To all the dog section professors..?

I'm not sure if i have learned anything that i would be laughed at for thinking now... that would include most of the basics which i was pretty much away of before.

I guess i have learned just how many myths there are out there about dogs in general..

I have learned that when I have a problem dog that I need help with, I can always come here to other rescuers for encouragement and great training ideas. Launi has been a tremendous help to me in that regard.

I have met a number of people for whom I have a lot of respect. Chetco, Angelwolf 13, Truth Hurts, Aphrodite, Santa Basset, Walking Lady and Beth come to mind.

I have learned about different training tools (like a prong collar).

I have collected a number of good websites, and learned about several different dog lists. Admittedly, couple of the lists were pretty weird, but a couple have been very helpful. :o)

I have learned a lot about breeding (since I was never involved in breeding dogs).

I have learned that some people have a terrific sense of humor. Chzbrgr and Kips mom are among my favorites, although they dont seem to be around much any more.

I learned that shutzhund is a sport.

I have learned that some people would euthanize just about every dog I ever had, because they were not perfect from birth.

I have learned that some people apparently have nothing better to do than to hang out here, and insult children.

I wish I had learned here how irresponsible people are toward their pets. Unfortunately, I learned that in real life. :o)

Aww I'm not on the list :( Oh, well I am only 17..

I've learned quite a bit, but I do think I know a lot about dogs for my age, ike every person though, people do know a lot for their age no matter how old they are really. I was raised around them my whole life. I still have a dog from when I was 2 years old. I've always loved dogs, animals in general. I haven't been on here much, people tend to hate my answers just because they're straight up heh. I know and hear of two people from that list, and I'm in here every day.

Emilie & BYBs care for Money . Are who I mainly tend to see and pay attention to. I did learn a lot I guess you can say, I'm more 'in' dogs then I used to be. Like as soon as I started this I instantly loved everything in the dog section, minus the trolls of course. I tend to do more research upon them in my free time, etc, etc. I've learned more about the ..alerts you should take while getting the dog. And the nutrition, more facts and stories of dogs, just love it. I won't stop learning, and I still am everyday here.

I've also changed the display name around. Used to be K9Rescuer.

When i think back to this time last year, before i joined YA, it appauls me how much i didn't know about dogs. I always considered myself a dog lover but now i know that being a dog lover doesn't automatically mean you know dogs.

I had no idea of dog behaviour. I thought that milk was good for dogs, like it is for us humans. I thought that when a dogs hackles are up it meant they were protecting you, when it really meant they were scared. I've learnt that most if not all, average pet dogs will not protect you when in danger.

I see some of the things that Launi, Greekman, Dutch etc write and it amazes me how much they know. That's why i don't let the TD trolls in the dog section get to me, because if i leave now, i will stop learning; sure i can pick up a book but wheres the motivation? I see how much people know here and thats my motivation. If i leave and that motivation stops then me learning more about dogs will become less and less. As much as i love dogs and they interest me A LOT, i could pick a book about dogs and read it again and again but i need motivation; i'm not a reader. When i was younger, my motivation was puppies, i thought they were the cutest things on earth (they still are) so i wanted to learn more about them. As i grew i got a thing for farm animals, thats what put me onto the breed of the Border Collie (as well as my father). I need motivation to learn about anything, it's just the way i am.

^ i hope that made sense, LOL.

I'm only 15 & i know more than some people about dogs (not nesecarily on YA) but i still have much, much more to learn.

When i think about this section i think about Herbie & Fern, Abbie, Don't Litter Spay & Neuter, Launi, Chaos, BYBs care for money, Santa Basset, Greekman & Curtis. There are more but those are the ones that pop into my head first.

I have not been here that long and it does seem like a lifetime already. You named some of the greats there and I learn from them and others every single day.

When I came here I came hoping to help someone take better care of their dogs. I had just lost mine after a long battle with a terrible disease, and this was to be my therapy. I rescue and I have taken very good care of a lot of dogs. I have also trained and actually worked and was mentored under some of the best in my county. Now I know that does not reflect on my own ability, but I knew I had enough knowledge that I might actually be able to help someone.

One of the things I should have known but really did not know when I first came here was how much of a problem "pee pads" can create. In the last year, I had used them because I had a special needs dog and she just could not always make it to wake me up in the night. I had already given them up and gone to using something else, but coming here sort of made me realize why they were such a problem. I honestly believe those pee pads are scented to attract a dog because every dog in the house and the cats would use them. I was spending a fortune because I had one dog that needed some help. Ironically, she did not use the darn thing that often. The others did though. As soon as they would go down the males' legs would come up.

But even more than that, I have learned a lot about different foods and I really would like to try raw feeding. I did not know that corn could be a problem for dogs.

There is also a really nice lady here that you did not mention named DorothyS who has a storehouse of knowledge about dog foods and dog treatments for heart worms and fleas. She is into canine holistic and was kind enough to send me a lot of info that has really worked.

There are a lot of things I have learned from those people who are asking questions as well. I have learned to try and have patience with people as not everyone has had the benefit of the experiences I have had. I did not know there were so many people who had no clue what BYB or BSL is, and I love it when they ask.

