~Storm~

We emailed a couple of dog shelters, but they only had Maltese crosses with shedding mixes. There also doesn't seem to be that many here in Perth.

Thanks. I suppose it is easier for me because the Maltese is a toy sized dog and thus there is pretty much one size available, but we have spare bowls and a spare collar when I my last dog was in her puppy stage so I will use them for the time being. Really? Do you have some links or references to assert this claim?

What size food and water bowl is best for a Maltese puppy and adult? Also, what is the best type of collar to buy for a Maltese? (Due to it's coat) What size? Thanks

I feel sorry for the dog

Exactly It's not a case of hardening the f**k up, it is about hygiene. Dog waste bags (like most soft plastics) still seep through odour and thus harmful bacteria. If there was a tap and a bin right next to where my dog s**t then using a bag wouldn't be a problem. Now are there any good doggy bags in which it's materials allow for a resilient barrier? (i.e does not allow odour to seep through) ------ Regarding these contraptions, it seems that most are fairly uniform in design and use. So it is just a matter of trying one to see if it works.

Thanks I will consider this as well.

Haha good to know :D Lol I am such a clean freak that I even dig up the ground when using the shovel so as to not get any waste on the shovel Thanks for the suggestion Baby Dragon! Do you use it for yard duty or on walks? Is it bothersome to carry around? Like this? http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/uploads/i...r%20Scooper.jpg For yard duties they are perfect, but I as I said, I need to use it during walks. No way am I going to drag a device that huge for an hour or so hehe. I am looking for a smaller device or a device suitable to be carried around.

Thanks for that. Though won't the waste get stuck on to the scooper it self? Or do you some how line it with the plastic bag? Nevertheless seems like a good deal and saves having to bend down. (Albeit I'm young, but still )

For when I am out walking the dog. Hmm, I haven't considered anything for yard duty. I have always just used an old shovel/spade haha Thanks for the suggestion. I believe this is what you are referring to? http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/pickapoo#P...;utm_medium=cpc It seems good, but is there a real life picture of it? Have you used it before? How big is it? (The size of the bag and the scoop) Thanks

Heya, I currently in look out for a contraption to pick of dog poop Through Google I have found three that seem quite good (or at least appear to be) 1) SWOOP http://www.pookinuk.com.au/product-selected.asp?productID=416 2) Poopsta http://www.poopsta.com/ 3) Scoopex http://www.scoopex.com/ I am leaning towards the Poopsta, but I don't see Aus in their shipping details? I will give them an email. I must say it would look weird carrying that around (even with a shoulder strap haha) The SWOOP is good, but it essentially does the exact same thing like the Poopsta except it cannot carry the waste (in the compartment) nor can I carry more then one. Though I do like how it is more "lean" (and thus less noticeable). As for the Scoopex, I like the idea but the site is dodgey and old, not to mention that the don't sell to Aus (not even their free samples). However as I said, I love the idea. It is so simple and I prefer it instead of the "normal" way and it could be more of a secondary device or for emergencys (or when the bin is right next to you). Does anyone know where I could find a device like this here? What do you guys think of these devices? And does anyone recommend another device? Thanks Edit - Actually looking more into it, the plus of the SWOOP is that it replicates a human hand motion so that you can pick up the waste from any surface, whilst with the Poopsta, it only works on a flat surface and its contraption is more prone to failing because it is more complex (elastic bands etc)...

Thanks everyone for your best wishes

Thanks for you comment luvsdogs. This is exactly what I am worried about. In fact I wasn't even prepared to buy a puppy from interstate until I came on to this site and read many posts advocating interstate purchases stating how it is "sometimes better to buy from interstate to be able to purchase from a better breeder". However WA seems to have some good breeders so we will see what happens. I'll make sure I follow the tips raineth stated previously regardless.

Thanks for you comment showdog. Your right, I will have to wait to find a good breeder first, especially if I look at purchasing from interstate. I have already contacted some breeders and am awaiting their reply. Grooming is not a not an issue and we will have the dog in a pet clip, but I will first have to find a good groomer.

Thanks raineth for these tips I will make sure to cover this!

Thank you fuzzy82 and luvsdogs. I think the one thing that is synonymous with whatever dog that I get, is that it must be trained, which is seen as a given, but must be noted. I think this is especially important with a breed such as the Maltese which everyone is saying is a bad barker. Whilst it may be true from what I am reading it seems like most people who purchase a Maltese see them as being little white teddy bears and due to their size don't train them or show any dominance over them. And as such the dog is diagnosed with "Small Dog Syndrome". And cheers for you input Jed. Really appreciate it. I will try to get in touch with some breeders here, but it seems like the Maltese is for me Finally the Maltese people! =D And as shown Maltese are good dogs Thank you. Will do. Curious, are the breeders here on DOL (puppy listing page) reputable breeders? Or is it a page where breeders can pay to have their listings shown? Because for example Dogswest's breeders directory is a paid space. Anybody recommend an excellent Maltese breeder?