[selzer]

Almost daily, on our walks, we walk past a husband or wife that live a few houses down the block. They walk a large mixed breed and we usually cross paths. As we walk by I always see their dog going crazy and the owners having a really tough time holding on. Last week the husband was sitting with the dog and actually wound up on his back as his dog was yanking to get to us. I always see them screaming, yanking, and one time hitting the dog in the chest. I don't really know the couple, but we have said hello numerous times and their son has pet my dog quite often prior to their new dog aquisition. I always wan't to give them some advice or a few quick tips on how to handle their dog, but I feel out of place. Do you guys think I should speak up? Would you offer pet handling advice to a stranger?

No. At least, not in this context. People do not generally take unsolicited advice very well.

If I am working with a puppy who is competing to be selected for the idolatrod, and someone tells me I should put a prong collar on the pup, well, I would not deck him, I would smile and nod and ignore the advice completely. When someone comes up to me and says, gee how do you get your dog to walk like that next you and to sit when you stop like that -- then I can give whatever advice I want and it will be taken in the best possible way.

Remember KISS. Keep it short and simple.

Well it takes some time and patience, the place to start is going to classes. Now my trainer is right in....

If you are nervous about his ability to manage his dog, the avoid his dog, walk the other way, cross the street when you see him. I would not tell him your fears. Look, he knows he has a problem if he is staring at the sky. You would be just adding salt to his wounds.

Complaining to him about how you are worried his dog will EAT yours, will likely just make him stop trying, and stop bringing the dog out.

Be a responsible owner to a good canine ambassador, and if the fellow wants help, he will ask you.

 

[selzer]

No, stupid is a bad word, I do not use that in any way that is in reference to people. At least I try not to. And "short" is actually the most important word in it, simple and stupid can be the same thing -- simple minded, stupid. The thing is to have an uncomplicated short answer ready in the event that they do ask you anything.

Whenever anyone says, "the best advice I ever got was" they always follow it with a short simple sentence: "take him to training classes." Trying to explain different training collars and devices, praise, positive reinforcment, compusion, fitting the collar, making a correction, digging in, changing direction and the whole nine yards will completely befuddle the person and probably make them feel as though it is hopeless. Best to have a simple statement ready and deliver it in such a way that it does not put you forward as superior.

Working with dogs is so much easier. They are all the happier if we take on airs and sound superior. With people, they will create the holier than thou attitude where it never existed.