I have read many of the posts over time, have posted a couple and replied to a couple. I see many names repeated several times, with good questions, good replies and some with interesting conversations. However, I will go back and look into their profiles to find some background history or even if they (we) maybe close to each other (locality wise) and usually they are pretty blank or very vague.

I see many of these names repeated in posts, I do not know any of these people and I wonder - by what experience or knowledge are they giving sanswers back. Folks, by NO means do I mean for anybody to take this offensive. But it's the same as bascially "who are you in asking these questions", none of you know me either!

I realize anybody can call themselves a trainer, a breeder, a decoy, etc.

And I realize if you spend plenty of time on the computer, we (I) can email these people privately and find out the answers I may have the questions for, but I don't spend a lot of time on a computer and don't plan on sending a bunch of emails to people I don't know asking them about their background in the dog world and where they live.

I read many of the posts - gain some good knowledge - learn things I didn't know before. But there are some of us (thick headed or whatever), at times - we need to locate someone close to SHOW me exactly what I need to do proper or what I am doing wrong.

This website appears to have over 3,000 current registered members, and I know NOTHING about websites, setting them up and making them work. But I would think (my own thoughts) that a member directory would assist many of us in locating another leerburg website member close to us, if nothing else - someone new to train / exchange ideas with.

Like I am from Iowa - how many other members on this website may be from Iowa that have an interest in working / training dogs ??

Just Rambling On......................
Mark

As what I think is a "regular" poster here, I think this happens on most of these forums. This is IMO one of the best as there is little chit chat and mostly solid information. Once in a while it gets messy, but the moderators here do a really nice job of smacking down the stupid postings.

I think most of the folks who ask questions, especially those new to working dogs, or sport, or training, seem to ask much of the same questions. Yes, some like to beat a subject to death and perhaps don't fully get it, but you can't make them get it.

As for people backgrounds, many who answer tend to have pretty reliable and full info on their profiles. They also will be happy publicly to "put up" their accomplishments and background. It doesn't make them right on a subject, but at least you know where they are coming from.

As there is no "right" way to do anything, there are some stupid ways to work and train dogs. If someone here brings up one of the more moronic ideas, good ole VanCamp normally will set it straight, that or Ed and his lovely Bulldog avatar will show up and really smack you in the head...

I do agree that the best way is to see from someone who knows, and have them show you how it's done. For those who can't do this, there are many really informative post here on the board. I don't think there’s much that has not been covered since this board started....heck I'm the #8 registered user...been here from pretty much day one.

I ask questions here when I need some input or info. I posted a question about a controlled narcotic and training properties there of, and got not only the answers I needed but a VERY good point of view on the matter. I took the advice of several of the replies and talked this department’s Chief out of training the dog to locate this substance as it is "contraband" and not a recognized illegal narcotic. If not for another point of view, and from some people i respect the opinions of, I might have had a different POV. It probably saved me some time in court every time the dog found this substance.

I think this may be one of my longest post, but it seemed to be appropriate.

I guess it's also a way to say "Thanks!" to all the folks who do spend part of their day here, free of charge and openly put ideas, theory, reputation and info out for all to see....

Ditto Josh, this is perhaps the best all round board on the net. Although Eds board, his mod crew is doing a great job balancing the flock.

What is perhaps the most important aspect of this board is the strong numbers of members combined with top notch experts who have been there and done that and more combined with the newbies who fuel those questions that remind us all from whence we became.

To Ed Frawley and his Moderating Team.

Thanks for providing the no BS format.

Jerry

Gotta to say love the forum. Have met 'online' many new and good friends. Also have met some offline.

BTW, I am in Iowa also.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hey Mark I am for this too.

I don’t think competent people need to get their pants in a bind about competition amongst peers. Heated fights really say one thing about a person: Fear.

Unfortunately dog training is not regulated beyond specific organizations and as you know some organization are better then others as far as standard and accepted training practices.

One of the things I enjoy about this forum is a chance to read, learn and sometimes rethink methods but as a professional I value the group of people here even if I at times disagree on some points. At least I can say so and either grow or change direction and learn.

You get a pretty good accountability of your knowledge and understanding of the dog in general when you post an answer. The people involved here post information to help and that is respectable no matter the answer given.

I give a thumbs up to the moderators because few can get away with floating crazy and sometimes harmful training concepts without getting seared for it. This protects the integrity of the forum and lets the BS drop from the margins in place of a good debate.

Addison,

Check your PMs

I think you hit a good point Mark. It would be nice to do a member search based on different criteria (like name and location). Currently you can only search by member number- ugh. I was lucky enough to vaguely remember Will lived 2 hours from me. I ended up driving out to the New Mexico Flinks seminar with him. I made a friend, we exchanged a lot of ideas, and we had a good trip. So I do believe that there is value in knowing where people are from. I travel a lot to Alabama, and occasionaly Chicago and I sure wouldn't mind training for a day with some of the people on this board. I don't know how hard it would be to set up the name, state, occupation, member # searchable database, that would be for Ed to answer.

It is possible to search for a member in a round about fashion if you know their name. Just enter the name as a search criteria and messages about them or posted by them will come up. It is a fairly simple thing to then select the icon for the members profile.

One thing to keep in mind is that not everybody are profesional trainers. Many of the people here are folks that have been training for a lot years, and you tend to pick up a thing or two. So an advantage here is that you have access to opinions you may not other wise have.

I just wanted to say real quick, that I haven't been on here long, but from the little time I have been here I have learned so much. I appreciate all that have answered me and it's nice and relaxed without alot of BS. I think everyone on here has something of value to offer and it is a fantastic site.!!!