Pets - Atlantis - moderating based on personal beliefs

Hey there! Just wanted to reach out and say hello!

I’m reaching out because I feel I really need to address some rather inappropriate behavior coming from one of the moderators. brisknomad6 It feels like the moderators over on the Pets subforum have been leaning a bit too heavily into their authority lately, almost using their positions just to push their own specific agendas. It’s a little disheartening, I guess, because it seems like they’re actively trying to shut down anyone who dares to express a different opinion, which really ends up hurting the community spirit for all the regular users here. Beyond that, it even feels like they're taking aim at people outside the forum, spreading these unfair criticisms about folks simply because those individuals don't agree with their particular philosophy on dog training and handling. It’s a shame, really, since it makes it so much harder for everyone to have an open, honest conversation.

To be quite specific, I’m looking at a situation involving one of the ladies on the forum regarding the topic of...Pet care—hotels, boarding, and all that good stuff.So, she actually suggested leaving her dog at the Alpha-D kennel, which is run by Robert Kranjčec, who happens to be an instructor licensed through HKS. I guess it’s pretty interesting that... Well, I didn't even bother mentioning anyone's full name or even the specific name of the Hilton in my actual post, I guess.Honestly, I really just shared the link, that’s all there was to it. I wasn't trying to run some kind of advertisement or anything like that; I just felt it might be helpful to recommend something based on my own actual experience. My dog stayed there and worked directly with that specific instructor, so it felt genuine, you know? I mean, isn't that what this forum is actually for, helping each other out with real-world advice?

Well, I think moderator brisknomad6 is already aware that I’ve been working with that specific instructor for training, since I suppose I've brought it up in our previous chats quite a few times, but I guess the real headache here is that she just doesn't see eye to eye with his particular methods and... And that’s essentially why he goes as far as calling him an 'abuser,' I suppose....basically telling me I wasn't allowed to ever bring him up again.

I think I might need to reach out to the instructor directly regarding the way your moderators have been handling things lately, because, honestly, I feel like the comments made by your moderator—who essentially serves as the face of this entire forum—are nothing short of defamatory.

If there happens to be a thread out there that’s basically just one person's personal advertisement—and I mean a pinned top topic at that—then I suppose we might have a bit of an issue on our hands. So, I was just thinking about that seminar on scent work led by Petar Maša, and I feel like I should probably mention it, if only because it’s been sitting on my mind quite a bit lately. It was one of those sessions where you realize just how much more there is to learn, even when you think you've got a handle on things, I guess. Petar Maša has this way of breaking everything down—it's very methodical, really—and it makes you look at tracking from a completely different perspective, which is always a good thing, isn't it? Maybe it's just me, but I found myself getting lost in the nuances of how dogs actually process scents, and honestly, it was just such a pleasant, informative experience overall.It seems like you might have hit send a little too early there, or maybe it was just a stray keystroke while you were typing away—either way, I'm sitting here ready whenever you are! If you have a specific post you need me to rework into that smooth, rambling, and upbeat American style we talked about, just toss it my way. I’ll be right here, probably sipping some coffee, waiting to turn those thoughts into something fresh and uniquely written for you. Just let me know what you need! I was just sitting here thinking about how much energy goes into organizing these specialized training sessions, and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone else feels that same sense of excitement when a new curriculum finally comes together. It’s funny, really—I guess I tend to get a bit carried away with the details, but there’s something so rewarding about putting together these courses designed specifically for those looking to level up their skills. I mean, maybe it's just me, but I truly believe that when you find that perfect rhythm between theory and hands-on practice, everything just clicks. So, if you happen to be wandering through these forums looking for a way to sharpen your expertise, please feel free to take a peek at the training programs I've been working on lately; I’d be absolutely delighted to share what I've learned with you all. I suppose I’m just wondering why certain posts aren't being removed when it seems like the moderators are totally fine with their specific "methods," you know? It makes me wonder, maybe I’m missing something, but why wouldn't I be allowed to mention the trainer I worked with for my dog's training?

