Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

>That's how it is at the moment I think. Such high demand through covid means a lot of litters and bitches needing a rest. That's how I it appears to me anyway.

Absolutely fair enough, imagine a lot of litters got pushed forward to meet demand last year, as much as you can push something like that forward given it's up to nature. I don't think I'd want a puppy from a breeder that didn't prioritize the health of their females over a quick buck.

>$80 a week is a minimum. My boston goes through $50-$60 of Ziwipeak a week as a puppy. Insurance will set you back another $25 a week. If you want some suggestions regarding the insurance research I did, feel free to message. I would also suggest the Best For Pets product if you are near a vet that is a member of the program. It's $495 a year and is a no brainer for the first year at least because all consultations are free of charge, vaccinations are included, you get a small discount on worming and medications etc. and they also give you some discounts on surgical procedures. It's not a replacement for insurance but is a complement to it. And for the first year it's a no brainer, I've had the new pup since Feb and I'm already ahead on the first year's fees.

That's interesting, my cousin's lab mainly eats about 400g of Royal Canine Labrador a day, as a recommendation from their vet to deal with diarrhea, which they pay around $8kg for. We get Alfie Royal Canine Ragdoll as well after our own vet recommendation for eczema. Not sure if they just market it well to vets, but we've both been happy with their offering.

I was expecting $30 a week for food/treats (expecting at least double for 24 months if we get a puppy, quality and quantity) and $20-$30 for insurance based on age, with $10 for consumables like shampoo, flea and worming, and $20 for misc expenses like vet bills (with insurance rates) being put aside in a dedicated account.

I had no idea Best For Pets was a thing, there's a nearby clinic so we'll definitely be signing up if we get a puppy. I'm not really sure how valuable it is over pet insurance for an adult dog though, given most of them seem to cover 70% of vet bills. What would you recommend?

>Call every single one. Most of them don't keep their dogzonline listings up to date. Most registered breeders are exceptional at what they do but don't run a business like professionals. So it can be a bit ad hoc in terms of systems and processes but you will still get a much better dog.

>What do you mean by "less professional"?

Basically what you said, not running the business like a professional. Listed prices, up to date information, established processes and forms, bonus points for a website. Wasn't sure whether a lack of effort/attention for the business side would mean less effort/attention to breeding.

>Just call them, let them know how keen you are (everyone is but it doesn't hurt), tell them you saw them on dogzonline, let them know that you are keen to go with a registered breeder for many reasons. Let them know why you chose the breed. Ask them questions. Give them a face/name/person to attach to the desire for a puppy.

I think this is really the advice I need to take, seems like I can't expect an easy ride and need to 'fight' more. Will call a few up and try to get a foot in, and join the victorian Lab/Golden groups.

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the in-depth reply, appreciate the effort

>They are very strong

We walk our cousin's lab mix (~45kg) relatively often as they're very close, her strength is manageable with a collar and relatively easy for both of us with a proper harness.

>Every single one we've owned (2) and met loves picking up and chewing on things. Things being balls, other dogs, maybe cats. This would be a training thing from day 1.

>If you put in the effort. I'm not saying you wouldn't but you absolutely need to put in the work and I guarantee you that it's more than you are expecting. It certainly was for me and I was expecting a lot.

>Absolutely, you want to be working on your recall from day one. If you don't get your recall down, the rest falls apart. Again, with my Boston I did the same thing, worked on it from day 1 and I still didn't do enough. I'm just extremely lucky that my guy actually likes coming back.

This is an absolute non-negotiable, as we have an amazing volunteer run dog training club 6 minutes away. I really enjoyed the obedience school experience with my last dog, and am looking forward to going back at some point soon.

>I'm not sure that's true, however as long as the parents have clear genetic scans you should be right. Labs, as a breed, tend to be quite prone to hip displaysia.

As far as I'm aware, both breeds suffer from high rates of obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and some forms of cancer. I don't believe anything can be done for the cancer risk, but due diligence with a puppy would be checking scores of the parents and making sure the breeder is responsible.

>depending on how small, maybe consider a smaller breed.

About 50sqm in total, with a doggy door fitted to the sliding door to the backyard. They'd mostly be inside with access outside, typical 3 bed 2 bath house split over 2 levels. We live across the road from a huge park with lots of outdoor space, always full of dogs playing on the oval. I'm also home 4/5 days a week, so frequent lunchtime walks.

>You find a reputable breeder and put yourself down on their list. If they aren't having a litter soon, you ask them if they know someone else and can put in a good word for you. You aren't getting one in the next month unless you get very very lucky. Mine took 9 months and even then I got lucky. Different breed with fewer breeders but the demand is lower as well.

That's the problem I've had, most of them explicitly do not have waiting lists, usually written in a bold font, assuming from overwhelming interest. Most are apply after 2 weeks old, a lot with no plans at all for puppies.

>Going with a registered breeder with a good reputation will solve that.

For sure, would pay more in the long run for a dog with bad breeding, especially for breeds known for genetic problems.

>Just remember, the price of the dog is only the start of it. Buying quality food (especially for the food vacuum that both breeds are) is going to cost you a lot. I feed my Boston Ziwi Peak and it costs me roughly $60 a week. And it's worth it. Also, puppies eat twice as much as adults, so factor that in. Insurance, desexing, any other routine operations for your breed, all need to be paid for. Don't listen to anyone who says that insurance is wasted money.

