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So you are getting a berner puppy...

The decision has been made - a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will be or has become part of your family! Now what?

 

Berner babies give the sweetest puppy breath kisses; they are very warm & fluffy and are real cuddle butts.

But Bernese pups get big fast - in a year the baby fluff ball will become a powerful, large young adult dog. Raise your Bernese puppy well; provide him with care and guidance to grow the puppy into his adult role... a Bernese Mountain Dog that is capable of serving you as an exceptional companion.

 

Your puppy is counting on you to raise him.

The rest of the story is ready to be written.

To make your life with your dog easier and more rewarding, keep your pup on the right track. Get prepared and make a plan.

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The First Eight Weeks – The Life and Times of Bouncing, Biting, Baby Berners
By Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D.
 

Most of us get our puppies at approximately eight weeks of age. Arriving with their sweet faces and sharp teeth, they rearrange our entire lives. But a puppy existed before she lived with us – she did not simply arrive on the earth at eight weeks, after all! Those first eight weeks are so important and eventful, and yet few of us get to participate in that time period. The purpose of this article is to give you a glimpse into the whelping box, so to speak, and share that tender time in a puppy's life.

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First Week

Second Week

Third Week

Fourth Week

Fifth Week

Sixth Week

Seventh Week

Eighth Week

Be prepared for your Berner pup's arrival
 

Puppy proofing

  • Before the puppy is ready to come into your home, there are some things you can do to prepare. Please take the time to 'puppy proof' your home. Puppies are curious and can get into all sorts of mischief, much the same as human toddlers.

 

  • ​Inside the home - Use baby gates to block open doorways for rooms that the puppy will not be permitted access on a regular basis. Wiring is a favorite puppy target; so when possible tape or tack electrical cords 2 feet above floor level. Books, magazines, laundry, trash bins should also be placed above floor level unless you plan to watch what your pup is up to every minute.

 

  • Happens frequently - dish towel gone missing!!!! Berner puppies are notorious for eating inappropriate things like dishtowels, socks, underwear, string or soft toys. Once injested cloth can cause serious damage to the stomach and intestines. Some dogs will eat these things and they will pass through their system a day or several days later. If you find that an object is missing and your dog does not want to eat, has thrown up or seems to be in any kind of digestive distress, she may need to see a vet. A training tip: Some pups play a chase game with objects and some will gulp things down. By chasing you encourage the dog's game to continue. Instead, try using another acceptable toy or treat to get your pup to give up his object for yours by offering to play your game with your super fun toy. Most dogs just want their owner's attention and will readily change gears to get it.

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  • Drop offs inside and outside - A dog's vision does not allow for good depth perception. Dogs are not able to judge vertical distances well. Check for any areas indoors and outdoors that might cause a fall, such as open stairways or landings or open decks with drop-offs. Young puppies may not have developed a good sense of how to navigate stairs and may jump from landings. You will need to have an awareness of your new puppy's familiarity with walking up and down stairs. Providing guidance to the pup to teach him to calmly & safely navigate stairs is advised. Many Berner owners use baby gates to limit puppy's access to stairs for the first 6 months.

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  • Inside/outside - Please place any hazardous chemicals, garden fertilizers, insecticides, cleaning substances, antifreeze, glues, paints or other poisonous chemicals up off the ground at least 4' - 5' or put them away in a closed secure cabinet.​​

 

  • Outside - Yard decorations such as cocoa bean mulch and some indoor and outdoor plants can be hazardous. Qualified nurserymen can advise you on which of your plants are pet friendly. Rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and even convulsions and death are symptoms of poisoning.

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  • Keep this information handy - post on 'frig' or in address book! The ASPCA Poison Control Center provides emergency assistance. The contact information is on their website at http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the ASPCA's Hotline at (888) 426-4435. It can mean the difference between life and death.

 

  • Fencing - Check for any small holes in and at the base of outdoor fences and repair them so your puppy can't get under or through the fence. Puppies can easily get their heads stuck in small openings, so make sure holes or gaps are completely covered.

 

  • Water hazards - Pools should be fenced. Generally speaking, most young Berner pups do not have good swimming skills. If your property allows access to a natural body of water with depth be aware Berner pups can fall in, whether water is liquid or partially frozen. Make sure that if puppy (or adult) has access to walk on frozen ponds, creeks or lakes that the ice is thick enough to hold his weight.


