You know what a mansplainer is right? Well, let me introduce you to the dogsplainer. That is the person sometimes a stranger at the park, sometimes your own aunt who sees your dog doing something, anything, and suddenly they must tell you how to fix it. They'll say things like you just need to show him who's boss or my dog stopped jumping after I smacked him with a newspaper. You didn't ask, but here it is anyway.

Unsolicited training advice, usually outdated, based on myth and almost always based on what worked one time for my cousin's, neighbor's, dog. But here's the thing Most of that advice urban legend. Some of it is flat out harmful and even the stuff that sounds okay might completely contradict what you're currently working on with your trainer. So here's your permission slip. It's okay to smile, nod, say thanks and then ignore it completely, especially if you're already on a training plan. You don't owe anyone an explanation, because random tips from dog park strangers or your uncle, who had a German Shepherd in 1982, aren't necessarily helpful. Just like with parenting, everyone has an opinion, but that doesn't mean that their opinion is right for your situation. Opinion, but that doesn't mean that their opinion is right for your situation. So yeah, dog-splainers are everywhere. Be polite if you want to, but don't let their noise drown out your progress. You don't have to follow every bit of advice that someone gives you, especially when it's unsolicited. If you're working with a trainer or you have a plan, stick to it, smile, say thanks and move on.