Thanks for all the replies. I know that we all handle and enjoy our snakes differently. All the signs that would show a "stressed snake" have never appeared when we've taken him out in public. He stays on his perch around my son's neck and doesn't go anywhere else. I think it's great for people to see my little 5 1/2 year old son with this "threatening" ball python around his neck. It kind of makes them look silly for being afraid and has sparked many conversations. We would never do anything to Linda, our BP, and I think it has become more of her routine to go out with us in public to get her viv needs or food needs rather than a stress period. He has never gone off feed and I think it's because this may just seem a normal experience for her.

The guy at the pet store was a first though. It's like he wanted to talk to me to tell me how afraid he was but he wasn't willing to go past that like everyone else we've conversed with.

Anyway, thanks for all the comments. Dogs vs a non venemous, CBB, small ball python.... I'll take my chances with the ball python any day!!