[Dave Combs]

I haven't been on here much in many years, most of that due to the clicks and attitudes and bashing that developed in certain circles. I miss reading some good discussions in here, but it wasn't worth the counter productive and often rude banter that occurred when people disagreed. The dog game environment is one of needed thick skin, but it shouldn't be hurtful or a popularity contest.

I've been creeping here and there since Chris Atkinson called me a few months ago and we caught up about the old days. Chris judged the first NAHRA test I ever ran, and it was great to speak to him! Made me think of the evolution of this forum and the great info it produced for new and old alike, but it also made me think of the attitudes people had based on what organization they were a part of and the pedigree of their dog. (generalizing there were a lot more reasons for attitudes)

I know i have 2 strikes against me going in LOL.... I run NAHRA and I have UK bred dogs. (meant to be a joke)

I suppose I'm looking to test the waters and see if things have changed, really hoping they have....

 

[EdA]

I haven't been on here much in many years, most of that due to the clicks and attitudes and bashing that developed in certain circles. I miss reading some good discussions in here, but it wasn't worth the counter productive and often rude banter that occurred when people disagreed. The dog game environment is one of needed thick skin, but it shouldn't be hurtful or a popularity contest.

I've been creeping here and there since Chris Atkinson called me a few months ago and we caught up about the old days. Chris judged the first NAHRA test I ever ran, and it was great to speak to him! Made me think of the evolution of this forum and the great info it produced for new and old alike, but it also made me think of the attitudes people had based on what organization they were a part of and the pedigree of their dog. (generalizing there were a lot more reasons for attitudes)

I know i have 2 strikes against me going in LOL.... I run NAHRA and I have UK bred dogs. (meant to be a joke)

I suppose I'm looking to test the waters and see if things have changed, really hoping they have....

It has changed to become a predominantly hunt test and rookie crowd. Very few veterans and few field trial people remain but people are people and combativeness is still alive and well. Civility isn’t dead but it is chronically ill.

 

[Keith Stroyan]

Nice to see you back, even if your dog is a funny color ;-). Nothing stays the same, but you can still find a few peanuts.

 

[drunkenpoacher]

There are some very knowledgeable people here, many of them don't post much. I have received interesting and helpful PM's from some of them.
A noisy few like to parse every post to find something to argue, take offense to or simply have a fit about. My posts rarely disappoint them.

 

[ErinsEdge]

Agree with Dr Ed. Rookie crowd hasn't done much but they like to think they have, and will be happy to answer questions and google them if they have to, thinking they are impressing others.

 

[Bryan Parks]

There is also the "Experienced" crowd who think their opinion is the only one that matters. They are stuck in their ways and closed minded to anything contrary to their own way of doing things.

They believe that unless you've put a FC on a dog you should stay out of the way and shut your mouth.

It is a pretty sad way to be and detrimental to new people wanting to come here and just talk dogs because they have passion for it.

Every "rookie" I've seen post here seem to be humble and willing to learn. They may offer up an opinion or even advise at times. If its wrong let them know but if it's valid why tell them to be quiet?

 

[crackerd]

... suppose I'm looking to test the waters and see if things have changed, really hoping they have....

Sure has changed for me since we last trained/communicated - all Labs now and even got a black dog in the queue.

Of course, I could have 1,000 of 'em - black, yellow and chocolate - and probably never run across a Lab as striking and structurally sound as your Tucker.

All best, Dave, and please give the good burghers at Ameriland a rousing "Cheers!" from their old Sussex bloke next time you're through there,

MG

 

[rboudet]

There is also the "Experienced" crowd who think their opinion is the only one that matters. They are stuck in their ways and closed minded to anything contrary to their own way of doing things.

They believe that unless you've put a FC on a dog you should stay out of the way and shut your mouth.

It is a pretty sad way to be and detrimental to new people wanting to come here and just talk dogs because they have passion for it.

Every "rookie" I've seen post here seem to be humble and willing to learn. They may offer up an opinion or even advise at times. If its wrong let them know but if it's valid why tell them to be quiet?

Humble, willing to learn? Yea some but most these days come on here ask a question and if its not what they want to hear they get very defensive. And give me the "Experienced" crowd any day over the new trainer that thinks he/she has reinvented the wheel.

 

[Bryan Parks]

There is also the "Experienced" crowd who think their opinion is the only one that matters. They are stuck in their ways and closed minded to anything contrary to their own way of doing things.

They believe that unless you've put a FC on a dog you should stay out of the way and shut your mouth.

It is a pretty sad way to be and detrimental to new people wanting to come here and just talk dogs because they have passion for it.

Every "rookie" I've seen post here seem to be humble and willing to learn. They may offer up an opinion or even advise at times. If its wrong let them know but if it's valid why tell them to be quiet?

Humble, willing to learn? Yea some but most these days come on here ask a question and if its not what they want to hear they get very defensive. And give me the "Experienced" crowd any day over the new trainer that thinks he/she has reinvented the wheel.

No doubt, I don't defend those with thin skin just looking for a pat on the back.

I'm not talking about them. There are definitely some of those but I feel the majority are the ones who just want to learn.

Hard to quantify really which is more prevalent.

I've seen newbies get butt hurt at HTs when they fail. Recently saw a guy get fighting mad because a judge suggested he attend a handlers seminar.

I've been on the failing side myself but my reaction has always been to get out and train harder. I've never been one to place blame.

I just get tired of this mentality that unless you've achieved a certain level in competition you have no right to offer advice or give an opinion.

This is a free, open, dog training internet forum.

 

[Ted Shih]

I don't find generalizations very useful. Find a thread where "experienced" people picked on a newbie and we can look at it.

