Steph M

That's it, we're not silly enough to think anything would train itself, and half the fun is puppy school and training! It's such a great bonding thing too, which is always nice. I don't know much about the Havanese, other than basic. I will have a look at some stuff! Yeah, a great breeder is a must, as much as I would love, love, love to take in a pound puppy I just wouldn't want to get a year down the track and realise he/she is miserable because there's some working breed instinct from way back that's being left to languish on the couch. Plus the differences between a well-bred dog like our family English Setter, who's 13 now, always had a lovely, even temperament, no major health issues until fairly recently and the resident Shih-Tzu, a pet shop reject (I was young and dumb! Was my first job, she was the last to sell and about to 'disappear' as they did, sadly) who has had the full gamut of health issues, including losing an eye, allergies, kneecaps that have minds of their own, and a lot of little phobias and jealousy. She is adorable, and ever so sweet but I would love to avoid all that if possible, and focus on the happy stuff! I've heard the Spitz can be a bit, barky? Correct me if I'm wrong, and again, I know it all comes down to training and conditioning, but the predisposition exists? We did look at pugs, the shedding isn't a huge deal, as the cats make sure I'm prepared for that, even the inside of my car is covered in fluff and they certainly don't get in there! They seem like fun, and I do have a soft spot for the black ones, and though we do want something with a bit of spunk and spark, there's only so much hassling the cat can take, I'm sure! Those Poms are loooovely! We recently babysat one for a few days and I did kiiiinda want to kidnap him, and you've got me sold on the P-Diddy point! HAHA. Pricey is no big deal either, you get out what you put in and get what you pay for. I'd much rather 10 really great years than 5 average ones. Plus I am happy to support ethics, there's a woman who's been advertising very cheap, deaf frenchie pups online which just sounds so disastrous. Sigh.

I really hate the idea of puppy farms and the like as much as anyone, but feel the bottom line is it should be illegal to sell or buy a pet undesexed outside breeding and the show ring etc, and then you're obviously registered, monitored and there needs to be a definite breeders charter, where if you don't follow the guidelines, you risk being stripped of your rights to breed and sell animals. If every pet shop puppy or FTGH puppy was sold sterile the problem would be largely decreased, sadly a lot of BYB source animals from classifieds, pet shops etc too, so with any luck this would make life harder for them, make them easier to catch out and ultimately shut down. I know it would be a nightmare to monitor or enforce, but pet shops especially have so much to answer for. The amount of 'moodles', 'pugaliers' and 'spanadors' etc in pounds is a crying shame. I would like to see them banned all together, but in the mean time why are they being sold entire? It's a really disgusting way of ensuring their greedy businesses and others like them continue. As for the existing ones, I think they should be let live out their lives. If a puppy farm is raided tomorrow by an organisation, I'd like to see the critters that can be homed, desexed and that done so. The adopter needs to know the risks, that they may not be a healthy dog forever, they may well not get old, but they'll love you as long as they can, and surely they deserve a shot. Seems a shame to waste a chance to educate people too!

Hi everyone! My name's Steph and I have been ogling these forums for a few weeks now, looking for some good info on various breeds. Problem is, we don't want to bring a puppy into a home it doesn't enjoy, so I'm going to ask for your advice! I'm pretty thick skinned, so please don't hesitate to tell me if I'm way off the mark anywhere, or something contradicts. Any info helps! I'm 24, going on 25 and live with my lovely, lovely boyfriend in a 2 bedroom flat in St Kilda, Melbourne. It's not a huge flat, we don't have a balcony or a yard, but outside is a green, communal fenced area with lots of grass, trees and herbs, for piddle time and play time. The neighbours are all very friendly, there's the beach nearby, park and we both like lazy breakfasts out, drives and visiting friends and family both in the state, and in NSW. We currently have 2 cats, a Bengal x, who grew up with my mums dogs and consequently thinks every dog is his best friend (which was somewhat concerning in my previous house as he'd happily wander up to strange dogs on the street, giving me quite a heart attack at times!) he loves to play and gets very excited when the dogs (a shih tzu, very senior english setter and a maltese) come to visit. We also have a Persian, so grooming is not a big issue when it comes to deciding, who is the light of my boyfriends life. He spoils them both terribly and their every little movement is reported back to me at the end of the day. I work 9-5, there are no long days or odd hours for me, but he works from home with software design, so he's always about and as I mentioned, is super attentive to the critters, including mum's dogs, who he dotes over as well, more so than he does to me! He likes to wrestle with the cats, which they love, so I'm conscious we find a breed who's fairly rough and tumble, but am also aware he will have to keep this in check to avoid issues when puppy isn't so tiny any more... I wake up early, am quite happy to go for a twice daily walk most days, once is more likely in this awful weather though! Weekends we can easily commit to puppy school, as I think it would benefit us both as well. I've always had dogs and miss having one, as wonderful as my cats are, they're very different creatures and we're discussing the possibility of another furry friend, as we don't plan on being in this flat forever, and are slowly looking to move to a little house with a yard, but right now we're still getting our bearings here and in no rush, as it's just starting to feel like home here. We've both always had dogs growing up, from English Setters, to Terriers and Cattle Dogs to Staffies We are looking for a small breed, something equally happy to play, nap on the couch, snuggle or go for a nice big walk on a weekend. Coat isn't a big deal, the easier the better, but grooming is not a big factor. We don't have stairs inside, however there is one flight up to the flat. We can easily gate off the laundry, rather than have a crate. And piddle pads work wonders and would be right at home with the litter tray there. Haha. We're not hugely active people, not much for hiking/jogging etc, but do like a good amble round the park, or around albert park etc. What we really want is a dog who will be happy to be indoors for the most part, with people around, cat friends and people friends. Any other questions, feel free. I think I've been pretty thorough, if not too much so! Haha. I've been thinking perhaps a Frenchie, or something similar, but seeing as the majority of you on here have a breed or two that you show, breed or otherwise champion I felt like this was the best place to come to ask, you all know your breeds and dogs so well that any suggestions would be most, most welcome! Steph.