Unfortunately, I have also learned that a lot of people say they really love their dog and their dog is a "family member." But when it comes time to take the dog for help from a vet, they will say they cannot do it because they do not have enough money. It makes me wonder what they would do if they were caring for an elderly parent and they fell and broke a hip. or if their child was injured and they had no insurance what would they do? One of the things that really bothers me is when a child comes on begging for help, knowing the dog needs to go to the vet, but the parents won't take it. I try and remember, now, when I am answering those questions that it might be a kid in this situation and too embarrassed to say. So I always try and give an answer that will actually help the dog.

I have learned there are a lot of caring and compassionate people and I have learned there are some that are the opposite. My belief system has changed drastically concerning the ownership of dogs since I have come to YA. I really believe that people should pass a basic competency test before they are allowed to care for a living creature.

I have met so many that I respect and that make me glad to be a small part of this little Yahoo world. All of the ones you named of course, as well as a few others I want to make sure get mentioned: AngelWolf13, Chetco, Life is Great, Miss Manners, Dave, Kelly, Bemese, John (x2), Launi. Memphis Belle, Julie, Julie D, Jenni, Jessie, Rachel, Animal Artwork, Kaper, Bells, and so many more. And let's not ever forget the three trainers on the board: Greek Man, Curtis and Dutch. I left out about a hundred probably. When I see these names, and those in your question, there are images that come to mind and they are all wonderful and sometimes actually help me to keep going when I am out trying to rescue an abused or an abandoned dog. Or when I am trying to juggle dogs around so AC does not have to euthanize one. Sometimes it feels over-whelming when it is obvious so many do not care. These names sometimes make it possible for me to keep going. I am not sure they know how much they give. I am very grateful for them all.

Great Q....I learned that NO, a 5 year moratorium on breeding is NOT an option for controlling the pet over-population problem.....How about 3 years....(still trying)...lol I have no experience with breeding anything, and as stated before, I had my own "happy accidental litter of kids"....lol....So, I learned all about the extremely complicated issues of correct and proper breeding methods! And, so much more!

I joined this site and instantly became attached to the wonderful, caring, and knowledgeable posters....All of them teach something, or offer "food for thought"......We rescue people tend to support each other in the quest for an answer. Since we all have had our foot in other dog arenas, each topic has experts, and non-experts to shake our collective heads at. But, that is the fun! This is a virtual "round table discussion" type of venue...

BethJ. BYBCares 4$, Launi, Kelly, Julie (3-4 of them), Aphrodite, Bells, Memphis Bells, Chetco, Dorothy S. Arizona, Greek, Dutch, Curtis, Life is Great, Emilie, Rachel, Corgi, Goldenly Addicted, Chaos, Dont Litter, John from Cat Section, Macy, TJ, Bloodhounds all the way, Lauren. Ms. Manners, Lauren, Jessie, Animal Artwork, Bernese, Dave and Geramy, Fionahbarr (sorry, spelling), Tess, Herbie, Calvin.....and ALL of my contacts that I am trying to remember ....(don't be mad if I forgot...too early for me).. and, well, actually everyone...even the meanies...(Yes, you make me cry).....as it would not be YA without ALL OF US!! Remember,,,AUGUST 13 - 15th, 2010.........I'll keep you posted.........ALL OF YOU ARE INVITED!!! AW13

If I come across a question that has already been answered by knowledgeable people, then I just leave it an move on. I don't see a reason for me to repeat what others have said. Yes I guess I do find myself TU's and TD's on repetitive questions like breeding, obvious vet questions and the like. For the record though, I only TD when I know the answer someone has given is blantantly wrong. I don't TD someone for giving their opinion. I value Chetco's answers, just as I do all the other regular contributors here who know what they are talking about..

Darn, I didn't make the list...but that's not what this is about. I still consider myself a newbie to YA but I've had so much experience with dogs in so many aspects...

I have learned that there are a lot of knowledgeable people out there that can type a whole lot faster than me!! hehe

I've also learned that there are a lot of stupid people, and just plain ignorant people who have no clue what to do and need our help.

There are questions asked that I don't dare answer, because I haven't got a clue what to say, or where to begin.

I love being part of the group and just try to help others.

You are so right. There are some really good people on this site.I have honestly learned a lot, but in the spirit of it being so late, let me tell you some things that I never dreamed I would learn:

1. I have learned that a dog can be healed when sick if the owner types a question in and adds...HELP....PLEEEEAZZZE... MY DOG IS SICK.

2. I have learned that some people do not serve tea in their teacups.

3. I have learned that a BYB will say anything (even if they contradict themselves in the same sentence) to prove they are right. And they really do enjoy showing off their skills (rofl).

4. I have learned that it really does take skills to walk a dog and keep him from running away.

5. I have learned that a mixed breed can be a pure bred if you call it a Labradoodleroo.

That's about it right now. My brain is on autopilot right now cause I just woke up. No coffee yet!

Wow... I am honored to be on the list! I always do my best to educate, and try to toss in a little humor when I can. I love the camaraderie here in the dog section. With very few exceptions, we are here because we love dogs. We may not always see eye to eye on everything but we are here for a common goal.

What have I learned? MUCH. I've learned more about the bully breeds than I can ever say. In researching my answers, I have learned just how bad the BYB/puppy mill problem is. Unfortunately, I have also learned things about human nature that I didn't want to know existed.

Merry Christmas to everyone!