My son was quite rambunctious, he had my hand holding the back of his neck a few times at a young age in public. If i would have put him on leash for my own peace of mind, i dont think i would take offense at a passerbys "light hearted" comment, of which i think this probably was. If you see fit to leash a child in public for your own reasons, warranted or lazy matters not, thats great. I know if shamu would have said something like that to me, i would have laughed and responded with some sort of equally amusing and smart assed remark. Something about if the child looks like me, must be some mutt of some kind...or something to that effect. My grandson is also quite rambunctious, and he is 2 1/2. When me and his Ganna take him out, it requires alot of attention, mostly on my part, hence the firm grip on his hand and constant redirection of his attention. Most people have to have some idea of what other people perceptions might be "prioir" to doing whatever they do, so they should be "somewhat' prepared for something like that. I would if i put my son or grandson on a leash, because i know how i react when i see it.......just syain, thats all....