Hi Goldfinch

I had some cleat issues that needed resolving with shims - basically, my knees would hurt because my leg was not tracking straight so a small plastic disk (thicker on one side) made for your cleat system is placed between your shoe and cleat.

It immediately alleviated my knee pain. However, any fit or pedal system change is going to take time to adjust to. I would start by re-arranging where the cleat is on my shoe and make sure it is not at an angle

Speedplays are known to be lower stacked, so saddle maybe down a bit. If they still don't work, get yourself some LOOK KEO EASY pedals which are made for recreational and beginner riders and very easy to clip in and out of (not good for sprinting though).

As for those dogs - shame on the owners. When I see a dog come after me I lower my voice as much as possible and bellow "GEEET BAAAACK!" and it usually scares them off.

A pack of 3 though? Wow, some people do not know the meaning of fence. I hope you heal up soon.

Stick with the clipless pedals it is well worth it