Started by Jeffrey Morales4 · · 👁 8 views · 43 replies
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?
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?
brisknomad6 said: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: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?
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.
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.
rustydrifter10 said:Sure, it is, but you can't overdo it, otherwise you cross the line into blatant advertising. There isn't a hard-and-fast rule—like a specific number of posts after which a recommendation turns into a promo—but that’s exactly why we have moderators to step in if they notice someone's entire focus seems to be circling around one thing. In your case, you mentioned that exact same hotel several times within a very short window (across all those recommendations you left there), and that can definitely be characterized as advertising, particularly if you've been bringing it up in other threads during the same timeframe too.
Mentioning a hotel is totally fine when it's relevant to the conversation, but you shouldn't do it too often or be too aggressive about it. Don't go looking for a precise number of how many times you're allowed to mention something because it doesn't exist; it mostly comes down to the moderator's intuition regarding when a topic has become "too much."
Telling the truth isn't slander, and using electric shock would indeed constitute abuse. Besides, it's against the rules here to glorify or encourage any activity that is illegal. I'm not intimately familiar with his specific methods, but I will look into it. I don't want this forum to be a place where anyone promoting such methods is given a platform.
brightpuma said:Honestly, I'm not sure how much of that "illegal activity" stuff applies to service dogs—you know, police and military K9s. From what I can tell, even in the post she linked, she mentioned they work exclusively with official service animals, and even then, only with the owner's permission.
Article 117.
5.9.5. centar za obuka vodič i dresura služben pas planirati
They basically design and run all the training courses for handlers and the actual K9 training for all sorts of different roles; they put together the lesson plans and educational programs, and even help write other training manuals and guides. They also look at how things are going and suggest ways to upgrade equipment and improve the skills of the officers—specifically the instructors who teach the handlers and the dogs. Plus, they work closely with other units within the Department, handle the procurement plans for getting new dogs for all the various Department branches, and figure out how to distribute them. On top of that, they provide expert support to local police departments and other units, guiding their work and running those yearly checks on how effective the handlers and their dogs actually are in the field. They check if the officers are up to snuff, help draft regulations within their scope, and map out the methodology and tactics for using the dogs. They also manage everything related to gear and tech usage, plus they handle international cooperation regarding handler training and K9 operations, along with any other stuff falling under their jurisdiction.
INTENSE TRAINING
To get them fully mission-ready, both the dog and the handler undergo six to eight months of training
The whole process—from sourcing and picking out the dogs to eventually "retiring" them—is all handled by a special committee set up at the centar za obuka vodič i dresura služben pas u Chicago. “That’s where they train the dogs and the police officers who want to step up as handlers, plus the dogs themselves. It usually takes about six to eight months of work, depending on what specific job the dog is being prepped for. As for their career length, a service dog typically works until they hit eight years old, though if you've got an extra special, healthy dog, they might stay on the job even longer,” says Željko Karl.
rustydrifter10 said:Sure, it is, but you can't overdo it, otherwise you cross the line into blatant advertising. There isn't a hard-and-fast rule—like a specific number of posts after which a recommendation turns into a promo—but that’s exactly why we have moderators to step in if they notice someone's entire focus seems to be circling around one thing. In your case, you mentioned that exact same hotel several times within a very short window (across all those recommendations you left there), and that can definitely be characterized as advertising, particularly if you've been bringing it up in other threads during the same timeframe too.
Mentioning a hotel is totally fine when it's relevant to the conversation, but you shouldn't do it too often or be too aggressive about it. Don't go looking for a precise number of how many times you're allowed to mention something because it doesn't exist; it mostly comes down to the moderator's intuition regarding when a topic has become "too much."
Telling the truth isn't slander, and using electric shock would indeed constitute abuse. Besides, it's against the rules here to glorify or encourage any activity that is illegal. I'm not intimately familiar with his specific methods, but I will look into it. I don't want this forum to be a place where anyone promoting such methods is given a platform.
Jeffrey Morales4 said:Just to clarify what I mentioned earlier, I guess there is a bit of a distinction between electricity and vibration collars, as they aren't quite the same thing. The specific techniques used for working with service dogs are actually approved by HKS. It's worth noting that police and military units haven't been doing their own training from scratch for years now, so that's just my two cents on the matter.
Thanks so much, Ryan Cooper4, for the kind words of support 🙂 I truly adore all animals, especially dogs, and I certainly would never entrust one to anyone I didn't trust completely, so I think we're definitely on the same page here 🙂
bluerider2 said:Forgive me, but then how do you explain this—if you'll please look down toward the bottom, there are even more links provided.
Jeffrey Morales4 said:I actually requested that we stop debating the fine line between different training methods and what qualifies as animal cruelty here, because there is already a dedicated thread on KLj for all of that
My only real question is why brisknomad6 feels entitled to throw around such harsh labels like that. I honestly wonder why this forum allows such an aggressive tone toward other members. Why wasn't her post removed? It seems like certain activities get attacked by moderators just because they don't align with their personal philosophies, while everything else is being promoted—almost aggressively and quite shamelessly—simply because it happens to suit the moderators' own views.
I would really appreciate some answers on this as soon as possible.
Thanks
Jeffrey Morales4 said:It isn't just that forum members are promoting things; it seems like certain individuals are out there essentially running their own personal ad campaigns, even though none of the moderators ever suggested they should direct their efforts toward the official forum marketing, which is exactly what they told me to do. Here is a little look at what I mean:
for the first time
the second time
the third time
I suppose there might be even earlier instances of this happening, but I haven't gone looking for them, though I have certainly noticed it quite often over time.
Edit: rustydrifter10, you mentioned to me once that I was posting about a specific Hilton a bit too frequently. I don't really see it that way, especially since there aren't actually any rules specifying how many times a particular topic can be brought up. It makes me wonder—isn't this also considered being a bit much??
So, in these specific examples, we have an individual directly advertising their own business, and yet, not a single moderator has stepped in to say anything. In fact, it almost looks like they've actually supported these kinds of posts instead of telling the person to reach out to the forum's marketing department.
If, say, ten different people had jumped in and said, 'Hey, we all took that animal stress management course with Igor, it was absolutely fantastic, here is the price, and this is what they cover,' I probably wouldn't have a single thing to say, because we are all just here to share our personal experiences and impressions, much like I did when I shared my experience regarding the Hilton where my dog stayed. And yet, somehow, I was the one silenced, as if the moderators felt they had the right to label people as abusers without any real basis to do so, while letting everyone else slide.
I guess I just wonder... why?
David Foster80 said: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 🤦
Then what? How exactly is a vibration collar supposed to work?
🤣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.