My best friend

[rusty]

My forum name is Rusty and I sent out a thread that may have offended some people but I wanted to get as many responses as possible for this one particular reason. I am not racist against any race as a matter of fact I am a African Americam, I wanted to see how people would react to this thread for this reason. I live in Burlington NC, only been here for 1 month, I was walking my APBT that I have owned for 7yrs, he is a housedog never been on a chain, never been involved in a fight, never attacked anyone. He was a friend to my wife and son, a family member. I was stopped by animal control and told that his chain was too heavy and that it was inhumane to walk my dog on such a heavy chain and that I had to turn it over to her while they performed a investigation, I refused and you know what the next step was, exactly the police were called to the scene and as they loaded my buddy up the comments I posted were the same comments that were said to me as a explanation of why my dog was being taken. When I got to the animal shelter to get my dog back they told me that he attacked one of the animal shelter workers and had to be put to sleep, my dog never growled at anyone, never barked at anyone and absolutely loved people to death stranger or not. Needless to say my family and I are destroyed by this event and just like someone responded it makes you not even want to own a APBT because I could never watch a member of my family taken away and then put to sleep. R.I.P. RUSTY I love you buddy,

[thablacksheep]

Sorry for your loss partna

[14rock]

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.

[Miss Conduct]

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.
You took the words right outta my mouth! Good Post.

[sajoseph]

I'm sorry. That sucks. My husband says he will go to jail if nayone ever takes our Dixie from us.

You own the breed, you HAVE a responsibility to THEM, dont make them look worse then they are, dont live up to THEIR expectations, dont use a huge chain!

[Txbkennel]

My dog will chew through a nylon leash in a matter of minutes like if we are sitting on a bench or at the vet(he knows where he is and he's nervous!) or whatever other than that just walking he is fine. I can see using a normal sized chain in some situations, but a big chain will make people think that he "needs" to be on a chain that large or else, but I have seen people react the other way and get antsy even when a Pit is in sitting position on one of those retractable dental floss thin leads...lol

[14rock]

What happened to using one of these? They are cheap, strong, deter biting, and dont make you look like a thug.

Edit-and yes, those retractable leashes should not be used by anybody, let along bulldog owners. I've seen a 10 lb. pomeranian break one and a 3 month old pup break the big heavy duty ones.

[simms]

That suck's!

I would follow up on their story....

Most states require a 10-14 day qaurnteen, then the fate of the animal in question is decided.

Was your dog up to date on his VX? Did you see the injury that your dog was accused of? Did you recive a written report or request a copy of this inccedent?

If that was my dog, I would want those details!!!

[RiotDog]

What happened to using one of these? They are cheap, strong, deter biting, and dont make you look like a thug.
Edit-and yes, those retractable leashes should not be used by anybody, let along bulldog owners. I've seen a 10 lb. pomeranian break one and a 3 month old pup break the big heavy duty ones.

I agree with 14rock, that is the type of leash I use. But........damn have a little bit of compassion. It wasn't necessary for them to take his dog away from him just b/c of that. And then, put his dog to sleep??????WTF!!!!!And if your dog chews on the leash, fix them problem, there are ways. And rusty, IMO ANYONE who is walking an APBT in public is prone to prejudice. But the fact that you were a black man, walking your APBT in public, looking the way you did with big chain and all, it is only common sense to expect negative assumptions from anyone who witnessess you, especially animal control.

[DRACDOG]

Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.could not have said it better!

[rocksteady]

how long did it take you to go to the shelter to get your dog back?? I would have been hanging off the bumper of the car that took him away...
I think they were perfectly in their right to stop you and ask about the heavy chain since there are far to many people whom dont use common sense..but I dont think it was in their right to take your dog if nothing was wrong (dog healthy, fit, etc)

Thats why experts will tell you keep the dogs off public streets and get a treadmill for them..

