What have you learned more about in the Pet section of Yahoo answers that you didnt already know?

Question

What have you learned about in YA pets that you didnt already know OR what topic have you learned MORE about that you were already researching?
OR
For instance, has some of the answers here caused a spark of interest on a particular subject concerning pets and caused you to do more research on it?

Answer 1

I learned that I have a lot of work to do to educate people who want to adopt. When they do come in the door, I'm working harder to ask even better questions and make sure they understand things. I'm making fewer assumptions that people "know or understand their dogs" and I'm working harder to help them. This has been really good for me as an adoption counselor.

I learned tons about diet and good food. Since joining almost a year ago, I switched the food I fed my dog. I started doing research and found that I could do much better with my feeding choices and have done so! (thanks everyone for helping me!)

I've learned much more about breeding than I knew before. (I knew zilch) and I still don't know much. I do understand all the issues around breeding - what can go wrong and how hard a job it is. That was enlightening. I have a new respect for reputable breeders. I used to have the typical rescue mentality for breeders. I've become much more open minded and realized that reputable breeders are on the same side as rescues. That was a huge lesson for me. (Thank you!)

I've learned a little more about the formal side of dogs! - those terms that only the people that live this stuff know... showing and confirmation, herding, rally etc. Stuff that I was never exposed to. It's really interesting and as a rescue person, I've never had time to see or explore (thanks again!).

I've just seen so many sides of the dog world outside of rescue that I knew existed but didn't have time for.

Mainly I found out that many many people were just as passionate about dogs as I was. It's nice to know that. I've made contacts across the country with rescue people and others with breeds I know little about. That's invaluable. I'm learning about their breed and when we get one of their breeds in our rescue, I have help! I can email one of these people and get information. I can't tell you how much this means and how it's helped our shelter dogs and me personally.

While I use YA as entertainment, it's been a good tool for me. I've learned a lot and I learn more every day.

Politics and the problems we encounter here aside - this really is a GOOD section. It's not perfect, but I'm really happy I found it.

Answer 2

On the plus side> I've been keeping dogs, cats & fish for 50+ years so thought I was pretty knowledgeable and I've learned that I actually know more than I thought, yet it's also taught me I can still learn from others. Some of the training tips I've seen have enabled me to alter the way I was doing something and get a far better response from my dog. I've had help with fish and my latest interest shrimps just by reading other answers. Most of the time I don't bother asking a question directly even.
I've learned that there are a lot of really good people out there who although I sometimes disagree with them on certain points are willing to listen and help whenever possible.
I've learnt a lot of things I can feed my pets whilst still providing them with a good natural diet!
and reading some answers as renewed my interest in animal behaviour and I spend a lot of time researching and reading information that in the past I would never have had access to.
On the negative side> I've learnt that far too many young people have a pet when what they really need is a toy, that they can dress in silly outfits, that will remain 'Oh so cute', won't smell like a dog/cat, won't behave like a dog/cat and that can be left on a shelf somewhere when the novelty wears off.
I've learnt that people really don't understand that the creatures in their care don't think like humans, behave like humans, or even want to be humans!
I've sadly learnt that far more people would rather ask a question on here, hoping for a quick 'fix' than spend money on a Vet.
and being on here Has reinforced my belief that some people don't like the truth, will be nasty and rude rather than admit their ignorance and learn.
If 50 people tell you use dog shampoo and 1 says yes it's fine to use (insert laundry cleaner of choice) I do it all the time quess which gets best answer!
I'll still be here though trying to help for the animals sakes! I'm sure some out there actually stop and think and have the intelligence to realise 98% of owners may be right that dog shampoo is BETTER!

Answer 3

Like most people I stumbled by it by accident. I was googling a question about Bret Hart and up popped Yahoo Answers wrestling section. And they had the answer to the very question I was asking. So I made an account, but then left it for ages. Then I had a bit of a breakdown and wasn't able to work. I got bored so I surfed the net and came across Yahoo Answers again. Strolled through a few of the sections and found the wrestling one again and liked what a lot of the folks were talking about. Since then I have become a lot more educated about wrestling in general and have made some really nice friends! Now I use my limited free time (after work and before bed) to check to see what's going on here.

Answer 4

I would have to say the biggest thing I have learned from the pets section is how misinformed so many people are on pet health. I have seen so much bad advice and just plain wrong information that it has led me to do the research to find the true answers. Because of this research I have gained extensive knowledge in the following subjects:

1. Proper cat/dog nutrition and the brands that do and do not provide it correctly.

2. The most effective ways to train both cats and dogs.

3. The best way to prevent fleas and the best way to remove them from the pets and the home.

Please note, I didn't learn about these subjects from people's answers here, but from research sparked by the horrible answers on this site. I do think YA could be very beneficial to some people but overall the answers are usually terrible wrong and sometimes scary.

