What is the extent of your dog knowledge and experience?

Question

What topics do you feel you can provide insight and answers to?

Answer 1

Nearly forty years of professional breeding exhibiting training grooming handling judging(internationally;ain't you impressed?).....



Titled dogs in conformation,performance & field produced top winning & top-producing dogs,"multiple"first-in-breed" titles. &.... too numerous to count-"Best dog I've ever had!" awards from the pet-owners.

Have dealt w/more real live dogs than 98% of the "frequent-flyers" posting here have ever even met. Buried more great dogs than they've ever seen in their cartoon collections.



OH.....nearly forgot....I know which end bites *&* can tell a dog from a human. That's a major accomplishment here.

Answer 2

I cannot say that I have a lot of knowledge or experience, though I have known many relatives and friends' dogs and have researched tons and tons of information for a very long time because I've always been extremely interested in dogs. Just because I am not a veterinarian and have not grown up with dogs my whole life (and I'm young- 17), does not mean I know nothing about dogs, as some people seem to assume. In fact, it took me until 2 months ago to finally convince my parents into bringing home my first dog, and yet I still know more about dogs than half the average dog owners. Which is pretty sad, considering the amount I know is still pathetic compared to how much more there is left to learn.



I'm quite confident knowing I can answer pretty basic things in obedience, breed information, and simple solutions to problems people make a bigger deal out of than necessary. That being said, I would never give an answer to a question that I couldn't fully respond to knowing to the best of my ability that my answer is correct.



:)

Answer 3

I've owned dogs of various kinds for the last 30+ years, including various mixed breeds, a GSD, a lot of Siberians, and in the last 3 1/2 years, Akitas. All of those have taught me something, especially my first Akita.



I have a graduate degree in behavioral science, so I understand the concepts of the learning theory that underlies training dogs.



I've worked with several of my dogs in obedience classes, as well as having received instruction in handling for conformation.



Finally, I read a lot. Over the past few years, I've obtained quite a number of books on a very wide range of topics. Some I've found very useful and informative, a couple not so much so.



I'm on several dog-related mailing lists, and useful information often comes from those.



I feel like I have some insight into basic behavioral and health issues, and will often offer an opinion on that sort of topic. I'm very concerned about legal issues such as BSL and MSN and often will respond to that kind of question. Whatever I do, however, I generally try to make it clear that I'm offering an opinion, not necessarily a definitive answer.

Answer 4

Besides having two of my own, I have been volunteering with dogs since I was a little girl.. at a kennel/grooming/training facility, and at a no-kill shelter. I enjoy asking questions and soaking up as much information as I can from the professionals I'm in contact with. Therefore I feel I can provide insight to dog care, grooming, basic training, adopting, researching breeds, reputable breeders vs byb's and puppy mills, and other random information.



However, I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert on everything. I can tell people asking how to breed their mutts that they shouldn't breed, but if someone has a real breeding question that's better left to those who do it for a profession and know it in and out. Also if there's a case which would require advanced training (for aggression, fear, etc), that's something I'm not qualified to do so I'd advise seeing a trainer/behavioralist.



All I can offer are my opinions and experiences.

Answer 5

My family has owned dogs for as LONG as I can remember.

My mom and dad worked with a rescue group for English Pointers for the last 8 years, fosters were in and out of our home.

I have owned "my own" dog for the last 4 years, and added number 2, 3 years ago.

I have fostered a few dogs at my home.



I've been around dogs, I've done a lot of research, especially on my "breed of choice".

I have a LOT to learn, and I enjoy learning....so I'd say I'm on my way to being confident about my dog knowledge....that is why I love Y!A. There are some VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE dog people here, and I really enjoy reading their insight and opinions on different topics.

Answer 6

I have worked in a shelter for 15 years. Been doing dog training for 11. Working as a behaviorist for ten. I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (certified five years ago). I grew up with a dog. My own dog passed away two months ago at the age of 14 (got her as a pup). I have lived with my roommate for 14 years and he has always had a dog, too, so am used to a multi-dog household.



Obviously, my forte is behavior and training. I have more than a passing knowledge about health and nutrition, though I am certainly no expert.

Answer 7

I would say my extent of dog knowledge is mediocre compared to others. What I have to offer is 28 years of personal experience with MY pets.



I have also learned a lot of information from doing online research, and from reading fellow Y!A answerer's posts.



If I an unsure of the answer to a question, I usually just sit back and read what everyone else has to offer.



If I feel I can answer the question, I offer information from my past experiences, ie how I learned to train my dog to do something, what my vet told me the possible illness/injury could be, etc.