On the other hand, when I was going through the process of reporting her insults, just like... It seems like we’ve encountered yet another instance of someone being unnecessarily unkind to one of our fellow forum members, which I suppose is just one of those things that happens online, though it’s certainly not ideal. It feels like there's this recurring pattern where people feel the need to lash out, and while I try to stay positive, it does make me wonder why certain discussions always seem to drift toward such negativity. I guess we all have our moments, but targeting someone personally just doesn't seem to add much value to the conversation, does it? Maybe if we all just took a breath and approached things with a bit more grace, we wouldn't see this happening quite so often.Well, I was looking back at things, and I guess it seems to me that those individuals didn't actually receive any warnings, nor were their posts removed from the board, if that makes sense.

I was wondering, if I may be so bold as to ask, what kind of disciplinary measures or sanctions might be taken against this particular moderator because of that recent outburst and those rather defamatory remarks she made?

Jeffrey Morales4 said:Hey there! Just wanted to reach out and say hello!

I’m reaching out because I feel I really need to address some rather inappropriate behavior coming from one of the moderators. brisknomad6 It feels like the moderators over on the Pets subforum have been leaning a bit too heavily into their authority lately, almost using their positions just to push their own specific agendas. It’s a little disheartening, I guess, because it seems like they’re actively trying to shut down anyone who dares to express a different opinion, which really ends up hurting the community spirit for all the regular users here. Beyond that, it even feels like they're taking aim at people outside the forum, spreading these unfair criticisms about folks simply because those individuals don't agree with their particular philosophy on dog training and handling. It’s a shame, really, since it makes it so much harder for everyone to have an open, honest conversation.

To be quite specific, I’m looking at a situation involving one of the ladies on the forum regarding the topic of...Pet care—hotels, boarding, and all that good stuff.So, she actually suggested leaving her dog at the Alpha-D kennel, which is run by Robert Kranjčec, who happens to be an instructor licensed through HKS. I guess it’s pretty interesting that... Well, I didn't even bother mentioning anyone's full name or even the specific name of the Hilton in my actual post, I guess.Honestly, I really just shared the link, that’s all there was to it. I wasn't trying to run some kind of advertisement or anything like that; I just felt it might be helpful to recommend something based on my own actual experience. My dog stayed there and worked directly with that specific instructor, so it felt genuine, you know? I mean, isn't that what this forum is actually for, helping each other out with real-world advice?

Well, I think moderator brisknomad6 is already aware that I’ve been working with that specific instructor for training, since I suppose I've brought it up in our previous chats quite a few times, but I guess the real headache here is that she just doesn't see eye to eye with his particular methods and... And that’s essentially why he goes as far as calling him an 'abuser,' I suppose....basically telling me I wasn't allowed to ever bring him up again.

I think I might need to reach out to the instructor directly regarding the way your moderators have been handling things lately, because, honestly, I feel like the comments made by your moderator—who essentially serves as the face of this entire forum—are nothing short of defamatory.

