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.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jay, This is the first on-line site I have become so immersed in and I feel like I have made some true friends. We had a Doodle Cruise last year and 19 of us went and truly I felt as if I knew so many of the cruisers when I got there. It was like meeting up with old friends. I have tried to get my husband to join at least the Photography Group, and sometimes he says he might, but so far has not joined. I will say he loved the cruise and talks about how wonderful the people were that went and we had the absolute best time. In general, John loves our dogs, but I doubt he goes to work and gushes about them. I, on the other hand, love to talk about Fudge and Vern and don't mind being labeled a dog nut :) In my opinion, women are better sharers and more into communicating their feelings. I am sure this does not apply to all men.  We are glad you are here, Jay!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

There's no way my man would contribute to this site though he is a lurker and looks occasionally at the videos and photo's. I did overhear him talking to his male friends about Riley and Boris and how they are better looked after than he is. It was a macho style discussion but then I heard him add about how much he loves them and that they are like children ; )  Also the firemen I met a couple of days ago were gorgeous fellows and they all loved the boys and one of them asked if he could 'borrow' them as they were definitely 'babe magnets'. This is a very special place and I am looking forward later in the year to finally meeting people in person that I am already friends with on DK pretty much on a daily basis.  

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

First off, welcome to DK!  You are in love with your doodle, which will allow you to fit right in with all of us!  I think you are very insightful and bring up lots of valid points.  While I think men probably love doodles as much as women, I do think that some men will find them a little too curly, poodle, or whatever to be considered a "man's dog."  At least, that's what some of my "try to be macho" male family members tell me.  I personally think it's because guys don't tend to want to get a dog that requires grooming very much.  Many of the members on here groom their own doodles even.  I just don't see many men wanting to deal with that.  Which leads into another point.  I agree that probably the primary caregivers of many dogs is the woman - just like with children - but obviously men do a lot today, so I'm sure there are tons of exceptions to that.  After having said all of that, I think that the point about women being more expressive communicators is the primary reason that most DK members are women.  No matter what answer is correct - probably a combination of all of them - I am so glad you found DK.  It is a great place to share and brag about your doodle and to receive support when needed.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

My husband doesn't hang here as there are no sporting scores or things that he can "blow up", no troops to advance or castles to defend.  He doesn't talk about the dogs with his buddies because then he would have to admit I treat them better than I treat him.    I'm kidding, he just likes to tell his buddies that so he can make funny faces at me when they turn to give me looks of astonishment.  He does keep a stash of dog treats in his office and there is a huge dog bed on the floor that fits both of the dogs and the first thing he does when he gets home is to call the dogs and pet and love on them before he even says hello to me BUT.....they are "my dogs" which means he gets to spoil them but when it comes to feeding, grooming, vet visits, etc., those duties fall to me.

I think you guys have covered all the bases.  Guys aren't into sharing the way we are, that's a "girly" trait.  Here is a perfect example:  last week my husband told me his youngest son was breaking it off with his girlfriend of two years.  I asked why, he said "I don't know, I didn't ask."  YOU DIDN"T ASK????? 

[Sarah and Willow]

I was looking through some forums for gun dogs/bird dogs for an off topic reason. These forums were made up of mostly men, and they were all talking about their dogs, answering questions, and also offered support for hurt dogs and such. 

The sites were built around hunting, but there were topics ranging from recommended foods, training issues, breeders, and vet visits.

I suppose having the site rallied around a predominately male sport of hunting is some kind of loop hole to open communication ;)

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Wow.  So many great insights.  The wheels in my head are spinning.  Unfortunately I have to work right now, but I will definitely give a proper response as soon as I get the chance.  Have a great day everyone.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My DH thinks the whole concept of Doodlekisses and talking or reading for hours off and on during the day about doodles is just silly. He has asked often, " WHAT are you reading about on there?". On the other hand, I don't lurk on his forums about motorcycles or off road motorcycle trails either and I enjoy those things with him.
But if we were discussing a doodle who could ride a Harley, start a camp fire, shoot skeet with him, then maybe he'd lurk or contribute even.
But when an issue comes up that we have no experience with or need advice for, he is the first to say "what does it say on DK?" So go figure. I often quote what I've learned and tell him little stories about what's going on onDK every once in awhile. But just getting him to help me take a picture with me and the dogs in the coveted "I Love Intercourse Pa" T-shirt is definitely going to confirm to him just how silly we all are! Oh well, he doesn't know what he's missing.

[BG and Gavin]

LOL my husband says the same thing "what do the DK people say (about this or that)?"

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I'll tell John something someone posted about rehoming a dog and he always says, "uh oh, this won't be good." He likes to hear DK stories and actually is good at remembering who is who. He is also like Joanne's husband and never had a problem with getting a Doodle. He loves these dogs so much. The only thing he did not like was when I wanted to name Vern, Noodle. He said he wasn't standing outside yelling, "Here, Fudge. Here, Noodle." Vern is actually short for Vernors.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Noodle the Doodle.  lol

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I know....it would have been perfect :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You know we call Ned, Noodle, don't you?   We drew the line at Buck!  :-}