Does anyone really have a clue?

Question

I love coming in here to the dogs section to see how many people really don't have a clue! I am not sure who is worse, the askers or the answerers. What do you think? You have people who think that they have a "agressive puppy" because it growls and barks at them! (Come on folks, have you done any research before getting the dog?) And then you have idiots saying "smack the puppy when it growls!" (Yeah, no the rocket scientist there!)

Does anyone have a clue? Then, when someone who knows what they are talking about, they are sent nasty e-mails! I think what really drives me nuts is that when it comes to the "best answers", these brainless wonders pick someone with 10+ thumbs down!

Please, do a little research. Take the dog to the vet when it is sick and "hasn't eaten for a week"! And, if you ask a question, expect that there are a few people in here who know what they are talking about, and 4 times as many who don't. Now would that be so hard?

Answer 1

Hi Kats

As one of those people who saw a well-bahaved dog in the park and wanted that, I can say - well I am dumb!!. I KNEW that having a well-trained dog was work, I just didn't know how much. I went and adopted a dog, and you know what my criteria was - ohhh he likes to play ball and when he brings it back, he drops it (he doesn't run away or hold onto it whilst I try and rip/pry it from his jaws). Yea - I know, great criteria. Stupid me.

And I brought him home and we started with leash pulling (he is part husky and that is exactly what he acted like, whining, barking, separation anxiety, not kennel trained). I mean, this was my first dog - could I have picked a bigger challenge for myself??!!!

So - in today's fast food society I think that LAZY people think their first resource is the internet, yahoo answers, chat groups. While the internet is a powerful tool and I found a LOT of information about my dog and training, you have to be educated enough to know a good site from a bad one. I teach that in my classes - I know what to look for! I immediately, when I was having behavioural problems picked up the phone and called my VET (of all people!). They recommended obedience class and guess what, I went! And guess what else - I did my obedience class homework!

It's not difficult to have a well-trained dog. It's just work. It's not hard work (it's not like building a skyscraper, it's not like calculus). It's just work and time. And you have to be willing to put in that work or you shouldn't get a dog.

I think that should be a question that breeders ask their potential puppy's parents and the ASPCA and Humane Society. How many hours a week are you actually going to put into training this puppy. If they say 1, then don't give them a dog. I spend every minute of our walk working on things with my dogs. They are still fairly young, I got Lucky when he was almost a year old. Through stupid off-leash dogs and several dog altercations, he is now leash aggressive, which means more training.

People need to understand, that depending on the circumstances, training a dog can be an everyday thing. My dogs must sit and be calm before they eat. When we first learned this it took 45 minutes for them to actually get their food. Now, they sit and get to eat within 45 seconds. But every once in awhile, we have come commotion and need to settle down.

Training and obedience last the lifetime of the dog - and practice makes perfect as they say.

I agree with your vet comment. When there is an issue, the vet is the FIRST person I call. I don't run to my computer and type on yahoo answers to see what a bunch of people who have never met Lucky say. My vet sees my dog (theoretically once a year but we have things that crop up!) usually 3-4 times a year (broken tooth, aggression, vaccinations, hurt knee). I don't get it. These people - WHEN you find a good vet - love animals and want nothing more than to see balanced happy pets. Call them!!

Oh crap - I am preaching to the choir aren't I . . .

Well, I am off to walk the 3 dogs - one by one (this takes time people!!) and more training. Wish me luck!

Answer 2

I have come to the conclusion that most don't have a clue.. I think people see someone walking their well behaved, well trained dog in the park.. Maybe laughing and talking with their friends, or playing frisbee... and people see that as appealing.. rather than research.. they go buy a dog cause they want the same thing.

It's like the commercials on tv.. if you want to be happy, have fun, and have lots of friends, you drink beer. Or so they say..

They rush out and they buy this little puppy.. Most likely from the petstore.. afterall that's where you buy puppies.. And they get him home and plunk him down and they sit there thinking ' now what ' ??? First place you look for information today.. is online..

Since they don't have a clue, they take the advice that either makes them happy, or the one that sounds like it might be right.. Those old wives tales usually suck people in pretty good.. Newspaper across the nose.. Rubbing the nose in it, etc..