Here are the things I have learned about people on YA:

1. People are very lazy when it comes to their pet’s health and well being.

2. People see nothing wrong with giving the wrong information and find it funny.

3. Many askers will pick the easiest advice over the correct one just for convenience.

4. Too many animals are sitting in pain this very instant because their caretakers are asking people on a message board what they should do INSTEAD of calling the vet.

5. A lot of people expect people to be able to diagnose their animals over the internet AND expect them to have a magic cure without a trip to the vet.

6. So many people want the novelty of a pet but want to spend zero money on the animal to keep it happy and healthy.

7. That there are so many animals that are injured, sick, starving and abused because of their caretakers. It is so sad and sickening.

I wish everyone would research the answers they get on here and not just always take them as the truth. You just never know who is answering on here and you just can't have blind faith when it comes to the health of the animal you claim to love.

Interesting topic though!
-Brit

Answer 5

Wow I've learn a ton of things about other breeds other than my own. I have had to polish up on things I had been lets say taking for granted. I know much better now. I have also learned to respond to a question with basic information and not get too technical because the average dogs owner won't understand.
Also learned that some folks love their pets very much but have a really hard time understanding basic care for them.
I've also learned how other do adoption and rescue work through out the US and in other countries.
Oh yes I also had to learn how to speak to others from different countries to learn their meaning of words and put them together so I understand what their talking about.
As far as interest goes oh sure. I have researched many things other have brought up. Their breed of choice. New medical advances they know about and I didn't. Different ways to teach a dogs and how they respond to different training methods.
It all here you just have look for it and then push all the nonsense stuff to one side.

Answer 6

I have learned a whole lot in this section. A lot of it has to do with diet and food, sparking my interest to research different foods on my own to find the best for my dogs, and has also sparked a lot of personal interest in raw feeding. While I currently don't have the additional freezer space to raw feed, it is something I definitely want to do in the future.

Like Cindy said, I no longer assume people know the basic things I thought EVERY dog owner knew. I come on here and to this day I am still amazed at what some people ask...

I really feel that this section is an invaluable tool for a pet owner WILLING to learn and keeping an open mind. I don't agree with some people's views on here, but no matter what their view, there are people on here that I respect, and I find knowledgeable, and are willing to help. I know they are just an e-mail away if I have a specific question for them, and I am truly grateful for that.

Answer 7

I've learned so much about different dog breeds! I've also learned a lot about animal nutrition - I had no idea that ham was bad for a dog. I've never given it to my dog before, but I'll know in the future. I'm, learning more everyday, and I love it.

A lot of questions and answers have caused me to google it and research - and once I read it I'm like .. "Wow ..Science Diet .. IS HORRIBLE!" :)))

Yeah, I do agree with Mutt Mommy. I have learned that everyone doesn't know 'the basics' or dog care. Sad.

Answer 8

I have learned TONS about owner's knowledge of pets and pet health! And tons about people's attitudes, and their attitudes towards vets. It's been very, shall we say - illuminating!

I've also really got my flea knowledge polished - I know all my stuff from work, but answering a thousand (ish) flea questions a day on here has kept my knowledge practiced and polished - I can now confidently say there is no flea situation to which I don't have an answer!

I'd be interested to see what areas of medical knowledge people think they've learned about - because there are so many, many misconceptions and misunderstandings on here, I don't think it's a good place to learn medical knowledge.

Chalice

Answer 9

Mostly it's the small things - e.g. grooming techniques, why puppies hiccup, best chew toys, etc.

I actually don't take any answer (either to my own question or one that I found by searching) as the "final" answer, but rather a jumping off point to do research.

I do find that there is sometimes a rush to give a lecture instead of answering the question asked. Now, some questions may deserve a lecture, but other times the answerer just goes off on a tirade based on assumptions without actually reading the question. And I may be guilty of this, too. ;-)

Answer 10

What I have learned on YA! Pets Section:

1. There are a LOT of CHEAP people out there.

2. There is a home remedy for ANYTHING

3. People think that puppies come out of a box all trained.

4. Most people will take the EASIEST advice, wrong or not.

5. Almost no one lives NEAR a vet, and if they do it is the only vet that does not take emergency calls.

6. Perhaps the worst thing I learned on here is that there are SOOOO many animals that have owners that would be better off at a shelter. They are not trained, and they are given the most minimal care. Vets are too expensive for the owner, so there are many pets lingering with injuries and illness.