poochmad

It's ok. We're going 'shopping' this weekend to make a list of what we need and I'm sure he will find out then what I'm planning to buy. In fact...he has already begun talking about what we should get...so that's a good sign! I'll check out dealsdirect - thanks for the tip...but I 'spose I'd better put away the credit card! :D

Thanks for all your responses. I have decided NOT to install a doggy door just yet, as I'm going to follow the housetraining process by Dr. Ian Dunbar (Before you Get Your Puppy) instead. :D

Thanks NoodleNut! That's a fantastic link! This forum is the best ever!

;) I am such an idiot! I knew you were getting a FS, I remember replying in your other thread! LOL sorry for the memory lapse You're forgiven, considering the amount of people posting on here! I have to say, I love your two beautiful pooches...I once looked at getting a Bernese...but decided they were a tad too big...

Oh good - thanks for your response. It's exciting getting a new pup, but scary too. I didn't list the breed as I had mentioned it in a previous thread. I'm getting a Field Spaniel. And no, the figure doesn't include the purchase price of the pup.

Ok. I'm starting to get ready for the pup (coming in August). I'm busy reading in the puppy section (trying to remember how to housetrain - as it's been many years), laying down rules with the OH (i.e. no feeding the pup when we're eating, no allowing him to jump up on the couch without being asked, no allowing him to sleep on the bed, without being asked, etc), purchasing training books, deciding what to feed him, researching, researching, researching! So far my list of things to buy are: 1. Collar and lead (will research here the best type). 2. Car harness. 3. Crate. 4. Dog bowl (although need one that is designed for dogs with floppy ears). 5. Shampoo (researching here best type). 6. Non-slip mat for the bath. 7. Comfy dog bed (for when he's inside with us) - although this might be pointless, as I'm sure the OH will have him on the couch. 8. Kongs. 9. Boredom busters - the cube/ball things that are filled with treats. 10. Clam shells - for sand - to 'bury' treats/toys and later fill other side with water (when he's older and it's not winter). 11. Winter coat. 12. Slicker brush and comb. 13. Toys. Squeaky toys (to have only when supervised), soft toys for supervision, ball on the rope, rope thingy. Except for snacks, anything else??? I'm putting aside $1000 for the above (as well as his 2 x vaccinations - to 16 weeks, worming and heartguard). Do you think this is enough mulla to cover the above, or am I kidding myself and I need a lot more money?? (The OH in the meantime is having heart palpitations at the ever growing list - although to be honest...he only knows a little at the moment. ;))

Not sure whether this should be in the puppy problem section, as it's not a problem...yet. (As he has not joined the household.) I'm looking at getting a doggy door installed so that the pup can come and go as he pleases and was wondering what is the best way to start the house training. My initial thought is to first get him used to going outside to 'toilet' (by picking him up and taking him outside) and then once he's grasped that concept, showing him how to use the doggy door. I'm hoping that while I'm away at work he can go in an out of his inside den (blocked off from the rest of the house) to the outside to play and do his business. Has anyone had any success in using the doggy door early in housetraining or am I expecting too much from a pup? Any suggestions, comments are welcome.

Perhaps you should do some research on what sort of dog you are interested in and whether you have the time to socialise, train and look after a dog, etc before deciding on a breed. Not all breeds are suitable for the same people. The breed pages have a lot of information on them or you can just take the time and read some more posts on breeds, training, problems, health, etc. Good luck.