Men and Women

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I have a feeling I might get teased for bringing this up, but I'm too curious to resist.  I found this site looking for factual information and have found so much more - including an opportunity to contribute in a way that might help others. Now I'm pretty much hooked.

It dawned on me a few days ago that the vast majority of people on here are women.  I did see a discussion group for men, but it didn't seem very popular or active.

Don't get me wrong - I'm definitely not one to complain about being surrounded by too many women.  I am curious as to why people think this might be the case, though.

Are doodles more popular with women?  I never noticed that to be true, although now that I think about it, my ex was the one who discovered the breed. 

Or maybe it's because many doodles are owned by couples, and the woman is the one primarily responsible for its care?

Or maybe it's just more in the nature of women to communicate about these things - in other words, the same reason women like to ask for directions when they are lost and men like to figure it out on their own?

I really don't know. I'm interested in hearing what other people think.

[F, Calla & Luca]

We have wondered about this before. Even my Photography Group is predominantly women. The conclusion drawn was that more women than men are involved in this sort of social media group although I was totally surprised that I became so involved in DK. Many of us feel we have made friendships through this site although few of us have met : )

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Thanks F.  Appreciate your perspective.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think that last point about women being natural communicators and not being afraid to ask for help and/or directions might have something to do with it. I definitely don't think it has to do with doodles, because it's the same on forums for other breeds, even Rottweilers and GSDs. Almost exclusively women, asking for advice, telling stories, sharing things about dogs. I did that before there was an internet. 

Do men talk to each other about their dogs when they get together in person? I've had men talk to me about their dogs, but I have a feeling they don't talk to other men about them. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with Karen and F.  My husband "lurks" on DK, but not daily.  He's more likely do take a quick look to see if there's anything particularly interesting to him, but he doesn't actually post (unless I'm not around, and then very rarely).  Part of that is because he doesn't really communicate unless he feels he has something "important" to say.  Our "fun" blogs and discussions...not something he's probably stop to read.  I think he's probably pretty typical...if it came to hanging our here on DK or watching a game...that would be a "no brainer" for him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I had a really interesting chat with the utility workers on the street yesterday. It started with talking about the utility work, I always have a lot of questions : ) Then he asked me about the paracord leashes I made for my dogs because he's trying braiding, which was advised for his arthritis. We got into Photoshop too. So men can talk when the topics interest them. But even though one of my friend's husband was my friend a million years ago, I see him on rare occasions and really his wife, one of my good friends, and I are the ones who talk on the phone.

[Kyoko]

My personal answer to the question....

1) My sons love our dogs to pieces, but do not think doodles and poodles are "manly" dogs. I guess breed like Doberman is more manly, and breed like Golden are "acceptable" as family dog. LOL. What do they know? Real man loves doodles!!

2) I ( female )enjoy friendships just as equally as informational exchange through DK. Funny, because I met only handful of members in real life. And even with that, just short period of time with romps. But, through various exchanges and reading of comments, I almost began to feel as I can say " Yes, I know so and so." I began to know some of their personalities, beliefs, and life styles, etc... Some people I can discuss about work( I am in public school system), and issues we faces as educators besides the dog matters or I can discuss about the hobbies, sharing techniques and new ideas. I also began to build admiration towards to some people for their commitment and expertise.  For me, DK is much more than the informational exchange and more of the friedship, I think. So, it may be a tendencies of women to enjoy communications and relationships through conversation.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I do so agree with the second part of your comment , Kyoko.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I think that women find communicating to be an enjoyable experience and that we build friendships based on listening to others and being there to support one another. Men typically build friendships based around doing things (golf, watching sports, playing poker). Men may talk while doing these things but that is usually secondary to the activity. With women, getting together to talk is often the focus and other activities occur secondary (dinner, drinking wine). Those are just generalizations though and I'm sure there are plenty of exceptions to that.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

What an interesting discussion you've started. I have wondered this myself but have always thought it was a combo of all of those things you have mentioned, mostly the last point. It would be nice to have some more balance though. I wonder how we can attract more male members to the site? Especially cute ones in their mid-30's that live in the eastern ontario region. I'm just sayin... I think they'd have a lot to contribute...

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Sherri, I was thinking.....cute, mid 40's, and live in the central Michigan area (insert bouncy smiley face) =;-}}}
Jay, very interesting discussion topic but I really don't have an answer except I don't know many men who are willing / able to express themselves as you do.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Cute, mid-thirties, athletic, good daddy.... lives in Southern California though he likes snow!

[Sally S Miles]

Good topic and I agree that women tend to have the gift of gab - - however, my own husband does discuss the whole dog/puppy thing with other men, or women co-workers. Mostly he passes along tips, exchanges tidbits - - but yessiree I am in charge of everything  mostly he just does what he's told.

How many men do the kid, household thing?  My man is just not wired to remember all the details, have to remind daily - so we are safer this way.       To me it all boils down to the same old residue - men don't like asking directions! I know - always exceptions, but the percentages are high.