Nadine83

Hi everyone, Congratulations to all on your new arrivals We picked Lily (9wks old) up on Saturday, so she has been with us for 2 nights. The first night we were up twice and last night she slept for 6.5hrs with no toilet break (we wait for her to whinge to go). I have a few questions How was your pup for the first few days/week? Lily whinges and barks when first put in her crate but she soon settles and goes to sleep. If you crate train does your pup whine as well? She also whines and barks when we leave her outisde alone (so we don't do this) and if she is blocked of to the kitchen area and we aren't in there. I am guessing this is normal and that it will pass? At the moment we just ignore her when she does that. What is your routine for your puppy? Play, sleep etc? Have you started basic obedience yet (sit, drop etc)? What games do you play with your puppy to tire them out and how often in the day do you play with them (and duration)? Thanks everyone

Stonecutter- sending you good sleep vibes, lol. We leave home at 7am, drop kids at their grandparents and then head for our 3.5-4hr trip (one way). Soooo worth it though. 5 puppies left for their new homes today so there are only 3 left tonight. Must be the hardest part for the breeder. Kirst_goldens- I know all about the ribbon dissapearing under the coat lol.

kirst_goldens- Awww they are adorable!! The weeks will fly by! stonecutter- One more sleep for me too! I didn't sleep well last night so am hoping for a better sleep tomorrow because we have an early start! Very exciting

I ordered a soft collapsible crate from Topbuy yesterday. It says it has been posted so I am hoping it arrives tomorrow (express post) as it will come in handy! If not we will be taking a box, towels, newspaper, puppy pads, wipes, harness, car seat protector, collar & lead etc and we will do whatever the pup is happy with even if we have to try a couple of things out LOL. Thanks again to all of you for taking the time to reply

doggylovers- Thanks DogNerd- How exciting! Have a safe trip and looking forward to the photos

Poor Zoey I hope she fights this and comes home to you very soon! Hugs to you also. It can't be easy seeing your pup go through this.

Nawww, he is so sweet too Our GS's use to do the head tilts, especially the male. So cute! 2 sleeps to go (sorry if I get on your nerves with my countdown )

Could you use something like chicken wire (you can get sturdier wire from bunnings as well)?

Thanks everyone for your tips. I have boxes, washing baskets and towels so I will construct something ETA: And yes, my hubby will be coming as well, so there will be two of us.

Thanks I ordered the next size down (the other doesn't fit in the boot). I have to pay shipping but it's still a good bargain!

Thanks everyone poodlefan- We are going to get a wagon soon

We bring our Golden Retriever pup home this Saturday and I still don't know how we are going to transport her! It's a 3.5-4hr car trip. Any ideas that won't cost us a fortune? We have a wire crate at home but we have a sedan so it is not going to fit in the car. We have two car seats in the car but one can be removed for the trip if need be (the children won't be coming with us). Things we do have that may be an option: A dog harness for the car (borrowed from my mum) A car seat protector Cardboard boxes Any suggestions appreciated

OP, this is just a reply about my personal experience When I was looking for breeders the first thing I did was visit their sites and read every detail on there. I then emailed the ones I "liked" (like you have done) but with a little more information about me and my family etc. Not too long but a short summary. I then picked a couple of breeders from the ones that I liked the sound of (one breeder was quite rude so she was off my list). I "phoned" them and we had a nice chat. I then visited both of them and decided after my visits who I was happy to go with. The breeder we chose, we get along with very well. This was quite important to me. She lives 4hrs away whereas the other one was local but I went with my gut instinct and am so happy I did. My research started about 1.5yrs ago and we pick up our pup this Saturday. So it was quite a long process but if you want to find the right breeder then it can take time but it will be well worth the wait! And I just wanted to add that I wouldn't be buying from a breeder who doesn't provide papers. And I also wouldn't be putting down a deposit until the pups are at least born (we placed ours when the pups were 2 weeks old but it was also refundable in the case that something went wrong). In regards to the breeder you have posted about, if you are not happy with them then I personally wouldn't pursue it any further. Go with your gut instinct. Good Luck with finding the right breeder for you

Looks like a Golden Retriever to me. It has longer hair on its tail and tummy which Labradors don't have (I believe....) Even though Goldens are known for their great temperament, I also agree that it can happen with any breed. Who knows what it's history is like or like others have said it could be a medical condition that has caused it. And those bloody news reporters and their cameras! Can't they see that the dog is clearly distressed??

Huga- You take such lovely photos of your little boy Tomorrow we will have exactly 1 week to go and we get to pick up our puppy

According to my 5yr old daughter any of the pups wearing pink are "sooooo cute" We get our golden retriever puppy next weekend so of course I have to say Golden Retriever But seeing all these photos of other breeds, alot are damn cute as pups. ETA a photo. Meet Lily

Thanks everyone. I ended up getting the sample pack of Aloveen (shampoo and conditioner) so we will see how we go with that

Naomi- Wow he has grown so much already! Gorgeous boy

There are soooo many differing opinions and so much information to take in! I am a tad confused, LOL. So far I can remember that with dry food meat should come first on the ingredients list, I should avoid food that has grains/wheat as a main component, avoid vegetable oil (rather go for food that list specifics ie sunflower oil etc), avoid any meat by product and/or meal etc. I have also read Canidae and Artemis seem to be good brands. Royal canin and Advance(?) are ok too. Am I on track or am I totally wrong?? Also, what is a must for puppy (golden retriever) dry food (ie protein level, calcium, fats etc)? The breeder mixes kibble (pedigree puppy) with mince and the pups get chopped up chicken wings as part of their diet too (plus milk). Is this classed as the barf diet? Any help much appreciated :p

Hi everyone, We are looking at buying a padded material dog basket/seat/hammock (not sure what they are called but it is like a padded material box and the dog lays/sits in it) that can be put in the back seat of our car (until we buy a station wagon). All the ones I have seen need to attach to the front AND back headrests of the car. We don't have back headrests as such (only a hump not a proper headrest like the front) and we would need to put the basket in the middle of the back seat (between our girls carseats). I was thinking one that can attach onto both headrests (one strap on each) and then the back can be fastened with the centre anchor point. Is there such a thing??? And if so where can I buy it? Or do you think I can just adjust one myself? Thanks

doggylovers- Sooo adorable! It must be nice to have him home jrm88- So cute! We went to see the pups today (finally). It took us 4hrs there and 3.5hrs back but it was sooooo worth it!!! Meet "Lily" who is currently 6 weeks old. We will be bringing her home in 2 weeks time

We get to see the pups tomorrow! I am so excited (like a child at Christmas LOL). We will also choose our girl tomorrow so I'll be sure to take lots of photos Early start for us as it is 3.5/4hr drive.

Thanks everyone for your replies

Jakemon- So gorgeous! And what a clever girl! 6 days to go until we choose our pup! Can you tell I am a little excited?

Oh he is just so beautiful! I just want to cuddle him! Enjoy