Kati184

Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, been trying to pin down some family plans. Unfortunately we'll be unable to make it next Sunday because of birthday celebrations for my brother, sigh. Are there any shows in October? If so we'll mark that in the diary now as we are keen to get to another one. Thanks again!

Thank you all for the great information. We were a bit mystified last time and weren't sure of the where's, when's or why's Thank you so so much for your kind offer Oakway, that would make things much easier for us. We should be able to make on the 18th but I'll check in with Mum and let you know. I quite enjoyed the show last month and that can only get better once we have a clue, lol.

Hi all, Sorry for a very dumb questions - I am clueless about shows. I am helping my Mum research different breeds and it was suggested that we attend the show at Durack (Brisbane) on the 21st of August. We went along and really enjoyed it but did not get around to seeing all of the breeds Mum wanted to meet. Firstly, I've been on the CCCQ website but am having trouble working out from the lists what the shows are for (i.e. what breeds/classes are there) so I am hoping you could just suggest to us what shows would be good to attend to see the toy breeds. Secondly, we struggled to work out what was going on but were hesitant to disturb too many people to ask the what/when/where's of the day (although we did meet some lovely, helpful people). Is there a better way for us to find our way around? Like a schedule or something? Otherwise we'll just continue looking for friendly faces of those not too busy looking Thanks for your help

Awwww what a gorgeous photo WestieMum! Sadly we didn't get to see any of them either so we'll have to keep trying as you say. We'll be a bit less unsure next time and maybe ask for more direction. It's a fun process and will be taken very slowly to ensure we learn all we want to in preparation.

Well we went to the Durack show today and really enjoyed it. It was pouring and cold to begin with but thankfully it dried and warmed up a little. We had trouble finding the different breeds but were very fortunate to meet a lovely lady who breeds Havanese and I must say we are in love with these little guys. We didn't get to meet any Bichon Frises or Mini Schnauzers which would have been good so we might try again at another show. I suspect the rain may have made us miss some of the judging and the rest of the time many were safely tucked away in the tents to keep dry. But all in all it was fascinating and a great experience.

I think there are two reasons why we are so keen to do the research and get it right - firstly, the family dog we had when I was growing up was the dog of my heart (I will always miss our Eppo boy, he was my guardian angel) but we learnt a lot of what not to do as he struggled with behavioural issues. Secondly, we also love cats and when I was getting my Sophie I became aware of the value of picking the brains of the more experienced on a cat forum - the difference knowledge and information make is amazing (as well as being made aware of the not so helpful nature of some of the 'old school' pet ownership methods/myths). So thank you all again for rewarding our efforts to learn with your patience and advice I am collating all of the information you are giving us and Mum will print it out and start a 'dog info' folder - she loves her folders, lol. Westies are now on the list too. Arne't they gorgeous little guys? The list is getting longer rather than shorter but since we have time before any decisions are made we are happy to research them all. Oh - a weird question - my SIL said she'd heard that the Bichon's smell nicer than the usual dog - something about their skin???

Ooooo mini schnauzers are now on the list too. How cute are they? Mums pretty set on getting a puppy so she can experience all of the training herself. They are both still very active and able to take on the energy of a puppy. But I will mention to her maybe not to discount an older dog as the perfect dog might turn up. She's very 'what's meant to be will be' orientated. Yes, I was thinking a shih tzu's coat sounded less troublesome. They are also on the must see list which is now - Bichon, Mini Schnauzer and Shih Tzu. I have a sneaking suspicion they'll end up part of the SWF club, lol, but no dog of theirs will be just a 'pavement pusher', he he he. We have planned to go to the show next Sunday and are both excited to see these breeds up close and personal I'll also see if Mum wants to join the DOL forum as I have already learnt so much by lurking through all the posts

Oh wow, thank you! It sounds like a good day out.

Thank you all for the great information. I passed it all onto my Mum and she says that having fun researching is the next best thing to actually having a puppy at home already :D Some further questions from us: - the Papillon - they shed their coat quite a bit don't they? The image of a clipped one sounds very strange - mini schnauzer - from what I read their energy levels might suit my parents but are they also a breed that like being a lap dog too? - Shih tzu's - what is the difference between this breed and the Bichons? I know their coats are different but how about their personalities? - Poodles - again, what is the difference from the Bichons and the Shih tzus? It seems that these three breeds have lots of 'crosses' but want to stick with the purebreds so we are trying to determine the differences - what is the etiquette when attending a dog show as an observer? Also which one is best to go to (we are in Brisbane)? I have looked at the CCCQ website and they have dates for conformation shows, obedience trials, field & herding shows and extended shows listed - which one is best to go to? No idea here! Thanks again, you have all been great!

Hmmmm, yes we didn't think of the problem with bush walking. I presume that most fluffies can be kept short and neat if needed? The walk near their home has a pretty clean pathway except for after rain so it might be okay. But good point! Excellent info, thank you both. Mum definitely wants a puppy and has no problems with the house-training stage. I guess the 'Mum' in her helps her take it in her stride :D Okay, so lots of reading to do and we'll try and get to a show so we can meet the breeds.

Hi all, I am here to find out as much as I can for my Mum, who is wanting to get a little dog in the next couple of years. I apologize if some of these questions have been asked a 100 times before! - Choosing a breeder. What are the things we should look for in a breeder? I have become aware of the dangers of pet shops and BYBs through the cat world and imagine there are similar risks in buying a puppy? Also Mum read that puppies should be brushed from an early age (i.e. while still with a breeder) so that they are used to it - do most breeders do this for breeds that need grooming? - What age is a puppy ready to come home? Does this vary with breeds? - And I guess the most important part to start with - choosing a breed. We have been through the Pedigree select-a-pet survey which was really helpful and at this stage Mum likes the idea of the Bichon Frise breed. Are there any other things that can help us make the right decision? A little about my parents and their lifestyle - both retired and active. Both walk everyday, including long bush walks. They have a smallish yard and would be happy for the dog to be inside when they are home. Oh and Mum is adamant that the dog not shed fur everywhere so I presume this would narrow it down (she is fine with lots of grooming though). - Training. We quite enjoy watching The Dog Whisperer with Cesear and hope to go to his seminar in Brissy later this year. Do you all agree that his training is a good place to start? Thanks everyone, any and all advice is greatly appreciated by my Mum and I