I would have to say it does to people who don't know what these large collars are needed for. If my mother were to see a pit bull walking down the road with a large collar, she would probably cross the road. Hell, she'd cross the road just seeing a dog on that side of the road, especially a """"Mean"""" breed. And yes, she knows not all dogs are bad, and that it's the owners... but that still doesn't help the fact that she is afraid. We all just have to remember that not everyone owns or likes dogs. Not everyone cares to learn about dogs. It's not apbtmom's fault, it's not the elderly ladies fault. It's just a fact of life. I think this thread has just been misread and it has built everyone up to feel defensive.