I think it can be hard sometimes to try and figure out when to say something and when not to, and what, exactly to say. Sometimes there are multiple options, each of which could be educating the owner, and we have to decide which one is the message we care more about. In my experience, the best way to start a conversation is almost always with a question.

I think that information absorption is direction proportional to the manner in which it’s delivered. I can’t always claim to be the best teacher of humans, but I do know what I don’t like to hear ,and how I don’t like to hear it!

I never had a dog at all growing up, so I pretty literally had no preconceived notions as to how I should be keeping Elka. I mean, of course she would be in the house. Maybe in the backyard once in awhile? Of course she would be allowed on the furniture. Etc.

I love your new list of questions.

But I also work very hard not to judge. It’s not easy, especially if I see someone doing something I know to be potentially harmful, but we all have to start somewhere. No one is born knowing how dogs should be raised or trained.
For that reason I completely agree that shelters and rescues should make an effort to be more open, even if a potential adopter says something they think is dumb. They are in a very unique position where if they make the time to educate, they can make a difference. People see them as experts and will listen to their advice. It’s too bad that rescue didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt you deserved.

I do try to educate on my blog with respect to hunting and retrievers who were bred for a purpose. I welcome all types of comments and questions on the subject. I realize that people may not agree with “hunting”. That is OK, but I like to share the purpose of retrievers.

Thanks