Now I know why so many people disappear ! - Page 2

I have to admitt as a newcomer I have been very surprized with the multiple negative comments/threads on this post.  There is a difference between constructive criticism and just plain old fashion bashing.  I am new to Schutzhund and really want to learn what to do and when without screwing up my dogs but am often reluctant to ask or chime in due to the harshness of some posts.  

I agree some people never learn and/or follow good advice but there is so many different opinions it is hard for a beginer like myself to know who/what is right and who/what is wrong.  I was recently warned about training with a trainer by myself due to past incidents where the trainer pushed himself on women who are trying to simply train their dogs.      

The sad truth is you can't control others or what aggenda they have.  The only thing you control is what you do.  I think it is important to be a positive role model for the newcomers and advise us to the best of your ability in a positive manner.  I think that would go a long way to help newcomers like myself and foster better relations and less frustraion for everyone.  Everyone wants to expose breeders and people who have dirty methods of dealing with each other and I agree with that to protect the ignorant (like myself).  It is often said, "do your homework".  But that is easier said than done when you are new, you are only as good and the information you are able to obtain.  If all you can get is bashing, etc. you are going to stop listening because you shut down.

I appreciate all the help that is provided through this post but think everyone could be better served by a little more tact.  If you were having the same conversation with someone face to face, I doubt the majority of what is said here would be said due to common manners and tact.  

Teri          

I may have yet a different take on this subject. I know plenty of dog people who have been involved in the sport for many years who love to mentor newbies, I happen to be one of them. Yes, there are a lot more failures than successes and many of the people who I spend the most time with are the ones who disappear,  some to surface later  complaining about getting screwed, or advertising a litter of poorly bred dogs or in the ring with a substandard dog. Some have to learn from doing and some of these hard learners end up as the best breeders, trainers, handlers. There are those who "get it" immediately and there are those who never "get it". You just can't know who is who from the beginning. I see no need to belittle anyone for asking questions that might sound stupid to those with dog experience or to tell buyers how ignorant they were to buy from so and so without doing their homework first. I've even seen pet owners get trashed for buying a sick dog from a pet shop. New dog owners who do not know better with a dog that is seizuring or dying from some inherited disease and all some here can say is -  you deserve what you got for buying from a puppymill?

The success rate is very low, I'll give  you that, but IMO breeders owe it to the breed to try to bring new poeple to the table in a constant stream. Otherwise the funnel quickly runs dry and we are without any new blood and new ideas and enthusiasm to carry on. Those who don't have the patience to mentor may want to just not say anything here or refer inquries they don't want to answer to someone who enjoys interfacing with prospective GSD owners and/or those who already own the breed and who are asking for help. JMO....

It is very easy to tell sho knows what they are talking about and who doesn't. I got frustrated with the people who  come on asking questions and then want to argue with the people who know what they are doing and tried to help them. Not just on training threads, but health questions, breeding, etc.

Then you have people who act like they are master dog trainers, have never titled a dog, and don't know shit from shinola. Those people take the cake.

Then you got the people with personal agendas and those who are here just trying to sell dogs. This was one of the best boards around. I was posting quite a bit and I'm not even really a GSD guy. 

 Oh well they all end up the same after awhile

I have to say if you look hard enough you can find anything.  

I would also point out that it's a very good message board still.

Perhap's people and the world are just changing.

Perhap's some people are put off by erogance and single minded thinking.

Argueing has been the replacement for discussion driven by bad manner's.

My advice,  ask the right question, be respectful of other people's belief's, and stay the course.

Nothing ever stay's the same, learning involve's change.

thanks guys/girls for the input.   with the lack of dog related threads of late, and the ones that are seem to not have much depth to them, i was wondering why.

all have good input and valid points. 

john

John,

I don't have much to read around here any more, don't even open the other "stuff". 

I too haven't been on much lately but more so just because I've been busy with other things.  Once in awhile I'll come to check out the topics but not much has been going on to really talk about.  I've met some great people on here believe it or not...but you kinda have to stick around long enough to figure out who the "great people" are. lol  I've learned quite a bit from the site but again you kinda have to sift through it for awhile til you determine who know's what the hell they're doing and talking about.