Edenishy Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Dear Brisvagans, Ipswichians, Sunshine Coasters etc (basically anywhere in the South East)...im hoping you might be able to help me out a little. In 3 weeks and 2 days time, I will finally be introducing my first ever puppy/dog into the family..im just about ready, supply wise (spent over $500 today alone! I think I have been to every pet shop in a 100m radius) however I am having troubles finding some services to help me along...mainly being a great vet and some top rated training. In my local area, there are soooo many vets So so many...and I guess thats a good thing but then it makes the choice very confusing. Does anyone highly suggest any great vets?? I have one vet I use but only because they specialize in birds (those are a more rare breed of vet) I dont really mind where it is...im thinking central to Brisbane would be ideal as even if we moved (and we wouldnt move to far out of the city), it would be pretty quick and easy to get to in an emergency but when it comes down to it I will consider branching out a little to get that extra quality of service. Sadly, the only friends or family with pets are the inlaws and the vet they use, they claim is ok but just, ok. They claim they would like to find a better one but because the one they use is so close, they have gone for convenience over quality. Is it ethical to "interview a vet before choosing them and what sort of questions would one ask etc. I would prefer a more personal vet...not one of the hospital type ones where you may see different vets each visit etc. Secondly, im having trouble finding the right trainer/school. Some have been suggested and im still looking into them but again, because the choice is so large, again its confusing. Im willing to travel from the tweed coast to the top of the sunshine coast for that right trainer. There is one place that I think would be the perfect choice. Sadly its out of state and the prospect of using them, getting to them, even if it was just a week is not possible at the moment. The do offer distance learning however this is a method im not to good at these days (was ok when I was studing nursing). I learn much more and get more motivated with hands on training and studying. I have read many books on training, watched many DVDs but it's not something i would feel comfortable doing, completely on my own. Does anyone know of any exceptional training schools. I don't think I want one however that does puppy free for alls (off leash etc. My inlaws great dane was seriously attacked during his puppy school training) and I would prefer one that doesn't use clickers. Any help, advise etc would be highly appreciated as this, as a first time owner, is finding this process very confusing and overwhelming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Anvet Kedron is a great vet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyda62 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Animal Options at Ormeau are fantastic. Windaroo Veterinary Surgery are also great. (Good prices too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frufru Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 (edited) In an emergency you need to get to your vet asap so I would try those closest to you first. For difficult problems (god forbid they arise) you might want to see specialists or another vet. JMO Edited August 11, 2010 by frufru Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 In an emergency you need to get to your vet asap so I would try those closest to you first. For difficult problems (god forbid they arise) you might want to see specialists or another vet. JMO I agree with frufru :D . In fact I would start by visiting any of the vets closest to you now, asking the nurse/receptionist if they have any advice for you regarding bringing home your new puppy (maybe not during peak consult times :D ). That will give you a starting point, then I would use vaccination time to meet the vet and again ask lots of questions. Something important to me is a 24/7 service (I don't want to be sent off to yet another vet because my vet is only available 5-6 days a week, closing at 6.00pm). If you're not happy with their response go to another vet for the next vaccination. There is a fantastic specialist service at Underwood and you might like to Google "VSS Underwood" to have a look at the services available there (you will need a referral if you require their services). Contrats on your soon-to-be new addition :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boronia Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Kevin and Jo Williams at Koala Park Veterinary Surgery at Victoria Point, Redlands. There is no B/S with them. They are both in their 50's so have heaps of experience and will advise to go to a specialist if unable to perform some procedures. Their prices are very reasonable also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agility Dogs Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Animal Options at Ormeau are fantastic. x2. All our dogs see Rowan and Jenny every couple of months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisygirl Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 We now use Anvet at Kedron and they are great. Also very convenient as only a 10 minute drive away (we still drive past 3 other vets to get to them). We have also used Animal Options at Ormeau as wanted to try something different but personally I dont think their natural remedies worked on our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisygirl Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 What are you looking for in a trainer?? Most people just do general classes unless they discover a particular problem and then call in maybe a service that visits your house. Most vets or obedience schools have puppy classes. Once again Anvet at Kedron have been recommended to me in the past as they get a special trainer in to do the classes. Otherwise we also do ongoing training at Metro Dog Club at Chermside. Where are you based in Brisbane as you probably dont want to be travelling for over an hour each way, each week to get to training, especially if your new puppy is prone to car sickness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minxy Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Urban Dog Training on the Southside have been very highly recommended to me. I cannot wait to have a pup to take there. They do use clicker training, but not for the puppy training groups, only for obedience, tricks, agility etc classes. They also have free puppy and adolescent play groups each weekend (separated into toy & small/medium & large breeds). Better prices than anyone else I have found so far. Vet - I had Acacia Ridge Vet Surgery recommended to me by a member on here. Had my first visit with them last week and they were simply wonderful. I also didn't want a vet where I would have a different vet each time. I wanted a friendlier environment, and definitely found that at the ARVS. Great prices too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edenishy Posted August 12, 2010 Author Share Posted August 12, 2010 Thanks for those great suggestions......something I will be looking into more for sure! Feel free to keep them coming! I am after a "general" training class to begin with (and will most likely extend afterwoods to advance puppy and obedience etc) but like mentioned, without clickers and without puppy free for alls during class time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tivins Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Urban Dog Training for sure. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/Ur...Training?ref=ts The vets that i go to are, City Vet @Chatswood, Blooming Vet @Greenbank & PetVax @Underwood :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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