[14rock]

But........damn have a little bit of compassion. It wasn't necessary for them to take his dog away from him just b/c of that. And then, put his dog to sleep??????WTF!!!!!
I do feel bad this man lost his dog and his family lost a friend! However, right now my compassion goes to the dog I'm seeing walked down the street with a huge chain for no other reason that to be an ego booster to the owner. Unfortunately, the dog died because of the walkers image. It damn sure isnt right....no body is saying the SPCA did the right thing. Far from it, however I just feel its irresponsible to play on these stereotypes you know exist and then whine when the reaction you knew people have cause you some greivance. I've always been told "you hang out with the trash and you get thrown out with the garbage". Don't take that the wrong way and assume I'm calling you trash, as I'm not at all! What I am saying is your acting the part of a stereotype so dont be suprised when people stereotype it. I know there is a stereotype of say Fat bald men with rebel trucks, hoods, and pick-up trucks. Would it be responsible of me to do all those things I listed previously and then complain when I get stopped by the police? Of course not. Do you get the point I'm trying to make....and no its not that I'm a rebel flag toting,truck driving KKK member and your a trash bag :p

[Txbkennel]

Well said, you're already going to get a dirty look for walking an APBT PERIOD...even if you are a 76 year old little granny in a pink dress...the rest of the story was like adding fuel to the fire.

I do feel bad this man lost his dog and his family lost a friend! However, right now my compassion goes to the dog I'm seeing walked down the street with a huge chain for no other reason that to be an ego booster to the owner. Unfortunately, the dog died because of the walkers image. It damn sure isnt right....no body is saying the SPCA did the right thing. Far from it, however I just feel its irresponsible to play on these stereotypes you know exist and then whine when the reaction you knew people have cause you some greivance. I've always been told "you hang out with the trash and you get thrown out with the garbage". Don't take that the wrong way and assume I'm calling you trash, as I'm not at all! What I am saying is your acting the part of a stereotype so dont be suprised when people stereotype it. I know there is a stereotype of say Fat bald men with rebel trucks, hoods, and pick-up trucks. Would it be responsible of me to do all those things I listed previously and then complain when I get stopped by the police? Of course not. Do you get the point I'm trying to make....and no its not that I'm a rebel flag toting,truck driving KKK member and your a trash bag :p

[Rocky H. Balboa]

I am sorry to read of your lost. Anyone reading reading this post please note:

Your dog is your legal property. I would suggest you demand a warrant before releasing your dog to any police enforcement. In addition, you must demand to speak to their Sergeant (boss) if they insist on removing you from your "property". This comes from experience. I was walking my dog early in the morning (7:30am) and some young man opened the door to his building allowing his "pug" to run out (no chain). I did not see the dog coming at full towards mine (it was coming from behind). That day, I learned my dog does NOT like "pugs" on little bit. Regretfully, I was not carrying a b-stick. Fast-forwarding about an hour, cops showed up and took my and his stories. One of the cops told me, "we're going to have to take your dog for testing" or something like that. I told them, "with all do respect, I will not give up my dog for it to be killed". I continued by stating that my dog did what it was suppose to do, protect its owner. The cop insisted so I ask to speak to his Sergeant (knowing/hoping they did not want to bother their boss at 7:30AM! (I knew requesting to speak to their boss is my right). I gave them my info, and my dog's license number, gave my regrets to the other dog's owner and went home to clean my boy up.

Do not allow a police officer to take your dog without a warrant especially when no human was harmed (hopefully this will always be the case). Insist to speak to their Sergeant if the officer is stubborn. Keep a current license on your dog(s) (in my area it costs $25 per year).

[Rocky H. Balboa]

14, you are speaking of "profiling" which is illegal as far as I know. It does not matter what the person looks like, if they have not committed a crime, they should not be treated as such. If I saw a tattooed, head-shaved (bald), and redskinned man walking with a wife beater, I will not label him a KKK, Nazi type person. It would be the same for a person who wears hats, pants, and hoodies in a particular way. It is a fashion not an attitude. Profiling is wrong and should not be accomodated. If I like baggy pants (just saying), I will wear them even when walking the dog. Ridiculous to take a defensive posture on this matter. Let those who racially or otherwise profile, learn it is not acceptable.JMO
..... however I just feel its irresponsible to play on these stereotypes you know exist and then whine when the reaction you knew people have cause you some greivance. I've always been told "you hang out with the trash and you get thrown out with the garbage". Don't take that the wrong way and assume I'm calling you trash, as I'm not at all! What I am saying is your acting the part of a stereotype so dont be suprised when people stereotype it. I know there is a stereotype of say Fat bald men with rebel trucks, hoods, and pick-up trucks. Would it be responsible of me to do all those things I listed previously and then complain when I get stopped by the police? Of course not. Do you get the point I'm trying to make....and no its not that I'm a rebel flag toting,truck driving KKK member and your a trash bag :p

