FaceBook Makes Me Want to Scream Sometimes!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Since I have been on DK almost since DK became a website, I have watched many people (including myself) come aboard and be educated not only about all things Doodle, but Dog things in general.  I've often said that if it were not for DK, DH and I never would have survived two puppies, much less Liter mate puppies.  We have learned so much of what to do and what not to do.  We would probably be feeding Science Diet or IAMS as the last time we had a dog those were the go to foods.  I know we would never have gotten Pet Insurance and I'm not sure how we would ever have made it through a torn CCL surgery, much less Sophie's cancer and loosing Sophie without DK.  I know that we would never have AnnaBelle as it was only because of those here that I learned about her breeder and the wonderful puppies that result.  Yes, we have a lot of fun here, but we also learn and educate others.  With that said, I cannot tell you how many times lately I've just wanted to scream with the posts on FB on the various Doodle pages.  Sometimes it feels to me like we have lost the battle.  I get so frustrated when a question gets asked and 50 people jump in and say "I feed Purina and my dog is wonderful"  or "look how cute she is stealing socks by the dozens".    FB is a great social site and I love it for keeping up with our military friends all over the world, but as a teaching tool it, suc$s!  It is too hard to have a discussion educating people when they make these posts when there are so many people handing out bad advice.  5.5 years ago I would not have known how much of it is bad advice, but I feel like 5.5 years and three doodles, and DoodleKisses have given me a little bit of knowledge and I can see how bad the advice is.  The people don't have bad intentions, and they are trying to help, but ugh, it makes me crazy!  

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Absolutely true!  I can't read the posts anymore if it has anything to do with health, diet or even training.  I just look at cute pictures on the doodle page and avoid the mindless advice.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I feel the same way, Sheri. And it's not just the bad advice, it's the plain flat-out stupidity. People don't read anything before posting a comment. They just see a picture and start posting.  Often the comments have nothing at all to do with the original post.

What is baffling to me is the way people will take advice from any stranger on-line, and then pass it around elsewhere on the internet as if it were a fact. Most of the time, the information is completely inaccurate, but if it's on FB, it's gospel, I guess.  I'm sometimes tempted to make something up and see how long it takes to get posted here or on other dog-focused sites. 

And there is so much rage. People take everything so personally. I once posted (on the DRC page) that it's important for dog owners to get pet insurance, and one person became furious because I was accusing her being a bad dog owner for not getting pet insurance. 

Sometimes people are so dumb, it's actually funny. Here's a great example:

As you know, there is a breeder who is a member here, April Cliber, and her breeding program is called Cliberdoodles. (This is not a plug, just a funny story)

Her FB page goes by that name. One day she posted photos of a new litter of puppies on her page. Amidst all the oohs and aahs comments, one person posted this:

"What are ciderdoodles? Poodle + what?"

I almost choked. I wanted so badly to answer: "They are poodles crossed with apples, for people who are allergic to fruit."

I rest my case, as JD, J.D. would say. 

Personally, I think you are better off taking advice from any stranger you pass on the street then you are taking advice from the people on FB.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Karen that is hysterical! What makes it even more funny is that while I was laughing DH came to see what was so funny. He read your comments and turned to me and said "So what are cider doodles?"  LOL!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

ROFL!!!! 

At least your DH has the excuse that he didn't go to a FB with a name and a description of what the page is all about that he failed to read. LOL

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Wonder if the " make" sour apple Doodles. People are so gullible!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Cider Doodles. Okay, that's funny.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Love this, Karen.  I think I want a ciderdoodle - guaranteed non-shedding, but not sure about spoilage.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL! 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am still wondering HOW YOU DID NOT POST THAT response Karen....I am so proud of your restraint!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, it was hard! 

[jenn D]

The sad thing is its not just Facebook. A lot of people think that because they had a dog growing up and because it lived to be "x" years old they know about diet and they are excellent dog trainers. I have friends like this. It's frustrating. It's also frustrating when someone spouts off about only training a certain way. iMO Working with different trainers, training techniques, collars, etc and you may have to change the way you handle things based on the dog. The only hard and fast rules I have is be kind to your animal and you get out what you put in (time, effort, food, training, etc.).

That's why I like coming here. I can say, "hey I may have some experience in X,Y, or Z but I'd like input here". There aren't any know it alls, self made dog whisperers or nincompoops!

P.S. don't you love "my little puppy ate my running shoes because she was mad I went out without her on a jog, I guess she taught me a lesson." Sigh

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Part of the problem is that the FB format just does not lend itself to discussions, questions and answers, give and take. I don't think it was designed for that. It's meant for staying in touch with friends, making announcements, posting photos, funny sayings, etc.