Don't Worry

It's a shame Anne but I completly understand.  Those who really could use your free advise will be missing out on some of the most solid advise they could received.
 
But..  I will be seeing you around the idog tree anyway.  I've be posting more lately but I too took a short break and only lurked around.  It is good medicine.

Anne,

You are the first person I think of when I observe a new behavior and am trying to figure it out.  Your wisdom and experience as well as your passion helped to make me a "crossover" with respect to training philosophies.  For that I can never thank you enough. 

I, too, took a short break from posting in these sections, so I can identify with you in many ways. 

Also I want you to know that it's a special person that has a hound with perfect recall, I'm still waiting for a "clicker" that turns me into a rabbit to get that with my hound.

The most important lesson I've learned from you is, IMO, dogs are sentient and sensitive creatures that deserve more respect than most people give them.  Thanks and I'll be looking forward to seeing you on these threads again soon!

I don't post much, but I do lurk a lot, and (mostly) enjoyed reading the threads in this and the training section I've learnt so much from the people here.

Anne , I'm sorry that you feel like your wisdom and expertise is being wasted here. I've always really appreciated and admired all your knowledge and your posts ! The section won't be the same without you. Enjoy your break (I think we all need one, really) and come back soon.

It's sad that so many valuable posters are feeling this way.

I am sitting this one out too.

The moderation of this section has become about shutting people up and enforcing one point of view, and I find that disrespectful and not very useful to anyone.

Later, skaters! Every time I want to go on I-dog, I am just going to go train my dog instead!

I think a break is a good thing, Anne. Even an inmate in prison gets an hour in the yard. And a little fun couldn't hurt anyone.
 
Besides, if I ever have a pressing problem or am completely stumped, I know how to get a hold of you.

I'm a newbie to forums pretty much and I am appalled that people would PM others on a board to harass and intimidate them.  I truly believe that old adage "different strokes for different folks"  and from my experience with different dogs (and kids) not every approach works for the personality.  There should be a variety of ideas and opinions for the masses to try; if you don't personally believe in how some one else does something why should you condem their thinking?  I kinda thought that's why forums exist--to expose posters and readers to a number of possible solutions. What fits me and my dog my not work for  another owner/dog.  The only reason to be in an uproar about a theory is if it is actually harmful to the dog--physically or emotionally.   I know first hand.  My dog is trained  to hunt and some of the trainers I have seen scare me--their dogs come to the line a wreck (they wimper and shake, with tail tucked)  where as my dog comes to the line like it is play time----ALL in the training!  If I had not observed this fellow's dogs I may have used him and been forever regretful.  It was the exposure to a number of trainers and their dogs that my husband and I were able to hook up with the trainer we chose.  I do hope this forum has ways to punish those who choose to harass or otherwise bully those of you out there that offer people like me advice in how to be the best owner for our furry children.  Go if you must and hopefully the hateful idiots will move on.  Enjoy your break.  (Yes I am exhausted as I write this, I had a "heck of week today.") lol []

I'm a newbie to forums pretty much and I am appalled that people would PM others on a board to harass and intimidate them. I truly believe that old adage "different strokes for different folks" and from my experience with different dogs (and kids) not every approach works for the personality. There should be a variety of ideas and opinions for the masses to try; if you don't personally believe in how some one else does something why should you condem their thinking? I kinda thought that's why forums exist--to expose posters and readers to a number of possible solutions.

QFT! (quoted for truth) I hope the offenders, whoever they are, read the thread....

ORIGINAL: schleide

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!

I couldn't help but respond here - I often wonder how Wesley is doing, and I'm glad to know he's still with YOU and doing better.  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[sm=dance.gif]

ORIGINAL: chocolatelablover

I'm a newbie to forums pretty much and I am appalled that people would PM others on a board to harass and intimidate them.  I truly believe that old adage "different strokes for different folks"  and from my experience with different dogs (and kids) not every approach works for the personality.  There should be a variety of ideas and opinions for the masses to try; if you don't personally believe in how some one else does something why should you condem their thinking?  I kinda thought that's why forums exist--to expose posters and readers to a number of possible solutions. What fits me and my dog my not work for  another owner/dog.  The only reason to be in an uproar about a theory is if it is actually harmful to the dog--physically or emotionally.   I know first hand.  My dog is trained  to hunt and some of the trainers I have seen scare me--their dogs come to the line a wreck (they wimper and shake, with tail tucked)  where as my dog comes to the line like it is play time----ALL in the training!  If I had not observed this fellow's dogs I may have used him and been forever regretful.  It was the exposure to a number of trainers and their dogs that my husband and I were able to hook up with the trainer we chose.  I do hope this forum has ways to punish those who choose to harass or otherwise bully those of you out there that offer people like me advice in how to be the best owner for our furry children.  Go if you must and hopefully the hateful idiots will move on.  Enjoy your break.  (Yes I am exhausted as I write this, I had a "heck of week today.") lol []

