The more questions I get, the less I talk about the positive doodle aspects

[jenn D]

So I don't know if I'm just weird or what (well ok I know I am weird ;) ) but the more people "ooh" and "aaah" around my doodles, the less I talk them up and instead end up pointing out their less desirable traits. Maybe I'm a doodle traitor. I don't know.
Every school day when I pick up the kiddos (I have 2 elementary school kids) I usually take one of my boys. I get to do some socializing and training in a hectic environment and it works well for us. It's kind of my "proofing" time. How well did I train PB&J (Big Mac is still getting acclimated) to do x,y, or z. Can they still listen in chaos. Plus I get a chance to teach the kids how to approach dogs and how they like to be touched.
Anyway, my boys do pretty well in this environment and I get a lot of "wow he is so well behaved! We want a doodle. How do you get one, etc."
While I personally love doodles, I grew up with all different kinds of dogs. I really researched what I wanted for many years before becoming a doodle lady. I don't think everyone should get a doodle. They are high energy dogs. I know I have 4 doodle boys! What people see is many hours of dedicated training and lots (LOTS) of daily exercise to tire these doods out. In addition, people generally do not see the things I still struggle with when I train, like 4 doodles barking at the door bell or Jake trying to sneak socks.
So I try to be honest with people about the work it takes. But they look at me like they don't believe it. I tell them about the cost or time time and frequency of grooming and keeping up a coat whether you go to a groomer or do it yourself.
I try to explain to people if they are interested in a dog to write down their typical family activities, plus things you would and wouldn't like in a dog (cuddly, a hiker, amessy drinker, barking, digging) and then decide first IF any dogs is truly right for them and second what breed matches their lifestyle and desires. I get blank stares.
Like I said I feel like a traitor to the breed. I love doodles, heck I love dogs. But they are a lot of work. At least they are work for me. Fun work, but work none the less.
Ok rant over. Off to take my 2 legged kiddos to school.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know we've talked about this before, but you are not a traitor to a breed or mix when you point out the challenges of owning one. In fact, you are an advocate for that breed. You love them and you do not want to see any of them end up in a shelter or passed from home to home because they were acquired by someone who didn't understand what he/she signed up for.

Purebred fanciers all have articles on their breed club websites explaining the "negatives" of the breed as well as the positives. Top purebred breeders do the same. I wish doodle breeders would follow suit. 

This is an article that has circulated on Bouvier websites for years. It was written by a woman who bred and loved the dogs. It has been adapted by many other breed clubs over the years. This woman is NOT a traitor to her breed, and neither are you. 

Imagine that you are considering buying a Bouvier puppy and you see this on every good breeder's website: Don't Buy a Bouvier

Are these breeders trying to put themselves out of business? Are they trying to make people dislike their breed? No, of course not. They are simply trying to make sure that every Bouvier puppy ends up with a family who is informed and knows what to expect. Why are doodle breeders so afraid to do likewise? 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Couldn't have said it better!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I do the ;exact same thing. Often, I wont even call Spud a doodle. Just some kind of mix. Usually people guess.  

[Lynda Kamrath]

You aren't a traitor, you are just an honest person.  It is a lot of work and expense, so just because you would like a "cute" dog is not a reason to get a doodle.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with everyone! You are an educator and as such you are doing all of the doodles of the world a big favor! As someone who sells doodle pups, I do the same thing---I get emails all the time about how people have allergies and a family and they want a doodle because they are hypoallergenic, friendly, blah, blah, blah...and I have to answer them and take them down to the real world!! Someone is not being honest with them--(usually the other breeder's websites).

Recently, a client who had signed up for a puppy and had some mild allergies (and this was after I warned him about the myth of hypoallergenic dogs) decided to go with another breeder--an Australian Labradoodle breeder--because he was convinced that his chances of not being allergic were much higher. OY!!

 I emailed him information about how he had been misled--I even sent a link to a forum discussion we had about an ALD that looks more like a retriever and sheds--but got no reply. Good luck, buddy!!

So, you keep "educating" Jenn D!! If one person listens, you have made a difference for our doodles. 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I try to point out the same things Jenn when people ask me about Libby.  We take her to a lot of our grandchildren's games and events and I'm forever getting "wow, she is so clam, so mellow, so good, so easy going" and I immediately tell them, "she did not come that way"!  I tell them about the "first" year of a Doodle and all the training involved and how much work is it to have a Doodle.  One person said to me, "well she is all trained now" so it must me easy!  Whoa!  NO, the training is "forever" as least in our house!  They are great, great dogs and I don't think I have ever loved or been more amazed at how smart these Doodles are, but you do have be ready to have a Doodle too:)

[Marni and Hanna]

well said ! : )

[Jaime + Oliver]

I wish I had been able to talk to you about doodles before adding one to our family!  I love our little pup, but when we're stopped on the street to talk about him we also try to give the reality of these guys.  I've never known a sweeter, more gentle dog, but there are many challenges too.  Doodles keep getting listed as a top family dog, but never have I seen those lists include the real pros/cons.  Good for you for trying to be the voice of reason.  More education hopefully results in less rehomed dogs!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I tend to do exactly the same thing as you. When people stop me (and they do very often) I tell them what a lot of work they are. Like Karen says I believe we are doing the breed a service trying to make sure that they only go to homes that are prepared. I think you need to have huge patience and a huge passion for dogs and these dogs in particular.

[Marni and Hanna]

I feel like that sometimes too.  People will stop and say something about how Hanna is so mellow, or well-behaved, and I tell them that she is a little tired, we have dragged her hiking/running all day BEFORE we went out shopping.  Or they will say "We've been thinking about getting a goldendoodle" and I have been telling everyone that says that IF you can handle the high-energy and exercise, they can be great dogs. Some of them get a stunned look on their face after I tell them she's mellow because she already ran 5 miles with me this morning ; )  Or, "Have you taken her to an obediance class?"  um like, "an" as in one?  try 5 or 6, plus ongoing leash training EVERY day....I dont think we are being bad,,,,just very honest and truthful !!!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Totally agree - had the same discussion last week with a couple I met at the theater.  If you didn't love your doodles, you wouldn't bother having the "talk"!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Very true Robin!