Quote: Melissa Thom

I have always felt the desire to be honest over popular.

I am so like that. Truth tellers have a hard time, but you have to persist because maybe you get through once and while. Being politically correct, or telling people what they want to hear, is frustrating because it obscures the truth. It takes what is right coats it in sugar, hiding what's real. Many people hate the truth. Truth tellers hold up mirrors to those things that people don't want to see--like the fact they have an untrained, menace of a dog that is a real problem!!!! And they have no freakin' clue what to do!!! And are close minded about learning!!!

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. But training your dog--or not--is a real window into the people at the other end of the leash.

There's something about internet forums that brings out the worst in some people. Most people I've met are pretty open minded as long as you don't present it as a "my way or the highway" kind of thing. I got a "talking to" about recommending an e-collar until I clarified that I had suggested it for a dog that jumps fences and referred them to a local trainer. Since I volunteer at a humane society I do about 98% positive reinforcement. A couple particularly mouthy and determined dogs got scruffed before they took me seriously. Once they settle into the deal of treats for self control they do great.

I'm one of 3 people that trains the dogs so we compare notes especially with the special cases. One trainer uses food like me while the other trainer uses treats pretty rarely. We discovered that all 3 of us use a different word for the same behavior(hand touch) and a different strategy for leash pulling. But all 3 of us get results with the dogs. So for me it's not just one method thats right. I'll adjust as needed for that particular dog. The cookie trainer doesn't know what to do with the great dane(very sweet active girl!) who jumps on people. The no treats trainer has no motivation for the dog to interact with her when it gets bored. I mostly do well except for the occasional absolutely zero drive dog. Them I still haven't figured out what to do with.

I was walking one of my dogs at a parade with a prong on (wasn't even correcting,just walking & watching the parade) & these 2 ladies came up to me & started yelling at me so about the collar & how awful I was to use that instrament of torture on my sweet dog etc, etc,& that they were going to go over to the cop in the cornor & have me arrested for animal abuse. I just laughed & said be my guest I know 2 of the k9 cops in town & they know me & my dogs & how I train. I also added that anytime that they wanted to come around when I am working my dogs they are welcome to come & see the motovational not abusive training that I do with my dogs. I also explained that prongs like other piece of training equipment are a tool & like any other tool can be good or bad depending in whose hands they are. Needless to say they never showed up at any of the fields that I work my dogs. I only hoped that I was able to give them some information to take away with them.

The forums are no different...many people are unknowledgable on topics & just follow the leader, just like sheep. Hopefully, some of those people that show up here get some usefull information to take away with them.

 Quote: Linda Patch

 Quote: Melissa Thom

I have always felt the desire to be honest over popular.

I am so like that. Truth tellers have a hard time, but you have to persist because maybe you get through once and while. Being politically correct, or telling people what they want to hear, is frustrating because it obscures the truth. It takes what is right coats it in sugar, hiding what's real. Many people hate the truth. Truth tellers hold up mirrors to those things that people don't want to see--like the fact they have an untrained, menace of a dog that is a real problem!!!! And they have no freakin' clue what to do!!! And are close minded about learning!!!

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. But training your dog--or not--is a real window into the people at the other end of the leash.

It's possible to be honest without insulting the person you're talking to.

 Quote: Scott Garrett

It's possible to be honest without insulting the person you're talking to.

Um, no kidding.

 Quote:

It's possible to be honest without insulting the person you're talking to.

Another one of life's small pleasures, gone.

 Quote:

Another one of life's small pleasures, gone.

Hehe, I know, right? But I know that if somebody insults me, I'm really not interested in anything else they might have to say, valuable or otherwise. I don't tolerate disrespect in my 'real' life, and wouldn't tolerate it online either. Although I DO enjoy a heated debate from time to time

The good thing about this forum is that people do speak their minds but generally come from an informed place and the intent is to teach, not belittle. I think that comes across for the most part too, irregardless of delivery.

The use of our real names was a clever way to keep us honest.

I think the worst abuse at a GSD forum I've seen was the moderator stump endlessly for his favorite presidential candidate and I called him on it. He would post all the talking points straight from the party's site. when I challenged him on it he would throw the moderator card, THEN I got insulting.....

 Quote: Dennis Jones

I think the worst abuse at a GSD forum I've seen was the moderator stump endlessly for his favorite presidential candidate and I called him on it. He would post all the talking points straight from the party's site. when I challenged him on it he would throw the moderator card, THEN I got insulting.....

I have one site I visit for political discussion. I don't like mixing it with other things.