[SEAL]

again i know its off topic but you project a certain image to reflect a part of your personality. They call them Fashion STATEMENTS for a reason bcs they are saying something. I can tell you from experience you see me coming off of work button down 100 dollar shirt, Linen Slacks, Dress shoes and a Tie even at 22 i get a different level of respect from ppl than when im sitten at the bar wearing my cowboy boots a Beat2Sleep t shirt and a pitbull belt buckle. How you present yourself is critical remember first impressions are everything. that said
Walking my Pit down the street with Tow chain around his neck and a pad lock as a collar with a spikey harness and a shirt that reads I dont like you go away is going to get me treated a certain way right off the bat.
Being an Adult extends to many aspects of your life.
Its like the clowns here that wear the shirts that say " ya youll do" or im easy or beaver cafe and crap like that does that show any respect to the girl your about to walk up and talk to.

[jasong]

Yo Rock,

The man just lost his dog your your giving him shit. Relax a little damb. What is your prupose for saying what you did other than to make him feel bad and hurt someones feelings. Wow, some people on this forum are just plain a-holes.

[Silverpearl]

Yo Rock,

The man just lost his dog your your giving him shit. Relax a little damb. What is your prupose for saying what you did other than to make him feel bad and hurt someones feelings. Wow, some people on this forum are just plain a-holes.
Look, obviously everyone here knows what the "public image" is of pit bulls...evil, killers, baby-eaters, and only macho tough drug dealing scum of the earth owns them... :rolleyes: With that being said, why on earth would you walk down the street with a pit bull on a huge chain?! That's just asking for trouble, IMO. Yes it's unfortunate that things happened the way they did, but in the same sense, it's the owners fault for perpetuating the stereotype! Of course people are going to get scared, then AC will demand to take your dog, you argue with them, and people get even more scared!
It's a shame that we have to live in a society that judges people based on their looks, but guess what? WE LIVE IN THAT SOCIETY! So if anyone learns anything from this: don't walk your dog down the street on a huge chain w/a padlock and a chain collar, or a huge spiked harness or vest, b/c you are only furthering the thoughts of some that these dogs are only for the tough macho thugs who are "bad ass" and no one can touch them! :(
I'm sorry for the OP who had to learn this the hard way...

[Txbkennel]

whatever happened to do doing things because you like it?...people will assume what they will, even if you aren't trying to "say" anything...if i wanted to drive around in a Cadillac Escalaide with 30in. rims on it, i don't have to be doing it for anyone else...what if i just like it. should i be limited to what i can drive because of a stereotype? as long as you know why you are doing what you're doing, it shouldn't matter...BUT i know it does...

[Silverpearl]

whatever happened to do doing things because you like it?...people will assume what they will, even if you aren't trying to "say" anything...if i wanted to drive around in a Cadillac Escalaide with 30in. rims on it, i don't have to be doing it for anyone else...what if i just like it. should i be limited to what i can drive because of a stereotype? as long as you know why you are doing what you're doing, it shouldn't matter...BUT i know it does...
It's unfortunate, it really is. But it's the way some people are and it's not gonna change anytime soon. Hell, it's getting to the point where you can't even do anything nice for someone anymore. There was a person who brought their chinchillas to an elementary school for a show and tell type of thing. Someone's kid ended up getting sick (cold, maybe, or flu?) and the mother called a reporter and said that the fluffy little rodent is what made her kid sick. Ridiculous! I think adults need more educating than kids do nowadays, and to think these kids are learning from their parents... :eek:

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Silverpearl: why on earth would you walk down the street with a pit bull on a huge chain?!
It may be a workout. It is a better exercise for a dog to drag heavy chains than pulling. A dog may pull hard for 20-30 minutes but will drag his "heavy" chain the entire way. Why remove this exercise because people do not understand? The more they see it, the more common it will become. Common leads to acceptable.
Silverpearl:It's a shame that we have to live in a society that judges people based on their looks, but guess what? WE LIVE IN THAT SOCIETY! So if anyone learns anything from this: don't walk your dog down the street on a huge chain w/a padlock and a chain collar
Yes, it is a shame but it does not have to be this way. A person can make a difference but two will start a mission!

