lappiemum

When he is bigger and ifyou feel like it, you could bring him along to Kepala once a month for the DOL get togethers. Kepala is a doggy country club setup at Diggers Rest (along the Calder freeway, just after the golf course), and there are grass runs, sand runs and a lagoon pool. He'll learn puppy manners - and important socialising skills - very quickly. PM me if you want details ;) I said the same thing. Although, us humans get a good socialization day too. We definately do!!!

When he is bigger and ifyou feel like it, you could bring him along to Kepala once a month for the DOL get togethers. Kepala is a doggy country club setup at Diggers Rest (along the Calder freeway, just after the golf course), and there are grass runs, sand runs and a lagoon pool. He'll learn puppy manners - and important socialising skills - very quickly. PM me if you want details

Personal recommendations are very important - as is doing your homework and asking questions of breeders. Sorry to hear about your pup's HD. By the way, you don't have wooden floors do you? Thats something that unless monitored can be a problem in accerbating a hip problem. If not, and there are absolutley no environmental factors (such as puppy jumping on and off beds!) then unfortunately its the luck of the draw. By the sounds of it your breeder has done the necessary health testing for the parents, and if there is nothing in the line then its really just very unfortunate. What advice have you been given for managing this? What degree of severity is the HD - your puppy is obvious signs of pain?

I collect cookbooks LOL So I'll add to what I've got! ;)

Bails you also asked about choosing a breeder - that is just as important as choosing your breed! The Victorian Canine Association has a very good website which deals with your questions (and more)! but I have cut and pasted below the section on choosing a breeder: Buying A Dog Choosing a Breeder So you've decided what breed is right for you--congratulations! But your work is not yet done. Where you go to get your dog is just as important as what kind of dog you get. A good starting point when looking for breeders is the Breeder Directory or the breed club. Responsible Breeders A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred, healthy dog. The breeder will carefully select the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable attributes and minimise faults in their progeny. Some people breed dogs only to produce puppies to sell. These individuals have no regard for the advancement of that breed; they are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed a litter without considering the advancement of the breed. Each litter should improve the quality of breeding stock, resulting in healthy puppies with improved breed soundness- that is, physical and mental health- that are an advancement toward the ideal. Another good reason to buy a puppy from a breeder is that gives you the opportunity to interact with the puppy's siblings and dam, also possibly the sire. You can, therefore, form a general impression of what the future holds for the puppy you take home. Buying from a breeder means that you are part of an extended family. Most breeders expect a call if the dog has a crisis at any stage in its life, so they can help you understand and cope with the problem. This can be especially comforting for the first time dog owners who can't even imagine what kinds of questions they'll have in the future. Visit as many breeders as possible for your breed. Examine the premises to make sure they are clean and that the dogs appear to be well cared for. Puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly, without any signs of illness such as runny nose or eyes, skin sores, or dirty ears or fleas. Ask as many questions as you have and expect thorough answers. The breeder will also have questions for you as they will want to ensure their puppies are going into loving, responsible homes. You should see the Dam (mother) of the puppies and she should be friendly, in good condition and well cared for. You should ask to see the Sire (father) of the puppies. He may not live at the same place but if he lives close by, you should arrange to see him. If there are known hereditary diseases which affect that breed you should ask to see certificates which show that the Sire and Dam have been tested for those diseases. How much does a puppy cost? This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment. Ask breeders and breed club members to get a rough idea of prices, but don't make decision on price alone - more expensive isn't necessarily better. Make sure you find the right dog for YOU. And remember, the price of the puppy is just the beginning of the costs. You will need to care for, feed, groom and maintain your dog’s health with regular veterinary visits throughout its life. What you should expect from the person who sells you a puppy: •A vaccination certificate which shows vaccinations given, when the next ones are due, and evidence of the puppy's age (it is against DOGS Victoria's Code of Ethics to sell a puppy under 8 weeks of age). •ANKC Registration Certificate (papers) •When it was treated for worms and how often it needs to be treated in future •A feeding chart •Information on the puppy's likely nature, temperament, size and care requirements. •Details of any hereditary diseases or health problems which are known to affect the breed. •Information on responsible pet ownership, in particular care and welfare of the puppy, the time and facilities required for proper management (socialisation, exercise, adequate fencing, sufficient space and proper shelter) You can read the rest of the VCA's pages at http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/Content.asp?ID=143

Welcome to DOL Bails. Have you read this? http://www.dogzonline.com.au/pedigree_dogs.asp

Yes! although to varying degrees. My girl does most of the talking in our house, usually when we come home from work (she tells us off for going out without her). My boy will do it too, although he is more quiet all round (unless there happens to be a knock at the door!). On the other hand, he does like to impersonate a wolf occassionally.....!

Wangarratta North motel will allow pets into the cabins - thats not to far from Albury.

Hey CF - thanks for the pics - love DoLer Kepala fun days!! - the pooches always have sooo much fun & you can see it in the pics! Given that I qualify officially as a mum, I think I get to pick what I want to do on that day....!LOL

No, not Charlotte - she's such a lady!! LOL

You're a mean mum LC!!! LOL

:D Pointees, you're as bad as me!!!

Thats a cool article. Most people have no idea how much dogs (and the pedigree dog world) have contributed to medical science, or to other areas of 'human' benefit.

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes Pointees

Hey Pointees - could I get a copy of our lappie pics? and do you mind if we stick em up online?? Still love the one of sohvi launching herself at Bear....!

LOL this cracked us up - its a Sohviet missile!!!

thanks!!!

it was cool! think its time to put the babies to bed - although they crashed some time ago now!

ugh, work....so NOT looking forward to that!

Love ALL the pics, btw! - we'll need to do a Kepala calender for next year at this rate!!

Absolutely - pm me your email address and I'll send it to you

and this is officially my TOP pic from what we took today..... (check out the expression!) (Kepala DOLer pooches REALLY REALLY like each other!!)

A wet Sohvi! Another one of my fav pics