goldielover

Value for money is quite poor with the canned foods. It costs me less to feed a good quality dry food like Artemis or Eagle Pack Holistic per day than it would to feed tinned food! I do, however have a couple of tins of Natures Gifts for emergencies or if i'm looking after a fussy eater, etc.

That was one of the deciding factors as well Dougie. While the lens that came with my D80 is ok, it also came with another lens that my bro had bought... not a brilliant lens either, but these are enough to get me started. Some of the others i was looking at had crappy lenses, so i'd have to fork out the money straight away. Happy to buy better lenses down the track... just impatient to get started now! LOL

Just an update: I ended up buying my brother's D80 (he wanted the D300 of course LOL). Got a fabulous deal and it's just a dream to use. It's the camera i wanted, but couldn't affort to buy new. I'm only shooting on auto at the moment but the controls are all laid out well and from the several hours i've played with it, it seems fairly easy to use. Only problem is that the location of the on/off switch is where my zoom was on my Oly C-770 UZ LOL... keep switching it off! It looks like what i was looking for... great pics on auto, but i can learn as well. Looking forward to a few days off now to have a better look at it!!

I think that's a great idea!! LOL

I use priceless pets for my heartworm/allwormer, but otherwise often use Vet N Pet direct http://vetnpetdirect.com.au/home.php?cat=3

Thanks for the feedback. I have only actually 'held' 2 of the models i'm looking at. In the meantime, i did about 6 hours of research last night and phoned friends with various Digital SLR's for advice and have added a few more to my list LOL... now i think i'm even more confused. Also looking at the Pentax K200 and the Sony??? A200. Everyone has their favourites. The Sony gets some excellent reviews, but my brother hates Sony LOL, the Pentax gets some good reviews, but my ex used to have the *ist DS ( i think) and my old 4MP Olympus took a better shot than that... different model, i realise, but sometimes it's hard to get past it... i was so disappointed in it. My own personal preference has always been Nikon or Canon, but i love my Olympus UZ... just doesn't function well in low light and sucks for action shots of the furkids! Decisions, decisions.....

I'm also currently researching cameras. My budget is under $1200, so i'm looking at the Canon EOS400D Twin lens kid, Olympus E510 and the Nikon D60. They all look like pretty decent cameras... it's all too hard LOL

Could try just asking the seller, by clicking on the 'Contact us' link on the website?

There's a lot of debate about protein. I choose to play it safe. If you're going with EP Holistic (23% protein) - no worries... you can just keep your pup on it until 12 to 18 months of age (longer if you want, really). If you go with anotehr brand (most of which have a higher protein level), i'd change between 5 and 6 months of age.

You have quite a few alternatives. You could look into a BARF diet, but this does take a lot of research. Otherwise, i'd recommend either Artemis Medium/Large Breed puppy or Eagle Pack Holistic Large Breed (green bag) or Nutrience Holistic Puppy. All 3 are quite good value for money and are concentrated foods (meaning you feed less). Regular Eagle Pack Puppy, Proplan and Advance are both ok, but contain by-products and for the money i think any of the 3 above are wonderful. I currently have my 3 goldens on Artemis and they're doing very well on it. Supercoat is ok, but full of fillers and low quality ingredients. If you are on a tight budget, you could look at their Special Care puppy range which is a little better.

I'd take him with you - all that running around and sea air will probably tire him out!! Definitely bring a crate though.

I've fed both, and they are both good products. For the money i believe EP is better... i fed a little less, plus the quality is a bit better (no by-products, less fillers). I've had issues with EP distribution as well and now refuse to buy it. Have recently changed all of my girls over to Artemis which they absolutely love and is a very concentrated food which makes it excellent value for money. I get it delivered free by K9katz - great, friendly service and will deliver to your workplace or home if you're within 50km of Melbourne: http://www.artemispetfood.com.au/products_dog_1.htm

Hi Ahona, As i'm sure you're probably aware, HD is polygenic, so even though we screen the sire and damn, sometimes it will unfortunately rear it's ugly head. Swimming is a great exercise to build up muscle, but i would also consider taking him to a chiro.... not sure who is around your way though? Maybe also post a pic of Spud standing if you've got one? As your vet mentioned HD isn't diagnosed just by looking, so could be something completely different!

I only went last night, then up for the Goldie show today, and i'm buggered. Unfortunately i don't have the concentration span for 3 days of info in a row! LOL. Learnt a lot last night though!!

Yeah, somehow that ingredient remains elusive! LOL

I've recently switched from EP to Artemis - too early to tell if there's any positive results, but the girls love it!

OMG Harminee... i can't believe how quickly you whipped that up. It's fabulous!! Thanks so much!! WOOO HOOOO. Now i can go back to the Goldie thread and show it off LOL

I had no idea this existed until everybody is showing off their new sigs in the goldie section! . May someone also please, please, please do one for me? Absolutely no hurry!! They're awesome! (Chadeaus Goldens) Ellie Chelsea OR Chelsea Jazz Puppy pic if you need one: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a293/sto...17978_small.jpg

I also wouldn't worry too much about it. In my last litter, the smallest boy always looked so much more immature than the others. We had a get together at Easter and he's now the biggest!

Golden Nut - that is a fair price from a reputable Registered Breeder. The majority of breeders here in Vic charge $950 to $1000 as mentioned. Let us know how you go!! I think i paid $800 for my girl who is now 6 years old!

Also maybe check what your breeder recommends?

Great that your pup is doing well on the Artemis! I have started one of my girls on it, but i'm still changing over. I still have a full bag of EP as well, so the other 2 girls will be introduced to it soon. I'm hoping they do well on it as i know EP is about to increase their prices.

Just rehasing this to see your y our crew are doing on the Artemis Odette? I've started 1 of my goldens on it (slowly mixing in with the EP), and the other 2 will start in the next few weeks as well!

I have a pair of the Wahl double-sided thinners (i think 6.5") - they're very good and reasonably priced. You can buy them from Clipperworld in Cranbourne.

I've just received my first bag of Artemis, so will be slowly changing over!