I was at my daughters dental office yesterday and watched and listened as two people that hadn't seen each other in a while discussed several issues of interest. One of the issues that the guy asked the woman was how things were going with her dog. She stated that they were a little better but that he still had a really bad aggression problem with other dogs. Having a dog that doesn't like other dogs outside of his pack and understanding this dynamic made my ears perk up. I proceeded to listen to this guy give this woman advice on what she should do in order to convince her dog that he should be able to play with other dogs and that it would make him happy. She then said something that further peaked my interest, she said he was a GSD. I'm thinking..Okay, why do people always think that dogs should get along with each other? Owning a GSD I realize that they are bred to be shepherds of flocks and because of this their sense of protection is higher than say, that of a lab. It was everything I could do not to bud in and say, I have a GSD too and he doesn't like other dogs, then proceed to give her a lesson in pack structure and the true meaning of dog behaviors towards other dogs. I'm sure I could have done this tastefully but I wonder if it would have been appropriate to involve myself in such a conversation. What do you guys think? Shut up or take a chance in educating yet another misinformed dog owner? After all it wasn't my friend or my business. Is it okay to offer well intended advice to strangers when they are talking about these things? Normally, if I can I always right down Leerburgs' site and recommend a looksee but it has always depended on whether the person is a friend I know or not.

I say buddinsky with an option for the person to opt out. :-) Everyone has an opinion after all.

My usual line is "I have a suggestion if you'd like to hear it."

I think you have to be there to assess whether or not and how to add to the discussion.

I usually do, and try very hard not to trigger a defensive (and counterproductive) reaction. Sometimes couching info in terms of "I learned this" instead of "you idiot" helps, and it's definitely good for my own character not to start dictating a better protocol while slamming their own.

IOW, if you can actually get information across instead of causing the other person to seize onto their own belief in defense .... then there might be a real exchange of ideas.

 Quote: melissa thom

I say buddinsky with an option for the person to opt out. :-) Everyone has an opinion after all.

My usual line is "I have a suggestion if you'd like to hear it."

Perfect!

Great way to put it! I'm going to write that one down.

LOL... although I have to admit I won't know what to do with myself if they say 'No!'

I will have to resort to my book of hand gestures and see if there is anything listed for that occurence!

LOL!

Note to self: There is no 'Book of Hand Gestures'

To Do List: Create Book of Hand Gestures

Robbin- I come across that all the time. I have gotten several clients that way actually lol. Being at pet stores shopping and for environmental proofing with dogs I hear a lot of stuff.

I approach it this way:

"Hi! I'm sorry.. I couln't help but overhear you talk about your dog.." and bridge to what I feel is appropriate. Either having a suggestion, are they interested... or offering resources such as this forum.

I'm insufferable, I'll jump in in a heart beat about dogs, at the end I usually suggest this website, if they act like morons I recommend birth control to them

 Quote: Dennis Jones

I'm insufferable, I'll jump in in a heart beat about dogs, at the end I usually suggest this website, if they act like morons I recommend birth control to them

LOL

Dennis that statement made my day. Sounds like I was before I became such a customer service robot.

 Quote: Dennis Jones

if they act like morons I recommend birth control to them

Good one Dennis -- I'll have to remember that...

I tend to not to butt into others business unless asked. It use to be the American way.
But on occasion it is necessary. In this situation you were in a public place and I would generally assume people do not have private conversations in public places.
When you think your opinion is important to a dialogue a great way to break into conversations is the Socratic method.
For example you could have said something like.
"You sound like you know what you are talking about. I have a GSD but I always believed..... talk about breed behaviors and pack structure". than ask for advice.

You just where able to give an effective not offensive argument outlining and defending your premise.