My religion taught me that how you receive a gift is as important as how you give one.

Some ppl ask for advice, only to discount the advice they are given. That could be the possible reason for losing patience with someone who is asking for guidance; they have to truly want to be led.

Have to agree with Duane, but especially since I know first hand how he accepts advice and uses it how he sees it will work for him.

Tresa, This post has given me serious food for thought. Great post!

As a novice dog "trainer" I come on this site with the attitude I have something to learn, and you all possess the experience and knowledge I seek. This puts me in the "submissive" position. In my opinion it boils down to an EGO issue. Can I dial down my ego enough to acknowledge maybe I don't have all the answers? This seems easy enough in concept. The problem is- a little bit of knowledge mixed with a big ego is very dangerous.

I would no more give unsolicited dog training advice than I would give unsolicited parenting advice. We are in a very sensitive area here. Often, hubby and I are seated in a restaurant near loud, unruly children. Observing the situation, it is obvious to me the solution to the parenting problem. However, instead of offering advice, we ask to be moved. These are, incidentally, the same people with the rude dogs I am sure. Unwanted advice given with the best intentions, remains unwanted.

Such a dilemma! As trainers we want to "fix" everything. I am constantly working to "fix" my restraint when it comes to opening my big mouth

Great post Tresa! I have to constantly remind myself of the old "Patience, patience and patience" saying all the time with my 9-month old pup. I am going to bookmark this thread so I can refer back to it often!

Great post, it got me thinking

Probably the most irritating thing I come across is people giving me advice when I don't ask for it. I was walking Sarge a while ago, working on his heeling, and a woman asked to pet him. We got chatting and I said that he pulls like a beast and I'm only just starting to overcome it. This woman, who was clearly an expert (sarcasm, she had 5 yappy little dogs going nuts behind her fence) grabbed Sarges leash and proceeded to give me a lesson on how to walk a dog. She told me to only walk him on my left side and to get rid of the Check chain and buy a halter.
I actually rolled my eyes, and then felt really bad because she saw me do it!

Everyone has their own opinion... the only people I can't stand are the ones that say that their way is the only way. Every dog is different.

It's also worth noting that nearly all the major dog organisations like the RSPCA and DELTA dogs in Australia use purely positive techniques. They've managed to ban e-collars and prong collars. While all guide, assistance, police and military dogs are trained with a balanced approach.

M

I don't want to get off topic here, but please allow people to demo with their own dogs.

You don't want any stranger ever to take your dog's leash from you.

JMO!

And back on topic .....

Ye I know I shouldn't have let her take the leash. She was pretty old and Sarge is a big boy. I'll never do that again!

Also, what does JMO and IMO mean? I hear it a lot on here and have no idea what it stands for. Thanks!

JMO just my opinion
IMO in my opinion
IMHO in my humble opinion
IME in my experience
YMMV your mileage may vary
OP original post or original poster
TIA thanks in advance
WTH what the heck

Thankyou Connie!

When it comes to training advice I prefer to have some one explain their advice to me, and then direct me as I handle my mutt. After all, I'm the one being trained and I ain't on no leash.

Train me and I'll train my mutt.

Need hot coffee. Minus 2 F. or minus 19 C. But no wind.