Enroll in a puppy training/socialization class

  • Getting your puppy enrolled in a puppy socialization class should be looked into before you bring her home. Often kennel clubs or private training clubs have set schedules and limited class sizes. Check out where and when local classes will be offered. The yellow pages will usually list training facilities or kennel clubs or ask at a local pet store. Planning ahead of time to join a class will allow you to attend the class scheduled during a time that best fits into your schedule. Always ask about how the instructor of the class will be handling corrections. Positive training methods work best with Bernese Mountain Dogs. Early puppy socialization classes will not only provide a necessary social outing for your BMD puppy, but the class instructor will offer you tips on how to begin training your puppy to master basic commands.

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  • Training classes vary. Going to training class can present concerns. There are good trainers and not so good trainers. Some classes are very large and may not allow for much one on one instructor to owner contact. It is up to you to find the kind of class that best suits you and your dog's training needs. Watch how the instructor in your class works with people and other dogs. If you feel that your dog is very sensitive or shy you may not want to turn over your dog to the instructor for a demonstration, especially if the trainer seems loud or heavy handed with the other dogs. If you don't like the class you are in, try another training facility or trainer. Usually trainers that use positive training methods will be very sensitive when handling other people's dogs and will only use encouragement and body language when working with dogs.


Arrange for the services of a veterinarian

  • Your veterinarian will be very important to maintaining your dog's health throughout a lifetime. Make sure you are comfortable talking with your dog's health care provider. Make sure you can ask questions and express your concerns about your dog to the veterinarian you have chosen. Many people are intimidated by medical doctors and vets. Don't be! You know your own dog better than anyone. The best vets listen and do not dismiss their client's concerns as insignificant or unimportant. If you do not already have a pet and are looking for a good veterinarian, contact a local AKC all breed kennel club (look in the yellow pages); or better still get a referral from a Bernese Mountain Dog club member in your area.

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  • Arranging for an appointment with a veterinarian several weeks in advance of getting your pup will assure your dog is examined and determined to be in good health soon after arrival. *If you are not sure about what kind of vaccines or wormers your puppy has received, be sure to ask the breeder to provide the pup's health record at the time of pick up. Remember to bring the health record provided by the breeder to your vet and present it to the vet at the beginning of the first appointment.

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  • Some puppies are sold with a written contract that calls for the new owner to have the puppy examined by the buyer's vet with the first 2-7 days after the pup has been placed. Regardless of whether you are contractually obligated to have your pup examined by a vet soon after you get her; it is a good idea to do so.​

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First appointment tips


a) Do Fecal Check

It is a good idea to have your veterinarian do a fecal exam on the initial visit. While your puppy may have been dewormed one or more times by the breeder, sometimes the stress of placement can awaken dormant stages of various intestinal parasites. Parasites can cause diarrhea, intestinal upset and a host of other problems.

b) Get Microchip

It is advisable to microchip your Berner pup if the breeder has not already done so. Your pup's veterinarian can implant a tiny rice sized microchip in your puppy so that if she should become lost there will be a greater chance her being identified by either a veterinarian or by shelters that have scanners designed to read the digital number on the microchip. The microchip manufacturers maintain records on each registered microchip. A telephone call to the manufacturer can quickly provide the vet or shelter with the necessary owner contact information to reunite stray dog and owner. There are several microchip companies including Avid and AKC's Home Again.

 

c) YOU & YOUR VET NEED TO KNOW... A NUMBER OF BERNERS ARE IMMUNE SYSTEM CHALLENGED!

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Notes on vaccines, heartworm & flea/tick medications:

Do not over vaccinate/unnecessarily medicate a Berner puppy or dog. Berners with sensitive immune systems react negatively to the accumulation of vaccines, heartworm medications, flea and tick preventatives and insecticidal dips. Some vets give dogs vaccines and administer preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworm as a matter of routine in their efforts to safeguard pet's health.

 

Vaccines can protect dogs from serious illnesses by stimulating the dog's own system to produce antibodies that will protect the dog from life threatening illness if exposed to bacteria or viruses that cause diseases including distemper, parvo virus, hepatitis and rabies. But vaccines given too frequently or too many at a time can overwhelm some Bernese Mountain Dog's immune systems. Current studies have provided increasing documentation that over vaccination has been associated with harmful side effects.The health status of any Berner and infectious disease risks should be considered in selection of an appropriate vaccination program. Berner owners should consider scheduling separate vet appointments for rabies and combo vaccines a few weeks to a month apart. Owners are encouraged to ask their pup's vet about titer testing which is an alternative method of managing the immunity status and vaccine administration.