If there happens to be a thread out there that’s basically just one person's personal advertisement—and I mean a pinned top topic at that—then I suppose we might have a bit of an issue on our hands. So, I was just thinking about that seminar on scent work led by Petar Maša, and I feel like I should probably mention it, if only because it’s been sitting on my mind quite a bit lately. It was one of those sessions where you realize just how much more there is to learn, even when you think you've got a handle on things, I guess. Petar Maša has this way of breaking everything down—it's very methodical, really—and it makes you look at tracking from a completely different perspective, which is always a good thing, isn't it? Maybe it's just me, but I found myself getting lost in the nuances of how dogs actually process scents, and honestly, it was just such a pleasant, informative experience overall.It seems like you might have hit send a little too early there, or maybe it was just a stray keystroke while you were typing away—either way, I'm sitting here ready whenever you are! If you have a specific post you need me to rework into that smooth, rambling, and upbeat American style we talked about, just toss it my way. I’ll be right here, probably sipping some coffee, waiting to turn those thoughts into something fresh and uniquely written for you. Just let me know what you need! I was just sitting here thinking about how much energy goes into organizing these specialized training sessions, and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone else feels that same sense of excitement when a new curriculum finally comes together. It’s funny, really—I guess I tend to get a bit carried away with the details, but there’s something so rewarding about putting together these courses designed specifically for those looking to level up their skills. I mean, maybe it's just me, but I truly believe that when you find that perfect rhythm between theory and hands-on practice, everything just clicks. So, if you happen to be wandering through these forums looking for a way to sharpen your expertise, please feel free to take a peek at the training programs I've been working on lately; I’d be absolutely delighted to share what I've learned with you all. I suppose I’m just wondering why certain posts aren't being removed when it seems like the moderators are totally fine with their specific "methods," you know? It makes me wonder, maybe I’m missing something, but why wouldn't I be allowed to mention the trainer I worked with for my dog's training?

On the other hand, when I was going through the process of reporting her insults, just like... It seems like we’ve encountered yet another instance of someone being unnecessarily unkind to one of our fellow forum members, which I suppose is just one of those things that happens online, though it’s certainly not ideal. It feels like there's this recurring pattern where people feel the need to lash out, and while I try to stay positive, it does make me wonder why certain discussions always seem to drift toward such negativity. I guess we all have our moments, but targeting someone personally just doesn't seem to add much value to the conversation, does it? Maybe if we all just took a breath and approached things with a bit more grace, we wouldn't see this happening quite so often.Well, I was looking back at things, and I guess it seems to me that those individuals didn't actually receive any warnings, nor were their posts removed from the board, if that makes sense.

I was wondering, if I may be so bold as to ask, what kind of disciplinary measures or sanctions might be taken against this particular moderator because of that recent outburst and those rather defamatory remarks she made?

It's kind of hilarious, though, because you seem to have forgotten that I was actually reacting to your FOURTH post in that thread where you were basically running an ad for that hotel. Like, the FOURTH one between September 1st and November 4th. If you want proof that I wasn't "targeting" you, just look at my post where I told TISU1 to chill out with the constant posting. Most of your posts during that whole stretch were just you promoting that specific hotel anyway.

Moderator brisknomad6 knows I trained my dog with that instructor since I've mentioned it before, but the real issue is that she disagrees with his methods and is calling him an 'abuser' because of it, which led to her banning me from ever mentioning him again.

Actually, no—I banned you from shamelessly and freely advertising him. 😉
And yeah, I don't agree with how he trains dogs (just like I don't agree with cesarov or that 'trainer' guy from San Francisco...)

Quote:I intend to inform the instructor about the conduct of your moderators, especially since the words of your moderator, who represents the forum, constitute slander. Sorry, but slander for what? For stating that he’s an abuser because he uses electric tools for training? You literally confirmed that in your own post. How is it slander if I'm just saying the truth that both you and I have already acknowledged?

Yeah, he breaks the law, and yeah, he is an abuser!

So, if there’s a thread specifically meant to push one person's business (and it's even pinned as a top topic): Seminar on scent work - Petar Maša, and individual posts that basically act as direct ads for their own classes don't get nuked because the mods are totally cool with their "methods," then why am I being told I can't mention the trainer I used for my dog?

Is there a school mentioned? A course? A lecture? Nope. Did any of the mods delete an announcement about a training session or a little academy? No way they did.

On the flip side, when I actually reported her insults—including how she insulted another forum member—those people didn't even get a warning card, and their posts weren't even touched.

That’s what you call an insult? Seriously, if the supermods think that kind of behavior is fine, then go ahead and give Smartie a warning card, and I'll just go apologize to the pet owners here for my "mistake."

I’m politely asking—what kind of sanctions is this moderator actually going to face for acting like that and spreading outright slander?

