Unsolicited Advice About Your Pet
Whether you’re walking your dog in the park or sharing an adorable photo on social media, chances are you’ve encountered unsolicited advice about your pet. While these comments often stem from good intentions, they can sometimes feel unnecessary, intrusive, or even hurtful. Today, I want to explore my experiences with unsolicited advice, share tips on handling these situations, and foster a conversation within our pet-loving community.
The Reality of Unsolicited Advice
As a dog owner who shares her life online, I’m no stranger to advice—both helpful and not-so-helpful. I’ve received incredible recommendations from the community, like switching to raised dishes for Willa or adjusting her diet to include steamed broccoli instead of raw. These tips have genuinely improved my care for her, and I’m grateful for the collective wisdom of experienced Vizsla owners. However, advice from strangers in everyday situations can be a different story.
Stories from the Field: My Experiences
The Leash Incident
When Willa was a puppy, I used a retractable leash during park outings to manage her boundless energy and work on her recall. One day, a stranger approached, complimented Willa on how cute she was, and then said, “That’s a vizsla you know, they need to run every single day.” While her statement wasn’t incorrect, it felt odd coming from someone who knew nothing about our routine. I smiled and politely moved on, but the encounter stuck with me.
The Treat Comment
During Willa’s early months, we followed our vet’s advice to limit new treats until she was fully vaccinated and adjusted to her kibble. One day, while on a walk, I declined a stranger’s offer to give her a treat. To my shock, the person responded by calling me a Nazi, she looked right at Willa and said “Your mom is a Nazi”. Though the situation was deeply upsetting, the same individual later apologized, which helped ease the sting of the encounter.
The Pet Store Critique
At 1.5 years old, Willa’s exuberance was on full display during a visit to a pet store in Florida. She was thrilled by the sights and smells but remained relatively well-behaved for her age and breed. As we checked out, a young employee told me, “Your dog needs training.” I explained that Willa was a puppy and in the process of learning, but the unnecessary comment left a sour note on an otherwise positive outing.
How to Handle Unsolicited Advice
When faced with unsolicited advice, it’s important to maintain composure and set boundaries. Here are some approaches to consider:
Politely Decline: Use responses like “Thank you, but I’ve got this,” or “Interesting, thanks for sharing.”
Set Boundaries: If someone persists, reiterate firmly, “I appreciate your input, but I’ve got it under control.”
Redirect or End the Interaction: A simple smile, nod, and walk away can work wonders with strangers.
Stay Calm: Remember, these comments often reflect the other person’s need to share rather than your ability as a pet owner.
Understanding Vizsla Training and Care
As a Vizsla owner, I’ve learned that raising this energetic and intelligent breed takes patience and dedication. Training a Vizsla is a two-year journey that requires consistency and creative problem-solving. Their boundless energy can make them challenging as puppies, but with time and effort, they grow into well-behaved, joyful companions. Unlike breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers who can be fully trained in 6 months and then become very low-key & low maintenance dogs, Vizslas need a lot more work, they thrive on continuous training and mental stimulation.
The Positive Side of Advice
Despite the challenges of unsolicited advice, I’m grateful for the thoughtful and constructive feedback I’ve received from this community. Many of you share tips, answer questions, and even defend Willa and me in the comments, creating a supportive environment that makes sharing our journey worthwhile.
Join the Conversation
My YouTube channel and this blog exist because of our shared love for dogs and the community we’ve built together. I’d love to hear your stories about unsolicited advice—whether you were on the giving or receiving end. Remember, it’s important not to take these comments too personally and to focus on what’s best for your pet.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue learning from each other and celebrating the joy our pets bring into our lives.