What are the top things we need to educate about?

[Adina P]

Hi DK friends!

DK started an Instagram account just over a week ago and I'm trying to intersperse bits of education between photos. So far we've shared info on:

-- finding a rescue
-- choosing a responsible breeder
-- why doodles are not "hypoallergenic"

Now we can break each of these down into smaller bits of info and CONTINUE to educate on specifics, but wondering what you think are top priority OTHER topics worth doing education on via social media?  Some ideas I have are on poodle facts/history and retriever facts/hx for the sake of education on the parent breeds...but what else?

What should other doodle owners and potential doodle owners know?  What do you want to shout from the mountain tops?

[Adina P]

I LOVE the idea of a doodle jobs/sports feature.  I've contacted Stella and Gina.  I'll definitely ask on FB.

Adina

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Did you search for posts/discussions about these activities? Want me to do it?There are lots of others. 

[Adina P]

If you feel like searching, go for it.  I did just post on FB.  i forgot about "therapy dogs" that's a job too. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Gina and some others also did/do Rally. 
https://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/rally
I'm pretty sure Kyoko did too. Try contacting her, maybe on FB. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Helga does agility with her three doodles.

[GBK]

I inboxed you Adina for Bud and Kona's titles.  Baci will be starting Rally, Nosework and Dock diving soon!

[Leslie J]

Another positive is Cocoa’s temperament. Once she outgrew her puppyhood and teenage years she became the sweetest most mellow dog ever. She loves dogs, cats, men, women and children. A baby could pull a bone from her mouth (not recommended, but it has happened). 

Of course we invested an incredible amount of energy training her and teaching my children for a couple of years before our “perfect” dog emerged.  Nearly everyone who meets her wants a dog just like her (which is when I give the grooming warning). I think that sometimes people see Cocoa and don’t realize that a lot of training and grooming combined have helped make her so sweet and beautiful.

[Stacy]

How about something on cost to own? I'm not sure they're that much more expensive than any large dog, except for the grooming. But coming from a small breed that didn't need to go to the groomer sometimes I still have sticker shock with these guys. Bigger dogs mean more food, more expensive meds, and I spend the equivalent of a car payment on their grooming every month. Add in the cost of their health insurance, training classes, and treats, and it's a good thing I only have them and not children in activities as well! I never go anywhere, not only because I miss them when we're apart, but because the cost of a good place to board them costs as much as the trip I'm on. The initial price of the dog really shouldn't be the issue. The costs of ownership are endless.

[Rosalyn Ancrum]

Yes indeed. Pet ownership is an expensive responsibility and sacrifice. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Absolutely.  The point about the up front cost vs. ongoing cost is an excellent one.. when people hear about how much we paid for Riley they about lose their heads but it's really NOTHING compared to the ongoing expenses.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

COATS

Types - fleece, wood, hair, combination etc; perhaps what to be aware to look for when choosing a puppy.

Coat change info.

Shedding variations.

Colors and variations and that most all fade.  This is of fascinating interest to everyone.

Grooming needs and possible tools - understanding that with the non-shedding doodles, one needs to get all the way to the skin when brushing.

AND

Doodles are not little teddy bears and are not necessarily for first time dog owners unless they have lots of support.

That they area not a breed but mixed.

Most are active dogs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't help myself, you gave me too good an opportunity:

COATS