Is everyone entitled to an opinion? Sure
Does each opinion have equal merit? Doubtful

Ted

 

[@wk2hntducks]

I enjoy the advise given here, I am a rook and I know it and also know the reputations some of you guys have earned in the FT world over lots of years and everyone I have contacted except 1 has been over the top helpful. I might never have a AFC but I can at least end up with a nice dog that could fetch up 3000-4000 ducks and geese for me that I love to play the game with. I loved were I read last week that in this sport 95 out of 100 will lose every weekend and should be prepared to do so.

 

[lennie]

Hi Dave, kind of glad to see a NAHRA friend post here. With the exception of our mutual friends "The Snows" and Keith, no one barely mentions the world of North American Hunting Retriever club here ! I think if more NAHRA members participated here, you might get more participants for your venue. Unfortunately the NAHRA forum only let's in NAHRA members...??? Anyway, there are a lot of rookies who are training hunting dogs here, I've always felt that NAHRA was MADE for Hunting Dogs, not just Hunt testing.... I don't have much contact with the world of hunt tests anymore, but I still come here to learn about "dog" stuff, canine medicine and sympathize with those who lose their best friends!
Though I miss the days that Chris A and Dan K (aka Polock) judged your tests at Leatherstocking!! And we all joked about it on this forum!! But lots of things change.....

Earlene

 

[Steve Thornton]

I'm relatively new to the dog games and training retrievers. I've been on the forum for about five years now and know that I have a lot to learn about training retrievers. I try to post only when I have a question or when I can answer someone based upon my experience and I try to post what my experience was not it's the best answer or the only answer. I have been offended by some of the attitudes of some of the folks on here. Lately a condescending attitude toward folks who run hunt tests. I think if I had started out running only field trials I would have quit and stuck to just hunting. I as an amatuer who works, I don't think I can compete with the pros and professionally trained dogs who run field trials. So I run hunt tests. I belong to 3 clubs now and try to work as many events as I can, tests and trials. One summer I worked in 12 events and ran in 8, AKC and NAHARA. I have been rethinking any support for trials. But that probably would be unfair as most of the FT people I have met are very good people.

There is good info on here but you have to hunt for it. The search feature really helps. There is also a lot of clutter. I do hesitate to post and many times have hit cancel. Almost did on this one.

My humble .02
Steve

 

[Hunt'EmUp]

Actually IMO the RTF has gotten rather mild compared to what is was . Most seem to have gotten pretty PC, the argument threads of yester-years are only in the archives. So I guess it's gotten more welcoming, seems to be less substance thread wise but every once in awhile they'll be a good discussion. Hardly ever get a controversial thread these days and no be the peanut references, although I believe I did see that in one thread recently . Perhaps most of the truly venomous ones have been banned, where as others have just gotten tired, only so many items about dogs to re-hatch after all. In any case WELCOME BACK

 

[Irishwhistler]

With all the recently proposed legislation that is contrary to the running of sporting dogs, I think it best if we make efforts to remain collectively together rather than divided. To succumb to the latter mentality will eventually see us play right into the hands of the anti's and they would love to see us fold our tents.

Mike ☘🇮🇪🇺🇸

 

[Steve Shaver]

I haven't been on here much in many years, most of that due to the clicks and attitudes and bashing that developed in certain circles. I miss reading some good discussions in here, but it wasn't worth the counter productive and often rude banter that occurred when people disagreed. The dog game environment is one of needed thick skin, but it shouldn't be hurtful or a popularity contest.

I've been creeping here and there since Chris Atkinson called me a few months ago and we caught up about the old days. Chris judged the first NAHRA test I ever ran, and it was great to speak to him! Made me think of the evolution of this forum and the great info it produced for new and old alike, but it also made me think of the attitudes people had based on what organization they were a part of and the pedigree of their dog. (generalizing there were a lot more reasons for attitudes)

I know i have 2 strikes against me going in LOL.... I run NAHRA and I have UK bred dogs. (meant to be a joke)

I suppose I'm looking to test the waters and see if things have changed, really hoping they have....

So did the replies to this post answer your question?
Humans, too bad the dogs cant respond to some of these threads. We could REALLY learn something from them. Well unless they were Chessies, goldens, yellow, female or chocolate dogs or in other words anything but a black male Labrador owned by me.;-):razz:

 

[drunkenpoacher]

We could REALLY learn something from them. Well unless they were Chessies, goldens, yellow, female or chocolate dogs or in other words anything but a black male Labrador owned by me.;-):razz:

I'm with you on Chessie, yellow, chocolate and female. You forgot to mention Flatcoats which is understandable.
I am however deeply hurt by your offensive, rude and unwarranted attack on Goldens. I'd go hide in my safe space if I had one and wasn't heading to a field trial today.

 

[Tim Carrion]

..... too bad the dogs cant respond to some of these threads. We could REALLY learn something from them. Well unless they were Chessies:

Yes, CBRs have a bad habit of talking over the heads of the others. They try to dumb it down but it is hard for them.

Tim

 

[Dave Combs]

Well it’s good to see some familiar names reply, and thanks for the kind words about Tuck MG!

I think one thing is apparent, and that’s given the opportunity some people will just voice their opinion whether it’s wanted or correct. Doesn’t matter the subject, but especially when it’s over social media and real face to face confrontation isn’t required.

I’ll stop in from time to time, test the waters here and there.

I will also say that some, not all but some people in this game like to make themselves out to be more than they are. Again probably true in many arenas, but seems to be a higher percentage in this neck of the woods. Whether it’s notoriety or financial or just ignorance, it doesn’t matter it’s going to happen.

I will say that I became a lot more successful training dogs when I spent more time with them instead of on the internet talking about them.

 

[Mark Sehon]

Good to hear from you, Dave