[Suki]

Personally, Rusty, I would fo llow up on everything. Although you "say" your dog never growled or acted inappropriately, believe me, animals can do a 180 when placed in a situation they're uaware of, not used to, and while placed in the company of people they've never seen before. A 180!!!! I work MANY hours at boarding facilities, and an animals behavior changes dramatically when they're there. So, follow up on the "report". If a bite did infact occur, especially at a shelter, it should have been documented, and a report filed.
Then find out what your local laws are. If a bite occurs, what are the WRITTEN steps that are then taken by officials or ACO.
In regards to the post having officials present a warrant. If L.E. deems a situation as "probable cause", a warrant, therefore is not necessary. The huge chain, they could have felt gave them probable cause, as, why is that dog being walked on such a HUGE chain, especially since Rusty said it was a good dog, a house dog, and never hurt anyone? Why, then, would you want to draw such unnecessary attention to yourself, if the dog is such a mild mannered dog? With all the grief this breed already gets, imo, that just seems foolish.
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. That truly sux!
Follow up though, and see where it gets you. The inicident COULD have happened. If so, you'll at least have, somewhat, of a piece of mind, as to why. and again, sorry to hear about your loss.

[simms]

again i know its off topic but you project a certain image to reflect a part of your personality. They call them Fashion STATEMENTS for a reason bcs they are saying something. I can tell you from experience you see me coming off of work button down 100 dollar shirt, Linen Slacks, Dress shoes and a Tie even at 22 i get a different level of respect from ppl than when im sitten at the bar wearing my cowboy boots a Beat2Sleep t shirt and a pitbull belt buckle. How you present yourself is critical remember first impressions are everything. that said
Walking my Pit down the street with Tow chain around his neck and a pad lock as a collar with a spikey harness and a shirt that reads I dont like you go away is going to get me treated a certain way right off the bat.
Being an Adult extends to many aspects of your life.
Its like the clowns here that wear the shirts that say " ya youll do" or im easy or beaver cafe and crap like that does that show any respect to the girl your about to walk up and talk to.
Veary true.....

[boa1277]

Ok folks, the bottom line is this guy lost a part of his family and I am sure he is grieving, I am sure if he had it to do all over again he would never have used a large chain to walk his dog. Hindsight truly sucks, but I bet he doesnt need you reminding him of his mistake. I will say this it seems he is wondering if it was because of his color and the type of dog that caused him to be singled out, I think it was a combination of all 3. Lets face it prejudice is huge and it not only applies to the APBT breed, the african american people have been dealing with this for years.. Hey buddy sorry for your loss and hopefully something good will come of this..

[rocksteady]

Boa..people are trying to HELP him figure out why this happened and maybe get some compensation for his loss or at least answers especialliy if the shelter was at fault. They are giving him tips and ideas of how to go about this to possibly stop it from ever happening again to someone (gee theres some good postive press for ya.. take a stand and prevent this from happening again instead of feeling sorry for ones self and blaming it on this and that)

I dont see one post where it says serves you right.. I see posts of get out there and fight for your dog and others...dont let the H.S or animal control get away with putting your dog to sleep and not following the rules..

[DryCreek]

Get the bite report from the shelter. Here in Ontario, any dog that has bitten someone MUST be held for 10 days quarentine and cannot be euthanised until the release is signed by the Board of Health. Also, the OSPCA is supposed to give you warnings before they act to give you the opportunity to comply with their orders. Unfortunate about your dog. So sorry this happened. But don't just let them get away with it. Investigate what your rights are and what their rights are. See if they violated any of your rights and take them to task on it if they did. The more we let them get away with now, the farther they will go next time.

[mydawgs]

Get the bite report from the shelter. Here in Ontario, any dog that has bitten someone MUST be held for 10 days quarentine and cannot be euthanised until the release is signed by the Board of Health. Also, the OSPCA is supposed to give you warnings before they act to give you the opportunity to comply with their orders. Unfortunate about your dog. So sorry this happened. But don't just let them get away with it. Investigate what your rights are and what their rights are. See if they violated any of your rights and take them to task on it if they did. The more we let them get away with now, the farther they will go next time.

Great point!

[italian2feathers]

Rusty, sorry for your loss. I live in Fayetteville and no matter what leash, harness, etc. I use I get bad attention. I walk my dogs at night just to avoid, which may be wrong in some "peoples" eyes, but I have been through a lot to protect my babies. I am a very proud of my breed. I socialize my dogs but I have a couple that I can't. NC is very strict on pits because there are a lot of underground fights, like many other places. I have been on Carolina News, newspapers....I have contacted many associations to help that were just for the APBT. Only a few helped. You gotta find out why these idiots killed your kid man. People are very quick to judge and could find themselves in a situation, maybe similar, maybe not. It's a risk we take for our love. Investigate and don't give up. I fought the city on my dogs, I have won for a few months but I'm sure it will rise up again soon. I fight my neighbors who take pics of me in my backyard, I have a privacy fence and they peak through it. The cops were called on me because they barked. My neighbor has jack russels who yap ALLLLL the time and no one calls on them. You gotta watch your image, or you'll end up a stereotype which I believe you already have. So be careful and keep ya head up. INVESTIGATE, don't let them get away with it, or they will keep doing it.FIGHT FOR IT!!!!!

