Conduct - Page 1

While surfing through this website, especially the messageboard area, I was really disturbed to see the manner in which people will conduct themselves. Discussions can certainly get heated, but personal attacks, as well as profanity have NO place on this message board. Recently I asked a question regarding a kennel owners practice of naming their dogs after established kennels..I don't believe my question offended the kennel owner, the question was answered, and it is done, and we never called each other names or attacked each other. I would hope that the adults will please keep in mind, minor children do also visit this site as well. Besides, it's very unbecoming to resort to such tactics. Remember, the whole world will judge you by how you conduct yourself on this forum...there are members and visitors here on this site from every corner of the world! This board is suppsed to be about dogs, German Shepherd Dogs. Not about who is a bigger/better man/woman, who is a better breeder etc etc. No two people will ever totally agree on which dogs are good, which are great etc..every person out there has a different view of what makes a good dog. Live and let live..there are way more important things to concern yourselves with in your every day life..at least one would hope there would be. Peace.

What a lovely sentiment - thank you for that, and I must admit I didnt give any thought to the fact that minors DO possibly visit this site, and some of the postings are as you say really personal and offensive. Food for thought for some people in the future I hope. Best wishes, Mo Lakin - Mascani

Thank You!!!!!! I think in general there needs to be a shift in how people conduct themselves in this sport - mainly toward each other. If you have a difference of opinion, so be it - it shouldn't have to turn ugly. There is no reason to put people down in the ways that happen so often. People often behave worse than the dogs we train.

There are people on here who are very cliquish, and very very commercially oriented. The problem is that when outright lies, distorted truths and vicious libelous statements are CONSTANTLY touted, novices and people not in the loop will be influenced by those people. The sport in the States **IS** a small world. Just having the resources to buy a big name dog, to attend big events - whether or not the performance is consistantly mediocre and excuses always abound - does not make someone a "good" competitor or breeder...the proof is in the results - not the quantity! And the ethics, integrity and behavior of the person. Which are obvious to most people on here and elsewhere. There are more vicious little cliques on here than in any high school cheerleading squad!!!!!! Fortunately, the people "in the know" recognize these individuals who use the net, not only this board, but a few others and know the truth. They just do not do business with them. On the other hand , many many people who are interested in the breed and the sport DO believe their self promotion and facade and their concerted efforts to discredit others and are not skeptical enough to do any real reseach. Many of the concerted efforts to libel and discredit people are obviously from alternate sign ins - users who have just been added, users who only post in support of known quantity XXX or to harass XXX. Just look at the user name history. Several of these IDs are so obvious, they have made themselves a laughing stock among more knowlegable people in the sport - but it sure helps them get dogs in for training, stud fees, puppy sales, broker sales - what ever - and the venom spreads through novices and newbies because they are enthusiastic and want to be helpful. The key is this - when you see a concerted attack on someone - look at that persons history, what they say, what they do, who they deal with. Do not believe the BS that goes on here, this is a great source of information, but a cesspool of vicious, petty, greedy, and just plain dishonest people who are making a living and are good salesmen. You only have to read some of the threads about ill dogs, and trainers to see that even the best looking website, with apparently good credentials is nothing more than a very commercial business. And this little dialog takes into account MANY MANY observations of nonsense on this board - in India, in the UK, in the US - not only the childish petty bickering and name calling of a few instances.

VERY TRUE KOUGAR, THIS IS MY LAST POSTS ON THIS SITE, THERE ARE HATERS ALL OVER THIS SITE, WHO HAS DONE NOTHING BUT ATTACK,SO IM STAING OFF THIS SITE BEFORE DOING SOMETHING CRAZY, KOUGAR YOU HAVE BEEN A BIG HELP AND A FEW OTHERS ALSO, THANKS!!!

You have spoken a mouthful, Kougar, all so very true. Don't forget the incessant bullying that goes on when one does not agree with certain other posters. Respectful discussion is seldom possible.

Good afternoon everyone. I was pleasantly surprised to read some good feedback on this topic, had actually hoped for more, but thats ok, perhaps the comments will make some people step back and examine their communication skills, or in some cases, lackthereof. I was raised to respect others, whether I agreed with their opinions or not...we are all entitled to have an opinion, and no one has the right to tell you that your opinion is wrong! They are free to discuss the pros and the cons of your way of thought, but there is no one set way of percieving things. It always disturbs me to see people get so nasty with others simply because they cannot allow someone to see things another way. When having communications with others, no matter how heated things may get..I always take a deep breath, and before I speak, I ask myself, now, is the manner I am planning on responding to this issue professional or polite? I guess it boils down to this, if you would not dare speak to your mother, or a small child in the manner you are planning to respond in, then perhaps it is time to cool off, wait a bit, then reply? The general public will form their opinions of you by the manner in which you conduct yourself, and this may in fact hinder your goals as a breeder etc! Being polite,courteous and respectful of others has never ever costed anyone anything, nor does it cause any physical pain. (Perhaps to some it does!) In closing, I hope this post will make people stop and think about how they treat others, and perhaps curtail the profanity etc. I would like to thank whomever removed the latest offensive postings that were rife with gutter talk. I believe it is OK to not like a breeder, a dog, a trainer etc...but I do not believe it is OK to resort to behavior that offends others with abusive, derogatory and profane language.

I applaude the words of a gentleman. Thank you for standing up for decency. I think we can agree, and hopefully others will, all the obscenities, vulgarities, and threats will make a person no better nor bigger than the words he/she spews forth.