I have read answers on here by vet nurses.. Vet techs.. and people who say they are breeders.. and you shake your head and think ' you read that in the
book maybe.. Cause I can tell you have no real hands on experience '
The answer that gets chosen is the one that either fits what the person is looking for, or the one that is the most off the wall :)

Honestly, I would take everything here with a grain of salt.. Read the answer and do more research yourself. Never trust anyone entirely when it comes to your pet.. And if the vet isn't helping, get a 2nd opinion..

When you get someone to do your roof, you don't just hire the first contractor in the book.. You check them out.. Research, ask for references.. Maybe even drive by some houses he has worked on.. Why would you trust your pet care to the first person who answered your question??

Answer 3

No they do not have a clue. This site should be called yahoo validation, and the slogan should read, The knowledgeable need not answer because we're not interested, we are happy basking in our ignorance.

Oh, they are not just sending nasty emails anymore they are blocking the people who give answers they don't like. I guess truth is a scary thing and common sense is a thing in fairy tales.

Goldengal, I wish I could share your belief that this is just kids asking these questions but I hear these kinds of questions from friends and neighbors and I assure you, they are not kids. I had one friend that quit talking to me. I told him he was asking for trouble by treating his dog like a kid and giving in to everything. He showed me how the dog plays with him and the dog was humping his arm!! I told him not to let the dog do this. Next, the dog starts growling if anyone goes near him while he is eating or chewing anything. I warned him. Now he has had to pay 4 different vet bills because his dog has attacked other dogs. He quit talking to me because I told him he was an idiot and he should get rid of the dog. So I don't believe these are kids, there may be a few but I bet most are adults that should know better.

Answer 4

I noticed this too - I just started coming to this site a few weeks ago. I am amazed with the lack of common sense that some have about dogs or the need for validation such as "do you think my dog is cute?"

Yes, do your research BEFORE getting a dog and know what you are getting into. Get a good vet and take the dog to him/her when it is sick - not that hard to figure out. And, if you are unfamiliar with raising a dog - hire a trainer to help you with behavior. I have had dogs all of my life w/ few behavior problems, but with my new dog (a 1 yr old who had learned many bad habits from previous owners) I had to go to training. Now, she is a great dog b/c of hard work.

There are so many homeless dogs in shelters and pounds that are put down every year b/c people go into pet ownership with out knowing what they are getting into. It is really very sad.

Answer 5

Morning Kats.

Yup know what your mean. I got a violation notice yesterday. LOL I told someone they were a troll. Oh well!
Guess the truth hurts.
Personally I think there are just some very young people here and I don't think they have a clue as to dog care or dogs in general. I see some of the most knowledgeable people getting thumbs down and I wonder if the person even read their response or if they went through every question and just for haha's did that to everyone.
I have also noticed that a lot of people have little or no connection with their vet. I find this odd. I've had my vet for over 20 years. I can see if they moved often, or they had to find a right or good vet, but once you do you stick with them.Try as we all do to inform and to educate people it sometimes falls on deaf ears.
I know it's frustration on our part but I keep trying. If I get through to just one person then I feel I've done something.

NOTE: You may be right Shepherd girl! I just can't assume it is all kid's. My hope, but it is foolish of me to think that it is ! Thanks for pointing that out to me. I truly appreciate it. :)



OK I've answered your question, please find mine and add to it. OK :)

Answer 6

Most people here are learning and want advise on what to do, I agree that if your pet is sick you should take it to the vet instead of asking questions here. As for the answers this whole point thing is working against the valid questions. You type in a stupid answer and you still get your points.

Answer 7

I've been sent nasty emails because I gave a proper answer, and it wasnt what someone wanted to hear!


I cant beleive how many people come here to ask medical questions instead of taking their dog to the vet.

Answer 8

Once again you have express my sentiments. Yes, you are giving the ML too much credit. Four Hundred Thousand is much more realistic. Are people really that stupid when it comes to dogs or is this a game to see who can come up with the most ridicules answer? God help the dogs . Hopefully they are too stupid to breed themselves!

Answer 9

I think this is a website for people that don't like to do research however i think it is useful for contacting people with experience and seeing over peoples view, but you are right some people just can't be bothered do do research of their own !

Answer 10

Yes...you're right...but you are looking at it all wrong.
Alot of these people are young kids who can learn & become knowledgeable and caring pet-owners.
Others are clueless but care enough to try and find out- so answer them honestly and if you know something they have done is way wrong, tell them it's abusive or stupid or whatever-
I really like to be able to help the animals that might otherwise be subject to continued CLUELESS treatment.