[italian2feathers]

Yo Rock,

The man just lost his dog your your giving him shit. Relax a little damb. What is your prupose for saying what you did other than to make him feel bad and hurt someones feelings. Wow, some people on this forum are just plain a-holes.
fa real!!!!!!! ain't NOBODY perfect.

[Riptora]

That really sucks and I'm very, very sorry to hear this crap story that is an actual reality.

I hope everyone realizes why it is so important to maintain a good image with your dogs. Which is also why all these wonderful breeds on the ban lists need to be well trained and not look like they are controlling their owners. It's also important to NOT walk your pit in public if it's turning itself blue and suffocating to try and get at the poodle on the other side of the street. I also really don't like seeing these dogs walked on harnesses. Maintain control, act like you have control of your dog and people will respect you as an owner, trust you and then learn to trust the breed.

[pennsooner]

I am VERY sorry for your loss Rusty. That being said, up until the time I got my Pitbull Stockey from the shelter I was what one might call a "casual" dog owner. Once I got my Pitbull I learned VERY quickly through reading the challenges the breed was facing and knew I had to raise my game as a dogowner in order not to contribute to the problem.

That includes being aware of the picture one presents when out in public with the dog. Everytime any Pitbull owner is out they are engaging, for good or ill in breed PR. The big chain was a mistake. Now is it fair that it could be a fatal mistake? NO. Its not fair at all. But sadly thats the boat we are all in right now.

[DryCreek]

So, because I have tattoo's, I should wear clothes that cover them up if I walk my dog?
What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. What needs to happen is that people have to stop buying into the stereotype's and actually judge people on an individual basis. What you see on the outside rarely represents what is on the inside. In the summer, when my tat's are exposed, I get mixed reactions. Some actually ask to look closer and tell me that they love my tat's. Others look like they can't wait to get away. But if you ignore the ink and actually look into my face, which always has a smile on, and maybe start a conversation, and find out that I'm actually an intelligent person who has choosen to express herself through body art, maybe, just maybe, I can change your mind and you might be a better person for it. And if I can change your mind about me, I can change your mind about my dogs......

[pennsooner]

So, because I have tattoo's, I should wear clothes that cover them up if I walk my dog?
What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. What needs to happen is that people have to stop buying into the stereotype's and actually judge people on an individual basis. What you see on the outside rarely represents what is on the inside. In the summer, when my tat's are exposed, I get mixed reactions. Some actually ask to look closer and tell me that they love my tat's. Others look like they can't wait to get away. But if you ignore the ink and actually look into my face, which always has a smile on, and maybe start a conversation, and find out that I'm actually an intelligent person who has choosen to express herself through body art, maybe, just maybe, I can change your mind and you might be a better person for it. And if I can change your mind about me, I can change your mind about my dogs......




DryCreek: Yeah, that sounds great but sadly thats not how a lot of people react. Myself, I go WAY more by body language and how a person carries
themself than by the way they dress. But John Q. Public is quite another thing. If you present what a lot of people regard as a threatening appearence then I would suggesst for example training your dog to sit on command and so on. Why? So people understand that you and your dog are no threat. Some folks just can't be reached but some can. One of the things Pitull owners have to live down is that there are people who use their Pitbulls to menace others. This hurts everyone since it fuels ill-will against the breed.
Now is it fair that someone would judge you based on surface apperance? No. But in some large cities its done fairly often and can be a needed survival tactic. People will dislike being frightened. So, as a responsable Pitbull owner, trying not to scare the hell out of people is a good idea.

I understand some folks will be scared no matter what you do. My middle aged self and my cute little wife can go out with out sweet natured CGC/TDI Pitbull while he is dressed in a cute sweater. Once in a blue moon someone still acts like he might as well be a grown lion and we might as well be Hells Angels in full leathers (no offense to any Angels on the board). You can only do the best you can do. But we do in fact all pay for people who do the "tough guy" thing with their Pitbulls as a prop. Even sadly if its not always intentional.