Answer 8

I don't know a d*mn thing, my Basenji tells me what to type :)....



Kidding. :) Some of my knowledge is things I've picked up from books, vets, and folks with a lot of hands-on dog experience. It's not hard to pick up common sense ideas and facts if you ask questions and aren't afraid to shut up and listen when someone who knows what they're talking about, is talking to you :).



And other stuff is hands-on. I've had dogs since I was 9. Had a Doberman, Boxer, and now 2 Basenjis and have done considerable research on each breed. I worked in an animal hospital for 2 years. Volunteered with Boxer & Basenji rescue & a couple of transport-rescue groups, starting in 1998. Competed in Obedience & Agility with my Boxer, did a little Lure Coursing (no titles) with my Basenji. Volunteered w/ Search and Rescue (no dog, I helped with training and manning base camp).



My Boxer was perhaps the best learning experience of all. The product of a BYB, she had a sharp, over-reactive temperament. Lunged, barked and growled at strangers with little warning except subtle body language cues that I had to learn to read. With the help of a group of very knowledgeable Boxer folks (including one lady who'd had Boxers since 1951) I got her under control and to the point where I could bring her in the ring and expect her to behave. But it was a LOT OF WORK. The kind of effort a casual owner isn't willing to put in- and in anyone else's hands, she could have been a dangerous dog. She is the reason why I share Greek's and many other's views about the futility of trying to "fix" what is genetically unsound. I could NEVER let my guard down with her around other people, I could just keep her in a state of constant control. Her passing was a sad day, but almost a relief in many ways. I like to give insight on questions where I can share some of the things I learned during my 14 yrs with her.



She's also the reason why I have an avid interest in Schutzhund, Ring and other working-dog pursuits. I discovered Schutzhund somewhere along the same time I was just beginning to get a handle on my Boxer's behavior. I already knew that she was nowhere near the right temperament for that discipline. But I was hooked anyway. My mom bought me a book on Schutzhund as a Christmas gift that year....keep in mind, my mom thought "Schutzhund" sounded like a cross between a sneeze and a swear word. Had no idea what it was, but she heard me talking about it A LOT and thoughtful her, picked up a book she found at the bookstore and gave it to me for Christmas. You'd have thought someone gave me a brand-new car, LOL.



So I'm the first to admit I have no REAL WORKING knowledge about Schutzhund and Ring and other protection dog sports....but I've done a lot of research on the subject in the past, oh, 10 years, so I can help point folks in the right direction. I'll share what little I know and tell folks to go ask someone else :)... or help them find a suitable online resource where they can pick the brains of real experts :). One day, I WILL have my Beauceron and may be lucky enough to be considered among the ranks of the truly knowledgeable in that area!



I have Basenjis now and seem to be one of the only "regulars" on here with a peculiar, inexplicable love for the little buggers :).....I search for the seldom Basenji-specific Q's using Advanced Search to see if there's any info I can add, that others might have missed. I hardly come close to knowing EVERYTHING about the breed, but I have a ton of links and resources. I like to say, "If I can't answer the question, I can definitely find someone who can!"



And I guess I take that approach with most things. I'll answer questions when I feel I have SOMEthing of value to offer, and guide people towards resources I KNOW have value. I hardly consider myself an expert in any particular field and I am constantly learning, but I also enjoy sharing what I do know. :)

Answer 9

i got my first dog at 2, she died when i was 17.

My first job was out a pet store (learned the bad side of breeding and puppy mills and BYB)

I worked for a vet as a vet assistant for about a year: did check ups, surgery (but passed out quite a few times). Did house calls ect.

My mother in law breeds ART, KINGFISH, ELI, TURTLE BUSTER APBT's and is one of the most well known APBT breeders in the south east. She also breeds champion AKC Chihuahua's. With her I have learned about different types of dogs, temperaments, obedience, training and even some breeding.



I own 4 very different dogs an APBT, GREAT DANE, JRT and a MUTT. I volunteer at local shelters and pet sit for neighbors.



I feel I can provide my OPINION and share experiences I have had, I am not a breeder, trainer or vet, but have have seen many things and experienced lots as well. I will voice my opinion on something, but not claim to know everything- because i don't.

Answer 10

Border Collies are my breed, so I can offer plenty of help there in regards to the nature and care and training of this specific breed.



Herding is my top training priority and I am quite capable in answering questions regarding this sort of training, or steer someone in the right direction of finding a trainer or getting local assistance if I know where they are (state). I can also help with trialing questions, depending on the venue.



