oneteaspoon

Also what are the bare minimum i need for a puppy (I plan to over spend & buy silly things but i don't want to skip out on what is really needed)

Or here is a place im also looking at, comments? http://www.sithappens.com.au/locations.php

Any suggestions, I'm located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria

Thank you everyone. I am soo excited, I'm trying to take in as much information as I can. Puppy pre school I have chosen to go with my vets puppy classes as a vet & nurse run it so at least I know their credentials. That is a fantastic idea. I believe that will be my downfall, smothering the pup too much. I believe this will be a learning experience for me. As especially early on, the pup will need time on her own to explore the world without me watching her every move, I don't want her to think I'm always going to be there because I won't and puppies need down time, sleep, and rest. I am excited to learn and train my pup :). I will give my puppy structure!

I am planning on getting a cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy. I've had previous experience with this breed as my childhood dog was a cavi. I am a first time adult mummy as I was 18 when my cavi was put to sleep. I've got everything planned and just after some feedback on what you have learn as puppy owners. I have found a vet, plan to entire in puppy school, desex as soon as possible, have a doggy day care place near me in case I have to go out all day (I'm currently unemployed so I have heaps of time). I plan to have a play pen and to crate train. I also plan to help my puppy explore the world by taking to different leash free dog parks, walks on the beach, go socialise with other dogs, go have coffee and just show her off. Only thing that is worrying me is toilet training and going to the toilet. I live in a villa that has a courtyard with tiles and tan bark. I have looked at those doggy toilet trays and they are quite expensive, $250, and I'm interested to know if they are as good as they sound? As I'm more than happy to spend the money for a long term investment but I worry that the grass pads needs to changed every few weeks and in thinking maybe I could just buy some live or fake grass in the area where I want my puppy to go to the toilet. Any other information is appreciated :)

By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill is a lush, green meadow where time stands still Where the friends of man and woman do run when their time on earth is over and done For here, between this world and the next is a place where each beloved creature finds rest On this golden land they wait and they play till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness for there they are whole, their lives filled with gladness Their limbs are restored, their health renewed their bodies have healed with strength imbued They romp through the grass, without even a care until one day they start, and sniff at the air All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack For just at that instant, their eyes have met together again, both person and pet So they run to each other, these friends from long past the time of their parting is over at last The sadness they felt while they were apart has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever and then, side-by-side they cross over…. together at Rainbow Bridge

I have no contact with the Bernese however I fell in love with them when I was watching dogs 101 on foxtel and they had this breed on. What a beautiful animal, great nature and just soo damn adorable, regardless of size. At the moment I house no dogs (only turltes & fish) but due to living in a unit with a courtyard I believe my chances are slim for making this animal happy. I am on the path of getting a lab but that is a different story. I am starting to see more of the breed down on the MOrnington Peninusla, VIC.

Shaun... I know the feeling but for me its been 7 years since my Cavi passed, her ashes with a photo memorial sit in my room next to my bed. Even though I was a child when I got her, being 18 and having her pass was hard as she was like a sister (im an only child) you just get use to having the other feet in the house. I know its time and I want another dog but my mum whom I live with and is ill, is not keen at all. She wont even let me have a dog in the house to house sit (as likew a trial). I even think that mentally for her it could benefit her. I did one day just decide to bring home turtles and fish... however this one is not quite the same. Any thoughts to help my situation?

I am wanting to purchase a Lab, pref a chocolate colour and name her Cadbury... Can you guess where i work?! or a black female named Shadow you know what... all colours are adorable but if I could choose those would be my choice. Currently working hours = 8, travel 1.5hours. Living situation, with mother who has a lung disease however still quite independant. Live in a unit with a paved/tanbarked courtyard, however close to parks/beach/leesh free areas. About me, 25, female, single, don't have much of a social life, still greeving about the loss of my cavalier king charles spaniel 7 years ago and wanting to have mans best friend back in my life. I am healthy however ankle injuries causes me pain to run and to walk long distances however i would deal with the walking pain as the joy of a lab would help in many more ways than the pain... might even help it, who knows. I understand the committment of owning a pet.... I currently have 2 demanding turtles and fish (which i know isn't the same but I am aware of the commitment needed). My question is... I know a puppy is a lot of work from the start... How would this puppy be with me working all day?... I do plan to wake up earlier for walks when past puppy stage and have time before tea and in the evening for walks and puppy stuff. At this stage I am assuming my mum would not let a puppy in the house without me... She is too ill to care for and to clean up after but this is my dog so I take on those duties. Why I want a lab for 2 reasons... I love labs... another reason is their short coats... With my mums lung condition excess dust/hair etc can trigger an attack so the lab fits that requirement... I do know there are better dogs that fit in the category but this is the decision I have made... I wont ramble on too much more... any advise is much appreciated ps oh and good breeders in VIC, south east melbourne... but I will travel for the right breeder/dog. Oh i'd even take a mature lab.

Oh Enigma, that sounds amazing! My email is [email protected]

I've contacted the RSPCA on multiple occasions and they require you to attend information sessions that are fully booked months in advance and need you to sign a contract like thing and to commit to at least a weekly visit. I see their point however you always here that shelters need more help and it's not like I would just pop in, I would ring in advance to see if they needed me. Starting to think I should change careers from a food technologist as I love animals and want my own hobby farm with pet cows and many dogs!

Now I've got your attention let me explain. I'm a 25 yr old female living on the Mornington peninsula in Vic. I still haven't fully recovered since the passing of my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 2005. I'm ready for a new dog but I live with and care for my mum who is ill and in a unit with a small backyard and I think she is afraid whilst I'm at uni/work she will have to do everything. I try explain I will be responsible, walk, bath, feet and take to the vet however she still isn't keen. A friend of mine just bought one home one day whilst her mum was away on business and I'm sure my mum will adapt and love it (she loves my turtles now) but something is holding me back. Ok why am I writing this. I'm looking for a dog that I can date. Take for a walk, play, buy presents for and so on. I am after a Labrador, retriever, rotti, spaniel something of the sort, I'm open minded. So you don't think I'm going to runaway with your dog I can provide a drivers license so you know I'm not suss. I really just want companionship, and to enjoy having some time with mans best friend again as I really miss it. Let me know if you or someone you know could use someone to look after their pooch, take for a walk and play with. No strings. ps. I am sorry to all the breeders who got my email as well as I only found this forum after doing so.