Moving To Melbourne - Recommendations Needed Please

[Gertrude139]

I'm moving to Melbourne, from Sydney, within the next month as I have accepted a job there. I don't know anyone in Melbourne so I need recommendations for just about everything! But I'll start with dog related stuffs :)

The job is in Fairfield and I'm looking at the Heidelberg to Viewbank area for a rental preferably but we may have to go elsewhere if we can't find anything in time.

So I'm after recommendations for;

Training club - I don't want to trial but just to teach my dogs ongoing obedience

Vet

Behaviorist - for one on one problem solving type training

Boarding Kennel

Great walking/biking tracks that allow dogs

Good butcher as they are fed raw

Dog friendly cafes

My dogs are two sibes, they are both current with C5's but I plan to titre test from now on so a club and kennel that accepted titre testing would be advantageous (and also a vet that doesn't charge an arm and a leg for titre!).

I'm willing to travel for the right place. Obviously though it would be good to have a vet close for emergencies and if training was after work on a weeknight it couldn't be too far away.

Also if anyone knows any pet friendly places not too far from Heidelberg that are coming on the market please let me know!

[Leah82]

I used to live in Kew which is near by but unfortunately I didn't have a dog there so I can't comment on many of your points.

However there are plenty of walking / biking tracks along the Yarra river, the Banyule City council seems to be pretty relaxed about where you can take your dog, there's more detail on the council website.

http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Services/Pets-and-Animals/Walking-Your-Dog

Also for dog training, check out this post, Eastern Suburbs Dog Club in Mitcham would probably be the closest to Heidelberg :)

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/251783-looking-for-a-dog-training-school-in-xxx/

Also not to far from Heidleberg is Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster which is a very big park with huge expanses of off leash areas.

Good luck on the move and hopefully other people can help out with a few recommendations :)

[Cosmolo]

Our vet is Warringal Veterinary Clinic- there are 3 vets that work there and they really are all fantastic. The vet nurses are really great too.

We work in the area frequently too. :)

[Aetherglow]

Excellent walking and biking on the Darebin Parklands/Darebin Creek Trail. There's even a spot where dogs can swim or play in the creek.

[The Spotted Devil]

Cottage Kennels would be my recommendation for boarding.

[dead sheep]

I'm in West Heidelberg, you'll find it much cheaper here than in Heidelberg itself. We go to the Preston Markets (wed-sat) for our dog meat. Shelley Park is a good unofficial play place for locals.

[Gertrude139]

Thank you everyone!

Cottage Kennels would be my recommendation for boarding.

OMG they get their own flat screen TV there! I wonder what kind of discount they can give for two dogs and two humans over a long stay :laugh:

[kelpiecuddles]

I Used to live in Yallambie(next to Viewbank), there are obedience clubs at Heidelberg and at La Trobe Uni in Bundoora(both about 5 min drive)