you're the man. a very short, annoying man.

I think that my brain may explode from the nine thousand pieces of contradictory advice given to me by random strangers about how to train my dog. Oh my god, people! I have my own ideas, thank you!

I will say that most of them have been helpful and sweet, and lots of fellow dog-people have given me tips that have been useful ("Twist up a wet piece of washcloth and then freeze it. He can chew on it to help with the teething.")--on the other hand, you get stuff like the guy across the way who was all "Gee, he really challenges you, doesn't he?" Um, yes, dumbass, he's eight weeks old. Also? Not a productive way to engage me in conversation when my puppy is snarling and yanking at the hem of my jeans. I have enough problems right at that very second. Thanks.

Everything from sheer insanity ("When he's being bad, just flick him in the head." Aaigh! No!) to the most extreme form of weird which I got this morning, from a woman who I have to say was lovely and obviously very warm-hearted, but she spent five minutes telling me that puppy school was a waste of my time and money while relating that her dog broke her finger and ate razor blades while he was little. Um, you're seeing how these things don't add up to my taking your advice, yeah? Although apparently he's a therapy dog now, so what do I know? I know I'm keeping razor blades well out of Helo's reach. That's what I know.