JaxD

Thanks for all the replies.. Her allergy is mild so I think low shedding would also be okay. She is very responsible and wouldn't take on a dog that needed regular clipping or a coat that needed regular grooming if she wasn't prepared to do it. However, she is a novice dog owner, never having had one before. Her hubby has had dogs before but she will be the primary care giver since he's at work all day. The other consideration is that she has young children, 3 and 6. She lives an active lifestyle and I'm sure the dog would fit into that but I'm not sure there's a breed that fits all the criteria of being a no/low shedder but also good with young children and would be suitable for a novice (although eager to learn) dog owner?

I'm assuming you've tried different things to pique his interest? Badger isn't interested in kibble as treats or stuffed in his kong but if I stuff in some Happy Paws treats, a few small bits of cheese and seal it off with some Kong Puppy Paste (I know its expensive but he loves it and its just to get him started.. ) then he's really focussed.. If you have tried different things, then I have no advice for you, sorry!

Thanks for the advice, guys.. Will start researching NOW!

I've got wooden floors in our living area and was just thinking how lucky I was that I don't have carpets..

Thanks, tic.. Would really appreciate that.. I did try and do a search but didn't have any luck..

Hi all Thanks to DOL and all the information I have learnt since I joined, I was able to change my friend's mine from buying a labradoodle from a pet shop and she is now going to buy a purebreed from a reputable breeder. She does have mild asthma which is triggered by dog hair which is why she was 'duped' into the idea of getting a labradoodle as she thought they all didn't shed. Unfortunately, other than the poodle and Portuguese water dog, I don't know of any other breeds which either don't shed or shed minimally. Can anyone advise me of other breeds so she can investigate them properly and make an informed decision?

I haven't left Badger too often.. So far only for about half an hour or so while I dashed to the shops and he just slept. Today was his first longer stint on his own. I was gone for about 2 and a half hours but left him with a stuffed puppy kong. I assume he also slept a lot but there were no accidents, the kong was mostly empty and his teddy was in his crate. I'm sure Lola will be fine.. Let us know how it goes..

FD26.. You must be so excited! Hope the pick up goes well.. Can't wait to see the pics! Red Ruby... absolutely priceless pics! Hilarious... She looks like a really chilled out doggie! Niques.. Great news with James's sleeping.. Our toilet training is definitely up and down.. Just when I think he's getting the idea, he 'sneaks one past me' and then this morning I left him alone in the laundry for 2 and a half hours while I went out and there were NO accidents when I got back.. So I'm just hanging in there and really getting to know my garden well. Littlehoot - you're lucky Lola is so 'regular'.. Hopefully it'll always stay that way.. Jakeyjangels.. We're still waiting for news.. oakeydoak1.. Such a cute pic! Hard to say who is cuter.. Your daughter or Lucy? KritalJay - Last 4 sleeps for you!

Fab photo!

Glad to hear you got home safely but you must all be exhausted! Looking forward to seeing the pics..

littlehoot.. She is GORGEOUS!!! Those eyes! What a honey-bun.. And such a good girl too... Niques, obviously James might be different from Badger but he also wasn't really interested in food for the first day or in treats for the first few days.. Was probably only on day 3 that he started getting interested.. so maybe those Labrador food genes will kick in yet... Whose next after FD26 tomorrow? Poppyx, are you next weekend? Anyone else expecting this week or weekend coming?

Niques.. James is FAB! Looks like he's going to keep you on your toes but so loveable.. Can't wait to see more pics.. Hope the nights get better.. FD26, I can't believe its TOMORROW!! Please post pics ASAP! Hope the pick up goes well..

Ruby is so, so cute, Redruby! I just LOVE bulldog puppies and now there's 2 to spy out.. Can't wait to see pics of Lola, littlehoot.. Glad she's settling well but so sorry to hear about your car.. How big were the hailstones? oakeydoak1, Badger suddenly ran outside this morning while I was opening curtains and disappeared into the garden so I quietly ran after him and he was doing a poo! First time he has voluntarily left the house to go to toilet on his own.. So he got tons of treats and much excited praise when he'd finished. I know it doesn't mean he'll do it everytime but I feel he's 'getting the idea' at last which is such a pick-me-up after yesterdays frustration. Thanks for your advice..

He is gorgeous, Didles! So smoochable.. I don't think he has enough toys in his bed though.. :(

Great encouraging post, Bluefairy! (although I did have a giggle when you said he can't do agility.. Can't imagine any bulldog doing agility.. )

Wonderful news, Didles! Your breeder sounds great and I'm so glad that you have your dog at last! Roll on some pics..

Thanks, oakeydoak1.. You may have something there.. He does generally like to go around the side of the pool filter box (which is outside the pool fence!) which is out of sight of me standing there but if I leave him completely and go inside, he follows me in. So its like he doesn't want me watching but doesn't want me to leave.. I must admit, I also like to be there so that I know if he's done something or not. His poos are so small that I battle to see them against the grass or bark chips so unless I see him go, I don't know if he has or not.. But I'll try leaving him today and tomorrow and see how he goes.. Thanks for the suggestion..

I feel the same, oakeydoak1! Hard to keep up these days.. Great news, Poppyx! A definite day to count down towards.. Glad you had a good night, Didles.. Still waiting to hear how Niques's night went? I'm feeling very frustrated with the toilet training thing today.. I feel like I'm spending every waking minute in the garden and we hardly ever have 'accidents' inside with wees but he still manages to sneak a poo out on the floor.. Usually after I've spent half an hour in the garden with him and have finally decided that he obviously doesn't need to go.. Hubby reminded me that he's not even 9 weeks yet and to be patient and keep trying but I feel like I'm failing in this most basic part of puppy ownership... :D

I'm sure it was a really hard decision to make, Didles.. The right dog is definitely out there for you.. I truly believe that! Please don't give up.. littlehoot... NO MORE SLEEPS!! :rolleyes: Please drop us a post as soon as you can (pics would be good too.. ) to let us know how things are going. Niques.. How was your first night? Jakeyjangels, Red Ruby.. Aren't you both also getting your pups this weekend? I'm getting so confused as to when everyone's 'due'..

Oh Didles.. I'm so, so sorry.. Really thought your luck had turned.. Hope the little guy is okay, whether you send him back or not.

Didles? Where are you? (Don't worry - I know you've probably been having a crazy afternoon and we're not exactly your first priority but just so desperate to hear how it all went..)

Congrats, Bluefairy! Awesome news!

Yay! James is home! Now we just have to wait for some pics! I forgot you were fetching him today, Niques.. So sorry You'll get the hang of his signals pretty soon.. Before Badger does a poo, he looks at his bum and jumps as if he's been bitten by a fly or something before actually squatting. I was quite concerned the first time he did it but he does it EVERY time.. Quite funny to watch! (If only his wee signal was so obvious.. ) Looking forward to hearing how your first night goes..

So excited for you!! Now you can start counting down the hours instead of the days..

littlehoot, do I assume that you'll be clicker training? Discovered that Badger LOVES cheese.. I know its not the best thing to feed little puppies but I find if I mix in a few pieces into his regular treats then its 'pot luck' which treat I take out and it keeps him interested.. He's so good at the sit that I thought I'd try a sit/stay and he can now do one with me 2 big steps away from him. Didn't push him any further cos our sessions are still very short but clicker training definitely works for us..