Follow up question? How much experience with dogs do you need to answer questions on Y/A?

I've been around all sorts of creatures all my life. I grew up in the country for the most part, on a farm. I've seen life and I've seen death. I've helped birth a litter of pups- some stray-pregnant- someone dumped out in the country. It happens all the time out here. One pup became stuck- the last one. I had the smallest hand..so yeah. The vet talked me through it over the phone- scary thing knowing if I didn't do it right..the pup and or the mother could die. Luckily that didn't happen!

I'm not a vet. I know about things that I've experienced but I always say take him/her to the vet. I'm pretty sure everyone know the signs of parvo and puppy distemper but there are others that some are not as aware of as more dog people are.

Most if it, I agree, do require common sense. Ever since I was a little girl, I read about all the dog breeds and common diseases. When I was about 10, I checked out a veterinarian book to learn about more- I remember some of it- but I'm not a vet. I don't claim to be. I'm going to go to school to be a veterinarian technician.

My husband and I watch discovery channel, animal planet and other science shows. We learn a lot by just that. I'm a reader..so I read. I also learn with my personal experiences. I don't have no experience in breeding- though I do know general information about breeding informations- I'm not an expert though. I didn't learn about OFA/CERF until I was 14-15. I've learned so much since then. I used to believe that "mutts are healthier". I was about 12 when I found out different. Apparently that is a very common belief. If that was the case then why did the great canine geneticist Dr. George Padgett discovered over a hundred hereditary health issues in crossbred dogs.

Some don't connect the fact that if you crossbreed two breeds with similar health concerns..you are more then likely going to have a genetic problem later on. The only way "mutts" could be truly healthier would be the true mutts- not designer bred. The ones you have no idea what is in them and you can only guess to what the breed parentage and breed history is.The more in the background the less likely something genetic will pop up- it still can happen though.

So that is where my answer/saying "its all about genetics" come from.

I think a lot of the time all you need is common sense.

"My dog has got run over and his leg is hanging off, what do I do?" Duh, vet. A 5 year old could tell you that.

I have no professional dog experience, but I use my intiative to look things up and research things myself. Many dog owners seem to lack the ability to form an intelligent opinion themselves and will just bleat whatever half-truths they have had knocked into their ineducated brains by other ignorant owners.

I reckon I know more about responsible dog breeding than all of the back yard breeders on Y!A put together, and that is coming from someone who has only had a dog for a little over a year. I at least how NOT to breed, even if I am years away from being able to do it reputably myself (not that that is a solid plan of mine).

Obviously there are many questions I do not feel qualified to answer and I tend to not contribute to those as I know I'll just look like an idiot. I might star them if I think it's interesting, but that's as far as it goes. Hopefully I can learn from some of the answers to the questions.

But for an average dog owner, I think I'm pretty "with it". I can certainly hold my own a good few of the topics discussed on here - and the ones I can't, I'll stay away from until I feel comfortable giving a valid view.

You know something, I like the mix of different people on here. I like that there are regular owners, expert trainers, experienced breeders, dog lovers in general, breed "experts", etc. I think without all those different people it wouldn't be the same.

I don't think there is a really a certain level of experience "required" but I believe certain questions require a more experienced answer to be the most helpful & to the point.

But I have seen amazing answers for average joe users, not always the ones with years of experience under their belts. The mixture helps give points of view & different techniques & experiences.

Some questions don't really have a "right" answer either & in that sense expertise doesn't play as much of a role.

I personally tend to enjoy answers from people I can relate to more, but that doesn't mean I value them above others. However if I needed an answer to a question on something specific that really needs the input from someone with tons of experience I am glad to have them here as well.

With that being said, I wish there was a way to weed out those among us who give potentially harmful information to people which can jeopardize the lives of the dogs in question.

Otherwise I can just laugh at idiocy.

As for the common sense... totally. For example, I don't know how it can ever be a question that an ill dog should go to a Vet. That really is & *should be* common sense. You also really shouldn't need years of breeding experience to know that you shouldn't try to breed your 6 month old dog who is in heat to your neighbor's Pomeranian. Again, that *should be* common sense. & anyone with a brain is going to tell them to shove it.

So no, I don't think that a certain level is required. But rather differing "levels" & experiences only add to The Dog Section Experience ;-)

& thank you for your awesome question!

