I have to admit I'm a little torn about this! Before I had my daughter when I would see someone (very rare) that had their child on a leash, I would think HOW PERFECT! I swore that when I had children, they'd be on a leash! A friend had given me hers awhile back, and I tried it on my daughter, but I absolutely hated it. I don't know if it was just a bad brand, but it just didn't seem right, the fit. I gave it back to her, but now that my daughter is running, and refuses to listen while outside, I'm starting to think that maybe I should have kept it a little longer. While I feel horrible putting a leash on her (also feeling like I'm treating her like a dog)I definitely feel that they were purely made for safety! For others to look at you with disapproval, is just wrong on their part! You're just doing this for his safety, AND your piece of mind. That's all that really matters. As for feeling like you're walking your dog, that's just something you'll have to get over. Hopefully I can get over it myself, like you, I need the piece of mind that my child is safely w/in my grasp just incase they decide to take off. Don't let the looks from them bother you.