Dog Community

Don't Worry

Posted : 7/13/2007 6:37:20 AM

This is not a good-bye thread. [

] But, I plan to take a little break from the training and behavior threads. I notice a shift here that has bothered me for a long time. My aim in coming here in the first place was to enlighten others about positive training and its benefits as a more dog-friendly way to begin training. Over several years, I became a respected member of the board. Not that everyone has to agree with me, but I have been baited, castigated, ridiculed and stalked at various times (some of you have not been here long enough to remember). I do this in the interest of the dogs, and for no other reason. But, I think that I am now shoveling poop against the tsunami. So, in deference to the moderator here and elsewhere, I am tired of giving away my professional expertise for free to be lumped together in some of your posts as some idiot who doesn't know dogs, or "bribes" them, or doesn't understand "dog psychology". I have spent a lot of time and money to become as well educated as I am, and I am proud of my ability, and of my students, who are now enjoying the companionship of GREAT dogs. If anyone has a pressing problem that they need answered by a professional trainer and consultant, please feel free to PM, but for now, I will be hanging out on some of the fun threads. Some days I can't even bear to look here. All I can say, until I decide to come back, is please be kind and consistent with your dogs, and keep learning. Watch them closely, they are your best teachers. If you hate Cesar Millan or if you hate Jean Donaldson, don't let it get in the way of learning what your dog is trying to tell you. Brenda Aloff's book on the body language of dogs should be in all your libraries. Till later....[

]

Jewlieee

Posted : 7/13/2007 6:44:28 AM

Bummer. I like your posts and insight. Take care and come back soon.

dogslife

Posted : 7/13/2007 7:12:40 AM

spiritdogs, You have worked hard at great things such as that dog legislature in Boston. Due to your excellent understanding and support that meeting went so well. We need people like you to help.

Your wonderful understanding of dogs is obvious...to many.

You deserve to enjoy this wonderful summer. The weather has been so nice. Come back refreshed and invigorated!!

Liesje

Posted : 7/13/2007 7:20:55 AM

I think I'm also taking a break from this part of the forum. I woke up to a very strange harassing e-mail and an equally strange PM (from different people). I'm not one to make mountains out of molehills.... I ordered some different dog books and they arrive yesterday so I'll just focus on expanding my "toolbox" rather than all the negativity in here. I'll stick to lurking and keep my cyber-mouth shut. Apparently some things that just aren't a big deal to me are a really big deal to others.

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/13/2007 7:31:07 AM

I don't blame you at all and, in fact, that's pretty reflective of me as well.

Maybe this is a good place to say this ... There are topics I avoid all together right now (and often don't 'go there' anyway). I've kept very deliberately completely out of all the current garbage. I honestly just don't have time to do that crap. It's exhausting and it's pointless. I'm here if a dog is sick or if someone needs me. But games and 'let's just talk' stuff -- I honestly just don't have the time.

Good books, Anne.

nfowler

Posted : 7/13/2007 7:46:40 AM

Right there with all of you. I hardly post at all these days! But, I am enjoying some family time, friends time, and above all else, dog time. My male is learning new things every day and I love watching that.

I hear you, Anne, Callie, Liesje, and Dogslife. Why spend time shoveling sand when it pours right back in again? (It comes from a book I read years ago and I love the analogy.)

Enjoy![

]

KarissaKS

Posted : 7/13/2007 8:07:38 AM

I, personally, don't post much in this section (read it daily) because usually the people who come here with their problems don't actually want to hear what it will take for them to fix those problems. They want some sort of instant fix-it advice -- they don't want to hear that they need to put training into their dog or that they are the one screwing things up.

Not everyone, of course -- but a lot.

dogslyfe

Posted : 7/13/2007 8:07:58 AM

I'm there too guys. Sometimes taking a breather is a very good thing - maybe we'll all come back refreshed and renewed. Take care of yourself Anne - you deserve it. We all do.

There are topics I avoid all together right now (and often don't 'go there' anyway). I've kept very deliberately completely out of all the current garbage.