I also do obedience and rally training with my dogs and am able to answer questions on trialing in these areas too. I also am quite capable of identifying bad breeders and can easily list the "no no" things to be careful of when choosing a breeder or looking for one.

Answer 11

experience with dogs of different breeds (ownership)

showing in Europe and general knowledge about show ring here

Breeding experience (although outdated and not something i would ever advice on, as its stupid to give breeding advice online) accept for don't breed your dogs.

training dogs, general behavioral issues, have no experience with dog aggression though

oh and common sense!

did i mention that i can read and because of that special ability i can do research about anything and everything related to dogs, including spay/neuter at early age, different medical procedures, training, etc

I would never give medical advice, but it seems that most questions here can be answered by a 5 minute google search or by looking through any basic training guide or research documentation

Answer 12

20+ years owning my breed

17 years breeding

8 years of competitive sled dog racing; 20 years total running dogs

12 years feeding a raw/mixed diet to working dogs

Have owned/bred 16 titled dogs, including obedience and conformation.

Titled my first obedience dog when I was 16 years old

15 years teaching private/group obedience classes

5 years Vet Tech experience



I tend to stick to breed-specific questions, discussions of breeding, showing, and working dogs, and dog behavior. I will offer info on specific health issues if I have experience with them.



I will answer questions about basic pet training, but I only "lurk" on the more advanced training and aggression questions because I don't feel qualified to answer most of them. I have learned a lot through the trainers on this site, though!

Answer 13

I am veterinary and and animal behavior major (still in college though) and I know a decent amount about medical problems and procedures, behavior issues; and breed identification, histories, temperaments, and basic info. I work at an After Hours Emergency Animal Care Center and have to complete several hours of volunteer work at local shelters, rescues and/or human societies every month. I'm also an experienced dog owner when it comes to larger breeds.



I must also inquire why you ask?

Answer 14

I have literally owned dogs all my life: (in order) american eskimow, mutt, Old English Sheepdog, mini poodle (still have him at 14), Akita (passed last september at 13 years), boxer x basset (current dog), akita (current dog). Each of them has their own behavioral quirks and I have never had to rehome a dog for any reason. I know and correspond with several reputable breeders and long time dog owners. I feel comfortable providing insight into minor to moderate behavioral issues (though I also know enough to know when to say "find a trainer/behaviourist") as well as on finding/recognizing reputable breeders and rescues. I know enough about dog health to know when to go to a vet, but that's about it.

Answer 15

Hmmm, this is an interesting question, I like it. I think my "things" are training and nutrition. I've been training dogs professionally for about 12 years now and have been seriously breeding working line German Shepherds for 10 years. I grew up around working Rotties because my mother was a breeder of rotties and an RN (my father worked with English Pointers and was career Navy). I'm familiar with competition obedience, tracking, air trailing, protection work, article search, narcotics and explosives detection and I work with dogs who have aggression issues on a nearly daily basis. I've also studied feeding raw in domestic dogs (most of the Eastern cultures feed their dogs raw or table scraps, it's pretty much just us westerners who feed kibble). I've also studied feral domestic dogs (Eastover SC), Grey Wolves, and African Wild Dogs, thanks to everybody at Ezulwini Game Lodges, great place, great wine and best of all mosquito free! And from what I've seen and learned from pack canines, feral dogs included, I do and will continue to feed a raw prey modeled diet with 0 veggies or grains and that's my stand on nutrition.



-edit- I made a few edits because when I read back I came off as pretty vague!

Answer 16

Dogs are surely man's best friend. This animal is the most loyal and protective animal that you can ever take care of. Read here http://OnlineDogTraining.enle.info/?8Oa5



Once you have become a master of a dog, you are sure to be protected by your pet especially if you have treated your dog very right. Aside from providing what the dog needs, you should also train your pet dog. This is to give your pet the right behavior and habits so that it will become disciplined and well mannered. You will not have a difficult time taking care of your pet dog once it has undergone dog training. Training your dog is easy and fun especially if you have the right information to use. Here are some of the most basic advices to follow when you are training your dog.



Advice #1: Be the boss at all times. It is a known fact that dogs can sometimes be bossy. These animals are born leaders. But keep in mind that you are the master and should always be followed by your pet.



Advice #2: Show what is right through your actions. If you say that your dog should not hurt other people, and then show it through your actions. Do not show any sign of anger or violence. Dogs have the tendency to become violent especially when it sees it in its environment.



Advice #3: Treat your dog as a dog and not as a kid. Do not expect your dog to understand each and every single thing you say. These are still animals that have different ways of communicating. You are actually training your dog according to their personality and behavior. One needs to be very patient in order to successfully carry out the dog training.