You don't list a PM, so I'll respond here.  I am happy that you brought up the issue of training the working dog, and how it does not have to be all seriousness and force.  Your dog is a happy dog, yet he is doing his work as you wished.  I really commend you on noticing the difference.  So many don't.  It isn't enough to have an obedient dog, I, and so many others, want a willing, obedient dog.  Once you see the difference in your own dogs, you never forget what it looks like.  And, you never stop appreciating the lessons that dogs can offer.

Spiritdogs, you belong in this section so please don't stay away long.  For me I want all training views presented, good and bad.  I need to find my own path and be comfortable in how I define my relationship with my dogs and fosters.

I know that you are upset with me for a posting a few months back.  Out of respect for you, I have stayed out of this section since.  I know you are a rock and it was not my intention to upset you but once I knew I did, I changed/edited that post.  Unfortunately and out of my control, the original post was reinstated by the admin which upset you even more with me.  I do make a public apology for upsetting you.  I hope you know that people here have your concern level for their dogs and other people's dogs.

WTH did I miss, I know I've been a little distracted in my personal life, but first Jeanie and now you! Why are these people getting away w/ annoying people who have been on these boards for years and have a consistent logical, helpful, & even attitude, being pushed out. Will someone tell me the who and what of this.
Anne this breaks my heart.

Unfortunately and out of my control, the original post was reinstated by the admin which upset you even more with me.

 
Well, now I'm going to apologize to you.  You handled my request then with decorum, and I honestly did not know that it was admin that reinstated the post, which even you seem to now realize was hurtful.  Thanks for your candor, and for not pressing the issue at a time when it would not have been helpful. []

Anne-I came to this site completely desperate.  My husband had brought home an unsocialized, adult chow who had never lived inside before.  I was scared.  I had a dog that was coming at me growling just because I got up off the couch!  I almost gave her up, TWICE.  But, couldn't.  One night after a very emotional day with her and locking myself in the bedroom to get away from her.  I started reading online and eventually found my way here. 

Anne, you're responses to my posts were not only helpful.  But, they made me realize that her problems were NOT so bad that I couldn't do something and make things work.  I didn't know that. And, what I was reading and who was talking to me before I came across you were scaring me more. 

But, you gave me information that I put to good use--without hysteria and without judging her by her breed.

I still have bookmarked all the links and book titles you've given me over the years.  I think I had saved e-mail from you until my computer dumped it on me because it was so old.  Your help was the ONLY professional help I was able to continue to receive.  In real life, the trainers wanted NOTHING to do with her. 

If it wasn't for your solid advice on how to handle her I may have eventually been bitten, Anne.  And, that would of probably changed things for her at the time.

And, we'd like you to know that now. . .now the true Willow is here.  She never leaves my side and I can do anything needed to her without fear. She's learned all her commands and then some and she's not aggressive with people.  She's groomed without a muzzle!  She's loyal and most of all HAPPY.  Her life consists of car rides and hikes now.  You are part of the reason her life has so drastically changed. 

So I really hope you will stay.  I'm sure I'm not the only person up in the middle of the night, scared, desparately searching for advice because they love dogs and don't want to give up the one they have. But, feel they might have no choice. 

If you won't stay for the humans stay for the dogs whose (like Willow )lives might be saved because you gave their owner some information they can build on. 

Well, that's my plea, LOL.  I wish you well in whatever you decide and FWIW I do understand how you are feeling.

Lori

Ditto what Lori said
 

OK, this is wrong. IM not so HO you are one of the more knowledgeable trainers I`ve yet to meet on any board. I`ve not been convinced yet to convert to 100% positive but I`m leaning more that direction. What will happen now?
I have every confidence you won`t be gone long. You`re addicted to helping people.