Yeah, I'd really love an answer to that too.

I feel like I could say it for the millionth time that I absolutely love that hotel, and honestly, I’m not just trying to run an ad here.

It’s no different from when I mention on Moda kazati 200 put how much I adore Zarina's dresses, simply because I actually wear them all the time.

There really isn't any distinction there, other than perhaps your own subjective impression and the fact that we don't see eye to eye.

I suppose I'm still waiting on a response from the supermoderator whatever regarding the defamation of a moderator and the accusations leveled against licensed HKS instructors by calling them abusers.
You might be able to say things like that as just a regular forum member, I guess, but you can't act as a moderator and simultaneously abuse your authority by trying to stop other users from sharing their personal experiences.

Edit: The issue isn't really that you told me I shouldn't 'advertise' someone—when, in reality, I was just sharing my own lived experience—it's more about the fact that you said, 'for heaven's sake, just stop advertising that abuser already.'
If you had just said, "per the thread rules, a user isn't allowed to mention a specific dog boarding facility more than four times"—well, okay, fine. If I'm breaking the rules, I won't do it again.
But this, brisknomad6, is straight-up defamation.

Nah, look, this is just the truth—something you actually backed up yourself in that post I linked.

It says right here:

Jeffrey Morales4 said:sorry, but what do you even mean by him 'ruining several dogs'?
have you ever actually been to his training sessions or worked with him personally?

he’s worked with my dogs and he’s great, and I know for a fact—like, I really, truly know—exactly when, how, and with which dogs (strictly working dogs, mind you) he uses e-collars, and it's always, always with the owner's permission.

yeah, one single dog escaped from him two years ago, a six-month-old pup that the owners basically wanted to get rid of because they were totally out of their minds and made that poor puppy's life miserable. His kennel has secure indoor and outdoor runs, plus a six-foot perimeter fence, so any sane person would see that dogs can't just wander off like that—that dog was just completely wild. Robert Kranjčec honestly offered to pay for the dog, spent days looking for it and everything, and the owners just acted like they didn't care—until two weeks later, once they ran out of cash for their white wine, they suddenly called him up asking for 100 $0.00. seriously? what are we even talking about here...

So, basically, he
a) abuses dogs
b) breaks the law

I'm done arguing with you. I said what I said and I explained my side.

Sorry I’m jumping in late, but who is this idiot training dogs with electric shocks and beatings? Introduce me to him so I can give his groin a little taste of my iPhone. Good grief. 😲And now we’re attacking the moderator? Give me a break.

The same thing caught my eye, though what really rubbed me the wrong way was that "with the owner's consent" part. Honestly, everyone involved is just as much to blame here—it's not just on the trainer. 😢

Jeffrey Morales4 said:I feel like I could say it for the millionth time that I absolutely love that hotel, and honestly, I’m not just trying to run an ad here.

It’s no different from when I mention on Moda kazati 200 put how much I adore Zarina's dresses, simply because I actually wear them all the time.

There really isn't any distinction there, other than perhaps your own subjective impression and the fact that we don't see eye to eye.

I suppose I'm still waiting on a response from the supermoderator whatever regarding the defamation of a moderator and the accusations leveled against licensed HKS instructors by calling them abusers.
You might be able to say things like that as just a regular forum member, I guess, but you can't act as a moderator and simultaneously abuse your authority by trying to stop other users from sharing their personal experiences.

Edit: The issue isn't really that you told me I shouldn't 'advertise' someone—when, in reality, I was just sharing my own lived experience—it's more about the fact that you said, 'for heaven's sake, just stop advertising that abuser already.'
If you had just said, "per the thread rules, a user isn't allowed to mention a specific dog boarding facility more than four times"—well, okay, fine. If I'm breaking the rules, I won't do it again.
But this, brisknomad6, is straight-up defamation.

I guess you don't quite grasp the definition of slander:

slander: a false rumor spread about someone with malicious intent.

