On our lengthy mountain hike yesterday, Bob and I had an opportunity to bounce around all kinds of ramblings.

I kind of brought up this advice thing but he didn't bite, wasn't really interested but said, "You don't argue like those boat people do you?" I couldn't really answer that but let me share.

He needed to change the impellor on our son's boat. That doesn't quite sound right but yeah, he keeps it here and we do stuff for him.

In any case, he hadn't done this one before and was looking for the part. Heard him on the phone with one of the boat dealers. It's an older motor and the part was going to be difficult to find.

So, just out of some basic curiosity, I questioned him a little about this job and could tell that he needed some advice (god forbid he would ever admit it though).

He doesn't have anything to do with computers, doesn't have a clue how to run one and doesn't care. But along with that he's also not completely aware of all the information (and misinformation) that's at his fingertips, or mine, if he wants it.

So I said, "Hey, let me see if I can find a boat site and ask a few questions for you."

Leerburg is only site I'm an active member of so I thought this might be fun. What with all my "experience" posting here over the last few years, would be interesting to see how another board operates with something that was of interest to Bob.

And not to say that he isn't interested in dog stuff, because he is, just not a lot of details.

In any case, long story short, he agreed. I posted his question and he got some incredible information. Exactly what he needed to get the part, ease his mind, and get the job done. And a ton of tips and tricks, things he would have never thought of.

Well... the argument that followed between a couple of their experts (or folks that seemed to know boats motors inside and out) on some basic issue that I still don't quite understand (he does, thank goodness) was actually quite funny.

We (he - my fingers) had already thanked them for their advice and we stayed completely out of it. And it was funny, he ended up taking the easier route advice of the person coming in after the fact.

And while Bob felt the first guy was right, taking the more thorough approach and great advice to give any first timer, the second guy had the advice that fit his situation and skill level perfectly.

He never did post an update for fear of swaying the conversation in anyone's favor because he appreciated all of it, even though the tone got quite heated. It literally got down to fine grains of sand and who had actually done a clinical test.

But being on the live end of that, the one's genuinely seeking the advice, it was actually quite entertaining (for me) because I was getting the human aspect of it. And Bob threw in quite a few comments (to me) that showed he was right in there, silently, taking in all the technical expertise.

So I'm not quite sure what to make of that experience, for both poster and postees (is that what responders are called?), but thought I'd share in case someone can get some kind of insight from it.

I guess we really don't know who's getting or taking the advice that's put out there but if it's something that helps someone, somewhere along the line, and more importantly, helps a dog to live a better life, I'm always happy to add my two cents, regardless of how it’s received, by other members or the person genuinely asking the question.

And it really is a selfless thing, sometimes we never hear back from folks, for whatever reason, but that's more about us and a need for follow up, feedback, whatever.

I'm happy just knowing that the collectively, good information that this site provides, gets out there when people ask and need it.

Just some more Monday morning ramblings sparked by some high octane fuel.

Well, I know I have a new pejorative when two trainers turn an advice thread into a sub-thread argument about one aspect.

"You boat people."

Where's all this supposed sarcasm at? I can't find anything like that, or is it just another bug in the search function?

 Quote: steve strom

Where's all this supposed sarcasm at? I can't find anything like that, or is it just another bug in the search function?

Search under "boat people."

Hee hee, Connie, are you calling us names?

And not sarcasm Steve, "expertise". These folks were extremely helpful.

Do you really want me to post that thread here?

Advice is usually worth about what you pay for it.

As far as behaviorists go, they are like psychiatrists; there are people that actually need one, but sane, rational, intelligent people that can figure things out for themselves should run like hell when they see one coming.

 Quote: CJ Barrett

I love your ramblings Mike.

Me too! Keep 'em coming.

My thoughts on Mike's ramblings...

If you ask for advise, accept it graciously & put it to good use. Your dog will happily thank you for doing so.

If you just want to hear yourself talk....go someplace else & run your mouth off. Don't waste the time of the good folks here ready, willing & able to help someone that REALLY WANTS help.

Also, think about the time that folks here put into giving the answers to your questions...that is time that they are taking away from their OWN dogs to help YOURS!

Ramble on anytime, Mike.

Well! I didn't expect any comments. Nice. Thank you all for commenting. Or playing along. Or opining. Or...

I suppose advice is what it is. Advice that follows our inclinations is certainly better than that which contradicts our opinions. Or some thing like that.

One of my pet opinions that inevitably leads to advice has to do with a loose leash, and that a 'taut' leash should be a last resort. A cue with the leash to emphasize a command... There's a lot to learning how to use a leash as a training tool instead of an over used restraint system. I'm not fond of those who have a death grip on the leash all the time. Kinda takes control out of the leash, in my opinion.

I mean, what dog likes to be jerked around all the time?

But advice... A sage person once noted that opinions are like butts, in that we all have one. And the delta between an opinion and advice is sharing, when all is said and done.

We can keep our opinions and advice to our self, though it would make for brief, dull conversations. And I do so marvel at my pontifications.

Need coffee.

Good council never goes unnoticed.