Me too Callie. I not only don't have the time, but also don't have the heart for that kind of thing. Just reading the fallout has totally stressed me out, so I'm staying far, far away.

Here's to a nice cup of tea for all of us... along with a yummy candle and a nice book, with a dog curled up at our feet.

agilebasenji

Posted : 7/13/2007 9:19:14 AM

Oh Anne, I'm sorry. I thought things had sort of settled down a bit in this section, but perhaps I haven't been reading the right threads. Your expertise _is_ appreciated by some, even if we don't always say that. And I do know what it feels like to not be appreciated. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself and revitilize.

pbarbato

Posted : 7/13/2007 10:28:09 AM

I can understand that you would not want to deal with abusive, harassing behavior, but as someone who has benefitted tremendously from your and others insight regarding training, I would implore you not to allow that negative behavior to stop giving that insight.

I came to this site before I had a dog, and have been coming back ever since I got Ollie for advice and help. The only dog I was close with before was my brothers, who he used to house train by sticking the dog's nose in his mess, and who otherwise trained with physical corrections. I didn't know any other way, but thanks to posts on this site leading me to the path of positive training, I have examined alternatives that I am much more comfortable with and I think my dog and myself really benefit from that.

This is just to say that, although the most feedback you get is probably from people that vehemently disagree with you, know that there are probably many out there that see the light because of you. Keep up the good fight. It's working.

Dog_ma

Posted : 7/13/2007 11:42:56 AM

I'm new to this forum, but not to the internet and board dynamics.

Spiritdogs, I enjoy reading your posts. But if you post hear expecting to be acknowldged as an expert by everyone, it just isn't going to happen. A lot of people here (as evidenced in the replies above) value your experience and knowledge. But to many posters, you are going to be just another faceless opinion on a keyboard far away. I think it is wonderful that you share your time with all of us - thank you! But you can't sweat the ... er .... poorly socialized people

who fling insults and strut around with hackles raised. The best way to deal with overly aggressive posters is to ignore 'em. Sooner or later their fingers will get tired, and their "expertise" will speak for itself.

It is terrible that you (and others) have been harrased. As a newbie, I hope the board has ways to discipline those who engage in that crap. I can't blame you for pulling back in the face of garbage like that.

See you in the other forums!

probe1957

Posted : 7/13/2007 1:11:06 PM

Anne, as I have said to you before, I may not always agree with you, but when I don't, I have the good sense to know that you are the one of us who is probably right. It is good to know you are still around and available to those who need your expert guidance.

jjsmom06

Posted : 7/13/2007 1:22:42 PM

Anne,
I understand your reason for taking a break from this section as I did the same many months ago. You were the first person (and one of the only people) to respond on my very first idog thread about my spooky Prudence. I learned a lot from you that first post and have continued to do so for the past year I have been here. I look forward to seeing you in some of the other sections.

schleide

Posted : 7/13/2007 2:45:43 PM

Anne, I too will miss your posts... I am more of a reader than a poster these days, but I always seek out your posts when reading about someone's dog's problems because I really value the way you put dogs first. You always say that you are on the forum for the dogs and your integrity shines through.

You were one of the first to reach out to me when I came on the forum having problems with Wesley. We even came out to your training center and met with the behaviorist that you work with - and with help from you and others, we have come a long way... Your insight has helped us immensely along the way and we will miss you!

Cita

Posted : 7/13/2007 3:22:30 PM

It really saddens me that people feel the need to avoid this section of the forum. IMO, dog behavior and particularly behavior problems are some of the most serious and important issues facing dog owners, and when people come to these sections for help they're usually pretty desperate. I know I was! I hope remembering just how bad things can get when you have a dog who's acting up and just how badly so many people need help/advice will help us all remember why we're here - helping dogs and the people who live with them. This forum shouldn't be a battleground or a place for personal attacks, but rather a place to throw a life raft out to someone who might be sinking. And both sides of any heated argument can probably do something better to improve the situation instead of making it worse.