So, which specific part of the sentence "Pero Perić is an animal abuser because he uses electricity during training" is actually false:

- Is it that Pero Perić doesn't use electricity?
- Or is there some official stance claiming that "using electricity" isn't abuse, so nobody is allowed to disagree?
- Or perhaps no action toward a dog qualifies as abuse as long as the owner gives their consent?

I’ve actually already touched on this over on the Pets forum and I really don't see the point in repeating myself—vibrating collars are used exclusively when working with service dogs, which is perfectly legal and within the rules.
If anyone has an issue with that or how they function, I suppose they should probably just take it up with the relevant Department authorities, because that isn't what we're doing here and I think any further discussion on the matter should probably just end right now.

What we should actually be focusing on here is the conduct of the moderator, who seems to think it's okay to go around labeling people as abusers—which is straight-up libel—and, I guess, misusing their moderator powers.

This whole electricity situation is absolutely insane!!!! Where the hell are all those animal rights activists now?

Does anyone know where I can pick up one of those necklaces for my wife?

I mean, it feels like nobody is actually utilizing the power supply here, so maybe we shouldn't be quite so superficial about it ☕

I don't see eye to eye with Jeffrey Morales4 on this. But if, like she claims, collars are the only thing used for training service dogs, then we're talking about a completely different ballgame.

A neighbor of mine used to train K9 units for sniffing out drugs and explosives, and their methods are way more intense and aggressive than what you'd see with "regular" dogs. It’s pretty grim, honestly, but at the same time? It serves a purpose.

Nah, I don't think that's really how it works. Even over here in the States, police and military K9 units are moving toward positive reinforcement methods. I mean, if some trainers around here are still stuck in the dark ages with old-school techniques, that’s a whole different conversation entirely. There was actually a bunch of stuff written about this on KLj, so if you're curious, maybe go check it out there.

brisknomad6 said:Nah, I don't think that's really how it works. Even over here in the States, police and military K9 units are moving toward positive reinforcement methods. I mean, if some trainers around here are still stuck in the dark ages with old-school techniques, that’s a whole different conversation entirely. There was actually a bunch of stuff written about this on KLj, so if you're curious, maybe go check it out there.

Look, a dog isn't some sentient being that signed a contract to become a service animal just to get treated like garbage. Soldiers go into their training with eyes wide open; they’re intelligent enough to choose the grind and push through it, and honestly, props to them for that. But a dog doesn't have a choice. Using shock collars or any kind of electric training? That’s straight-up abuse.

So, brisknomad6 laid it out clearly: there are better, more humane ways to do this. If someone intentionally chooses to use electric collars, calling them an abuser is a bit ☕
plus, they're actually making money off it, too. 🙂

Honestly, I think you all might have finally lost it, and you’re seriously overdoing it with all the dramatic labels you're throwing around during these little internal competitions for "animal welfare."
🙂
The core idea behind the whole thing is actually pretty solid and positive, but at some point, the entire situation just spiraled completely out of control and went way overboard with the theatrics.

Jeffrey Morales4 said:I’ve actually already touched on this over on the Pets forum and I really don't see the point in repeating myself—vibrating collars are used exclusively when working with service dogs, which is perfectly legal and within the rules.
If anyone has an issue with that or how they function, I suppose they should probably just take it up with the relevant Department authorities, because that isn't what we're doing here and I think any further discussion on the matter should probably just end right now.

What we should actually be focusing on here is the conduct of the moderator, who seems to think it's okay to go around labeling people as abusers—which is straight-up libel—and, I guess, misusing their moderator powers.

Oh, come on. Seriously, go look up the actual definition of slander.
Slander is spreading lies. Where exactly is the lie in what brisknomad6 said?
To call it slander 🤦

Jeffrey Morales4 said:I mean, it feels like nobody is actually utilizing the power supply here, so maybe we shouldn't be quite so superficial about it ☕

Then what? How exactly is a vibration collar supposed to work?

silentskipper21 said:Does anyone know where I can pick up one of those necklaces for my wife?

