with a full blown dog fight? Not something I'd want to subject any child of mine to. Your dog might be 100% but it doesn't mean other people's are, I certainly wouldn't allow a child out with any of my pack even the dogs that are perfectly behaved, it's just not worth it.

Alot of good rescues do offer excellent support either by on going training courses, access to behaviourists and vet and general support.