I posted this in the rants & raves section of CL, but I will edit it a little to make it nicer lol I just moved into town from out Airport Road and I have a well-trained 5 month old American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. Today we went for a walk, ON A LEASH through Kalispell and my puppy was almost attacked FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES by people who let their dogs out in their front yard without being tethered or leashed! First a lady with a boxer and standard poodle charged us and I about peed my pants. I had to scream at the dogs to get them to stop their charge at us, I thought they might hurt me in order to get to my dog. Then it was the same story with a lab, and then a golden retriever. I understand that it's nice out and you want to hang out in your yard with your dogs, but they have to be tethered or leashed! Especially if you can't control them or fail to train them properly! Two of the dogs today actually ran across the street to get to my puppy! I had to call the police station to confirm, but THERE IS IN FACT, A LEASH LAW. I didn't ask if it was just Kalispell or if it was statewide but, PLEASE LEASH YOUR DOG! I am buying pepper spray and I will use it on your dog if it comes at me and my dog. I will also kick it and hit it if I need to defend myself or my dog. And you know whats also sad? How many people get a dog and just throw it in the backyard and call it good. Goodness people, stop neglecting your animals. Train them, walk them, let them cuddle up to your feet inside, exercise them, play with them, bring them to the lake. I don't understand how people can get a dog and then just make it live in a yard with zero exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation. Anyone else have this issue where they live? Drives me nuts and scares the crap outta me. And if someones dog ever attacked mine, guess who's fault it would be? Mine. You know why? Because people seem to think American Pit Bull Terriers are born evil and bloodthirsty. It boggles my mind that some people think that it can be a breed trait for a dog to "just snap" or "turn". There has to be a reason. Neglect, abuse, training, bad genetics (due to all-too-common improper breeding thanks to backyard breeders), & health issues. A dogs temperament doesn't take a 180 degree turn for no reason. People take advantage of the fact that the breed is not only the strongest dog for it's size, but is one of the most loyal and willing to please breeds out there. Not to mention very intelligent. Anywho, I could go on for ages on this subject. My dog is the easiest dog I have ever trained and worked with. I train dogs on the side, so that is saying a lot. He is friendly to a fault and is better trained than any dog I have yet to meet in this town. I could go on but I wont since nobody will read this entire rant anyways lol.