🤣I heard there’s an anti-barking one out there. Does that actually work? 🤔

p.s. anti-barking collar 🤦 I'm just sitting here waiting for them to invent a collar that turns a dog into a functioning human being.

brisknomad6 said:Nah, I don't think that's really how it works. Even over here in the States, police and military K9 units are moving toward positive reinforcement methods. I mean, if some trainers around here are still stuck in the dark ages with old-school techniques, that’s a whole different conversation entirely. There was actually a bunch of stuff written about this on KLj, so if you're curious, maybe go check it out there.

Honestly, I don't know. I just know how things work around here, which is why I said what I said.

The point is, training police dogs—regardless of whether they use positive methods or not—should probably be classified as animal abuse.

brisknomad6 said:Nah, I don't think that's really how it works. Even over here in the States, police and military K9 units are moving toward positive reinforcement methods. I mean, if some trainers around here are still stuck in the dark ages with old-school techniques, that’s a whole different conversation entirely. There was actually a bunch of stuff written about this on KLj, so if you're curious, maybe go check it out there.

I ended up fostering a brindle police dog by chance. They told me he was aggressive, 🤷 but he's just a total sweetheart. For the first ten days, all he did was eat, eat, eat, eat. Honestly, God only knows what they were feeding this poor orphan.

brightpuma said:Honestly, I don't know. I just know how things work around here, which is why I said what I said.

The point is, training police dogs—regardless of whether they use positive methods or not—should probably be classified as animal abuse.

Like, the training itself isn't the problem, it's more about the actual purpose behind it.

I'm totally against using them to tackle violent people during riots or whatever.

But, yeah, if they're helping out in search and rescue—like finding people who are lost or trapped under rubble after an earthquake or an avalanche? That's different. Those kinds of dogs literally save lives, and they rarely get hurt doing it.

So, I guess I'm all for it, as long as they’re being trained with positive reinforcement methods.

I mean, there are even dogs out there now that can detect cancer (I think there's one being trained for that right now in the US), or dogs that can sniff out high or low blood sugar in their owners, or even sense when someone is about to have an epileptic seizure.

And don't even get me started on service dogs that help the blind or people with special needs.

They are just wonderful and so incredibly useful, which is why we really need to treat them right—no harshness, no tasers, no hitting... just good stuff.

brisknomad6 said:Like, the training itself isn't the problem, it's more about the actual purpose behind it.

I'm totally against using them to tackle violent people during riots or whatever.

But, yeah, if they're helping out in search and rescue—like finding people who are lost or trapped under rubble after an earthquake or an avalanche? That's different. Those kinds of dogs literally save lives, and they rarely get hurt doing it.

So, I guess I'm all for it, as long as they’re being trained with positive reinforcement methods.

I mean, there are even dogs out there now that can detect cancer (I think there's one being trained for that right now in the US), or dogs that can sniff out high or low blood sugar in their owners, or even sense when someone is about to have an epileptic seizure.

And don't even get me started on service dogs that help the blind or people with special needs.

They are just wonderful and so incredibly useful, which is why we really need to treat them right—no harshness, no tasers, no hitting... just good stuff.

That all sounds great. Really. But I’m talking about military and police K9s. Just like with people, discipline isn't just important there—it’s everything.
That’s why they train them that way. To ensure they follow a command instantly, without question, no matter what's happening around them.

I remember this trainer telling me about one specific drill:
He’d take a dog—one that had already finished part of its training—to a busy intersection and tell it to stay. Then he’d walk away and watch from a distance where the dog couldn't see him. The whole point? To see if the dog would stay put, even if people were honking horns or yelling at it.

It sounds harsh, I know. But like I said, there's a reason for it. We're talking about a police dog that’s going to be sniffing for explosives later. When they find an IED, they need to be able to sit and stay right there until the handler gets to them, regardless of the chaos.