Even if the general public should not judge you, they still are.

[DryCreek]

I don't walk my dogs in public......this happens when I'm alone LOL. In Ontario, with the BSL, I refuse to muzzle my dogs so that leaves me walking them on private property. Thats okay because we have lots. I will NOT put my dog at risk of an attack from another dog due to being muzzled. If someone else's dog is un-muzzled and un-leashed and comes up to mine, I will pick my dog up if I can, if not, sorry about your dog. It's on my property running free, too bad so sad. It just burns my butt that people will judge a book by it's cover. In the winter, when I'm covered, it's a whole new ballgame LMAO.

[chrisgr212]

rusty i am with u? to put down a dog u must have the permision of the owner.
im sorry.

[Crash97]

Hells Angels in full leathers (no offense to any Angels on the board).While I know you said no offense, the Angels statement just goes to show you how we all have preconcieved ideas and sterotypes of others..all of us.

I can tell you from experience that most patchholders are not like the cops and media would have you believe, much the same as bulldog owners. I was a patchholder in a local club for several years and before that kinda grew up in the shadows of the local MC. A better group of people could never be found. Some were down right awful people while others would give a person the shirt off their back...BUT NEVER THEIR COLORS....lmfao. Now I didn't write this to call you out or because I took offense, but instead to show how even in making an innocent point a person can unwittingly draw on negative sterotypes.

Respectfully Crash

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Stop it right there 14:mad: Why do you continue to defend the actions of AC (not just on this thread but on others?)

If this happens to you (anyone else) (AC stops you and wants to take your dog), don't give AC your dog. Immediately go back home. Do not wait for the police. Once you have placed your dog in your property, ask anyone wanting to take "your property" (dog) for a warrant. If they (cops) want to come into your home, ask for a warrant.

Rusty, if you want your dog's death to mean something for the breed. ACT. Make reports and demand same from AC. As others have stated on other threads, if a person is injured while handling a dog, the injury must be written up and "reported". Sue via "small claims" court for the most amount of $ as possible (I think it is 5,000 in small claims court and $10 for the court processing).

Personally, I have been asked to hand over my boy after he was in an accident with another dog (other dog was taken to the hospital for immediate surgery <luckily he survived>). Now, my situation was more serious than yours. I told them almost word for word, "With all due respect, I am not going to hand over my property". They insisted but again I refused and asked (it is our right) to speak to their sargeant (8 out of 10 times they won't want to bring their boss into things). Stick to your guns (sort of speak).

Big chain? Big chain my @ss! If you purchased it from a regular pet store it is not too big. If you modified one of those boat anchor(?) chains, that's a different story.

Funny how they stopped you for a chain issue and yet took your dog for behavior testing? BS. I am glad I do not live in NC!
Why would you walk a dog with a big chain anyways? A simple nylon leash is more than strong enough. By using a large chain all you did was draw negative attention to yourself. It might not of been appropriate or what not, but thats the bottom line now-days. There is absolutely no reason other than to look cool or boost your ego or street cred to walk a dog with a great big chain or even chain collar. Its bad for the dog and serves no purpose what so ever as far as safety is concerned.

[14rock]

I am NOT defending AC. All I was trying to say is people judge based on how you look. Its a way of life, its an old method of survival. That being said, all we can do is not play into stereotypes. When I take my dogs off my property they are as presentable as a dog can be (LOL) and I myself take into account how people are going to judge me based on what I'm wearing. You cannot deny that you will get a much diffrent reaction walking down the street with a good looking bulldog, clean jeans and a nice collared sweater....as opposed to somebody wearing pants 5 sizes too big, hanging off their ass, XXXL shirt on a kid weighing 120 with his hat kicked and a big chain collar/leash. Is it right? HELL NO! Alot of kids that dress like thugs are good kids...but judging by looks alone you might be doubtful. Also, that same kid with a collared sweater and nice clean jeans could be an absolute menace little rich boy who doesnt care what sort of problems he causes. Unfortunately, stereotypes do exist, all we can do is try to not perpetuate the myths. With all this being said, when I'm on my property working a dog I will (in the warmer months) you can drive out to my property and see a big bald, tattooed up guy running through the mud with no shoes on, no shirt on, rolling in the mud and playing with a dog quite frequently. If I leave my property or head into town...I clean up (both myself and the dog I'm taking) and act a little more civilized. LOL