I agree that most of the questions on here can easily be answered using google, and that it does get irritating when people decide to answer a question, but have no knowledge about the topic.

As for the knowledge about dogs, it depends on the question. If someone were to ask if something about their dog is normal (ie. extensive shedding) then I think that regular dog owners should be able to answer, and not just professional breeders or groomers. But when it comes to a lot of veterinary questions (ie. my dog has this weird lump, what is it?) I don't think that anyone without schooling in vet should answer. I don't think the person should even post the question, if you're truly worried about a strange lump, take it to your vet. Yahoo! Answers can't tell you if your dog has cancer or not

Well, since anyone can sign up for an account, you don't actually NEED any. All you need are fingers that can type.

I almost always enjoy reading the answers from other regulars. I don't always agree with them, but they're usually written in an articulate and logical way, so I can understand their point. I sometimes even research things that were inspired by an answer some person gave.

It's too bad common sense really isn't that common...

And Greekman, from now on, whenever someone posts a question about what to name their dog, I'm answering 'Shayverpuss'.

Must's to owning a dog: -Choose a breed that will fit your lifestyle -If you are purchasing a dog, do not purchase from a pet store, but a reputable breeder. -Make sure everyone in the household is in agreement and wants a dog. -Make sure you have enough time for the dog, and if not hire a friend to walk him while you are at work. -Make sure you can provide for the dog, be it money wise, health wise and attention wise. -And the most important train and socialize your dog. -Always be consistent. NEVER: - Hit or abuse your dog. -Leave your dog tied while unattended. -Leave your dog around children unattended. -Encourage bad behavior. A dog should be treated as a part of the family, they are loyal and loving and need that love in return. Do not take advantage of their kind disposition. And remember they are pets and they are not disposable. When you are getting a dog you are making a 10-15 year commitment.

Literally? NONE.

You must be 13 years of age to get an account on the site...and that's it. There is no test, no way to assure that anyone really knows anything about the topic they are answering on. People ask questions, people get answers based on the opinions, thoughts, ideas, and even experience of others. It's a fun, potentially helpful site.

But you cannot rely 100% on the words of others when you ask a question, you must always do your own research. There is no requirement to answer here, which means you get all sorts of answers (rather "jumping off points"). You must then move on, do your own research, and come to your own conclusions.

*Morally, I think you should at least have some clue before answering a question, but not everyone feels that way. I also think you should try to be helpful, but again, not everyone feels that way.

Anybody can answer some of the questions that are asked here, so, I guess it depends what the question actually is. I don't think you have to have any experience or even own a dog to answer "what should I name my new puppy?" You could be 3 years old to answer that one. (of course the average 3 year old doesn't know how to type...lol) So........it all depends on what the question is. For an example: Someone could ask about a non serious/emergency medical question such as personal experience with a medication such as Rimadyl or Proin, and people who do have experience should answer it and give their experience. (not that it would be right for the questioner's dog) But yes, you are right that half of these questions ARE common sense, such as what do I do if my 15 lb. dog just swalled a rock the size of a small planet.

I would say that it totally depends on the question. I answer what I can with 55 years of owning different breeds and mutts. I spent a lot of time hanging out in the Veterinary college at CSU, for the 4 years I was there, I rode around with vets (equine) I've given injections, etc., again to horses, I volunteer at a veterinary hospital in my home town for a summer. I've dealt with all kinds of problems my dogs have had from owning an epileptic dog with too frequent seizures and that had his own "canine neurologist," to cutting the quick of a dog accidentally and dealing with that. However, having said all that, I am NOT a vet nor am I a substitute for a vet. If there is something bothering a dog owner, usually my suggestion is to call and ask the vet. I do have lots of common sense about most domesticated animals.

None. Sadly, you don't need any experience or expertise to answer questions here.

No. Watching a BYB be blasted by someone without experience doesn't irritate me - beyond the fact that it does have some AnimalRightista connotations to it.

What irritates me are DANGEROUS answers... and idiots who are instant experts. I'm also irritated by the point gamers whose top 10 position makes them appear more legitimate than they are.

(and I will admit - I'm petty enough to get miffed when someone calls a Samoyed puppy an Am. Eskimo --- it's just such an insult to the poor Sam)