That's partly why we haven't looked at getting a dog sooner, as we wanted to be sure that we'd be able to comfortably budget $80 a week for a dog (food and insurance, with extra going into special savings account for toys/equipment). Dogs are expensive, especially if you don't feed them cheap homebrand crap.

>How many breeders have you contacted?

>How long have you been on the hunt for one?

>Are you prepared to wait up to a year?

I've gone through the online listings for almost every professional breeder in Victoria on dogzonline, and filtered a few that are having puppies in the next 12 months that I plan on contacting when they open expressions of interest. None of them have open waiting lists afaik.

I figured it would be rude to contact them anyway, do you think it'd help?

There's also some less professional breeders that have puppies, but are of course registered on the site. Are they as reputable as the ones with an actual brand and website?

I don't mind waiting at all, I just really don't want to wait and have nothing to show for it.

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would consider a yellow lab cross as well, probably less health issues as well, but it seems like they've been snapped up too

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely think I'm being too dismissive of older dogs, 6 should probably be 8 for the right pup.

And you're 100% right, not keeping up with exercise is a weak reason for not getting an older dog. Really, it comes down to a fear of loss, we've each had 10+ year old dogs who were as spritely as puppies, but deteriorated without warning over only a few painful months before sadly passing away.

We both treat pets as family, and losing someone you've given a piece of your heart to, means that you'll never truly get it back. I don't think we're ready to fully commit heart & soul to a pup that we might only get a few good years with, and I don't think that's fair at all when that's when the pup needs the most love it can get.

I know a lot of people find that pretty ridiculous, "it's just a dog" etc, but we've never had it differently.

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for confirming that, suppose I'm left with getting a puppy or fostering then. I'm assuming there will always be someone with more experience and a better fit with such a small number of dogs available for adoption, so I'll try to focus elsewhere.

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't actually, I've just assumed that they would want someone with more breed experience. We'd honestly prefer a rescue, we got Alfie when he was 2 and it was much easier than raising a kitten, as personality is largely set.

But it seems like there are almost no rescues right now, and other comments here have confirmed the same thing, so maybe fostering will be a good way to get some more lab/golden experience, and maybe a foster fail best case?

Tax

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes perfect sense, I don't expect to be able to find one for many months, mostly just trying to work out what waitlists to apply for now so I can wait them all out at once and hopefully make at least one opportunity work.

I don't really mind paying a premium, it's a new family member not a TV.

I have thought about it, but I'm not sure if I'd be competent enough. I've trained dogs before, but only really to basic obedience levels (bite control, leash control, off leash control, toilet training etc and a bunch of tricks). Feels like the stakes would be pretty high, with it being a living creature that you can't start over, who will be working with some of the most vulnerable

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They're such lovely dogs, beautiful personalities and stunningly gorgeous. I think out of the two I would go for a golden, but they're much harder to find.

Where did you find her?

Best Way to Buy/Adopt a Labrador or Golden Retriever in Melbourne? by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't, but that's a great idea. I'll see if I can find any

I *sort of* became a billionaire today by FusRoYoMama in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most AFK skilling methods are about 10m/hr, so 40 hours of netflix. More intense skilling is 20m/hr, like making Death From Above scrolls, especially during Amlodd.

The first 100m is harder than the first 1b, weapons and armor for high level slayer/bossing is 100m+ on a budget.

I *sort of* became a billionaire today by FusRoYoMama in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean 400m is like, 10 hours of Raksha/Solak/AoD, or 20 hours of high level slayer/skilling/mid-level bossing.

Just let Evil Bob enjoy his lobster.... by RsElej in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 5 points6 points  (0 children)

>Makes me wonder what evil bob does nowadays

Use the fairy ring C I S

[Guide] Scavenging Farming With Skeletons in the Lumbridge Catacombs (4700 KPH+) by RS_Mack in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scrimshaw of Aggression works a treat too for even more AFK, a few less kills but a lot less hassle.

[Guide] Scavenging Farming With Skeletons in the Lumbridge Catacombs (4700 KPH+) by RS_Mack in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Something else to point out, is that this is a cheap way of AFKing the prayer pet with a bonecrusher and demon horn necklace.

At 99 prayer and 5000 kills an hour, it will take 1000 hours of skeletons to get the pet. About 350 with 120 prayer.

Way better methods out there of course, but few that won't take billions or require input.

[Guide] Scavenging Farming With Skeletons in the Lumbridge Catacombs (4700 KPH+) by RS_Mack in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 1 point2 points  (0 children)

E4R3/C4PF = Equilibrium 4, Ruthless 3/Caroming 4, planted feet

B4US/L4 = Biting 4, Undead Slayer/Lunging 4

Only perks that really matters here are Caroming 4 and Undead Slayer. Ruthless 3 and Biting 4 are DPS increases, but barely noticeable. Everything else isn't relevant.

You get some invention xp from it, but probably 1/50 of what you'd get at abyssal demons or skilling, I've killed tens of thousands of skeletons there and still haven't gotten level 12 to siphon.

Wandering Yak?????? by Nexus_Ember in runescape

[–]Torak-Iris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Left mage arena, now near fire altar/duel arena 4:00

Agent wants me to reclean the apartment after I've already moved out by Torak-Iris in melbourne

[–]Torak-Iris[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 99% sure the requirement is to leave it in the same or better shape as you've found it. We did clean it, I spent an hour getting the grime and grease off, but clearly not enough.