Advice #4: Be consistent with your commands. You should not change mind every now and then. If you are teaching a specific lesson, stay with it until your dog learns to follow it completely. Inconsistency will have your dog confused with the commands that you are calling out. Be firm with what you are teaching. But be sure to reward your dog once it has followed your command successfully.



Advice #5: Commit to daily dog training. Make sure that you train everyday. Skipping days will make your dog be lazy in following you. You need to make sure that you can allot time for your dog so that it can learn something new everyday.



Advice #6: Be positive and appreciative. Dogs like to impress their boss. So if you are impressed with what your dog has done, show happiness. Give encouraging words to your dog. It will also help if you give out rewards like food or toys.



Training your dog to be well mannered and well disciplined means that you are accepting the pet to be a member of your family. Dog training will prevent you from experiencing unlikely incidents because of your pet's misbehavior. Having a pet at home is enjoyable especially if your pet does know how to communicate with you through their behaviors.

Answer 17

My knowledge is largely confined to my personal experience of owning Dobermanns, terriers, fostering Greyhounds, some illnesses (cancer, DCM, thyroid), basic training/care and show/ring craft.



If I can't answer a question I will pass, but usually star if it interests me and I think I may learn something from the posts.



I have learned a great deal from some of the very knowledgable people who post in the dog section and continue to add to my store of canine knowledge.

Answer 18

Grew up with dogs, currently owned by dogs, have raised Labs and am the owner/breeder of a champion, my current Doberman is now being shown, have worked in a human medical office as well as over 10 years in a veterinary office.

Answer 19

Well, I can only claim general knowledge from 48 years of having dogs in my life and of course my opinion which is usually based on what my vet has told me to do.

Answer 20

Anything the deals with dog behavior and training. I am not a vet, I do not play one on TV and I refuse to answer questions that I know nothing about...however, when it comes to REAL training for REAL dogs and in REAL situations, I have almost 30 years experience doing it. I know what works and what does not.

30 years in dog sports, the same amount of time spent training work dogs for real word applications...yeah...I think I have an idea!!

Answer 21

the extent of my knowledge is 20 + yrs in rescue. 99 % lrge type mutts, mostly severe abuse.

without meeting a "problem" rescue, because all re-training is different, i'm very careful about giving advice on this topic. i try to figure out the dog savvy of the person asking re: rescuing/re-training and adjust my advice accordingly to insure everyones safety.

i answer alot of q's for nutrition, and advise against breeding.

but i often e mail q's to people in my contacts that would be better able to answer alot of the q's.

Answer 22

I generally stick to the topics pertaining to Obedience, Breeds, Training, Aggression, Medical Information, Rescues, Shelters, Behavioral Training & Issues, so on and so forth.



I have 11 years in training and obedience background, 6 years on aggression & behavioral training and overcoming problems, 6 years on rescue work, 8 years on shelter work. And of course the many many many years from my personal pets.

Answer 23

Looking after a dog.



Some dog breeds more than others.



Dogs history



behavouir

Answer 24

I personally can provide info to questions about breed type, grooming issues, some medical stuff but not much, and a lot of behavioral things.



Why do you ask?

Answer 25

Dog owner 30 years

Showing 27 years.

Training 26 years

Grooming 21 years

Breeding 16 years



I think I know a little bit about dogs.....

Answer 26

35 years of hands on ...



Pitt, Rott, Sheppard mix, Lab, now OEB... I know plenty on

... seperation anxiety, tempermental dog behavior, eating habits (i.e. furniture, pillows, shoes,...), sicknesses, manipulative dogs, on down to pregnancy, whelping, puppies health...



Currently own two OEB dogs, and have sucessfully done my first AI with positive results of 7 healthy large babies. What makes you ask??

Answer 27

I can tell you, by the picture you show in your avatar, that the Rottweiler you have is the most intelligent and brave dog there is. Enjoy it!

Answer 28

I'm good at the "What should I name my dog?" topics...



Australian Shepherds or Border Collies, agility training, flyball training, basic obedience ideas (no one answer is always right), ideas to keep your dog busy and entertained... And pretty much anything else that's common sense.



Oh yars, and I'm a vet. (hee hee hee)

Answer 29

i have a lot of dog experience. and being around them you kind of get a vibe as to how they work and their feelings. (= i don't know how this question is relevant but that's my answer

Answer 30

Pugs.



I'm no expert on training, food, agression, medical(other than the obvious) ect...

I stick to what I know.

Answer 31

I am good at dog food and "what breed suits me?" questions.

Answer 32

I'm able to train dogs.