 

NEW BERNER OWNERS - READ THIS!!! Dr. Jean Dodds is a distinguished researcher who has addressed vaccine protocols. Dr. Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule is available at http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html.

 

Use of preventatives like HeartGuard (ivermectin), or Advantage Plus (imidacloprid moxidectin) should be approached with common sense and caution. While flea (itchy skin, dermatitis) / tick (Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis & others) / mosquito (heartworm) born illnesses can be debilitating or deadly, carefully consider your dog's risk factors. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in an area where fleas, mosquitoes or ticks are prevalent, administration of preventatives may be advisable. Ask your pup's breeder how they handle use of preventatives with their dogs. If your Berner comes from a family of dogs with a history of neurological disorders, epilepsy, seizures or dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune disease or other health problems, adding heartworm medication or other preventatives to the dog's system may negatively impact your dog's overall health. Annual testing for heartworm infection is recommended.

 

Be aware that pre-surgery blood panels are advisable due to bleeding disorders and other health conditions including kidney diseases and renal dysplasia found in the Bernese breed.

Investigate emergency veterinary clinics and services

A serious health crisis could develop with any puppy or adult Berner at any time. Fortunately, emergency veterinary services are also available in some communities for after hour medical needs. Ask your vet if their clinic refers to a particular emergency clinic; and be sure to find out which emergency veterinary clinics and emergency vet services are available to you and your pup. Puppies do not have many physical reserves, can become dehydrated and may become critically ill more quickly than a fully mature adult dog. It is important that an owner be able to judge when a dog is in need of prompt or immediate veterinary care. Bloody or watery stools should be investigated promptly, or repeated incidents of diarrhea, repeated incidents of vomiting, inability to hold down food or water, listlessness, and extreme agitation or inability to get comfortable or debilitating injuries to joints or bones or serious wounds require prompt veterinary attention. Please keep in mind that after hour emergency clinic services may be VERY expensive compared to veterinary services provided by your regular vet for procedures conducted during regular business hours.

It is time to go shopping for puppy stuff!

New to dogs?
First recommendation - purchase a book on veterinary care. Be your dog's best friend. Aids for health management advocates are great tools for any Berner owner.

Veterinary Care Books
Dr. Nancy Kay "Speaking for Spot"
http://www.speakingforspot.com/

"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (at amazon.com or other booksellers)

"The Merck / Merial Manual for Pet Health"
http://www.merckbooks.com/mmmph/index.html

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  • Crates: You may want to purchase a crate large enough to house your adult BMD - *Please see further info on crates sizes below. Your new puppy will grow very quickly; so investment in a crate large enough to be used though your dog's first 8 months up to a year of age is a starting point. A crate sized at around 36" X 24" X 27H" or 40" x 26" x 30"H can be adequate for some adult Bernese. A larger crate may be needed - depends on the potential size of your fully grown Berner and depends on how 'roomy' you'd like the crate to be (while not classified as a 'giant breed', larger, full grown Berners - especially males - can require '700' sized or even larger sized crates).

 

Where can you find a crate? A local pet supply store; or check out Midwest crates for a broader range of styles. Keep in mind a crate for car travel is not a bad idea. Many Berner owners have a crate for home use and one for car travel. Having 2 crates is convenient & saves time and effort involved in hauling crates from home to car.

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  • Bowls: A 2 - 3 quart stainless steel or ceramic food bowl and a heavy ceramic or stainless steel 2 - 4 quart water bowl

  • Leash: A six foot long training leash and a heavy duty flexi-lead

  • Collar: A cloth buckle or break away collar (Choke collars should only be used when training and should never be left on an unattended puppy or adult.)

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  • Nail clippers: or a nail grinder & Quick stop in case you accidentally cut your puppy's nail too short

  • A dental kit: a dog tooth brush and teeth cleaning paste

  • Shampoo: A mild dog shampoo Ask your pup's breeder for a recommendation; or #1 All Systems has a great selection of products.

  • Toys and treats: that are safe for puppies. "Kongs" are a great toy for pups. ***A note on dog treats - choose treats that are preserved with vitamin E; treats that contain BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin additives and/or artificial coloring can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. ***Toys selection advice Puppies can eat cloth items or small toys and they can get their muzzles or heads stuck in small sized ring toys. Monitoring puppies with raw bones, rawhide chews and cloth toys is a good idea.

  • Food: The food your puppy will be eating. Your puppy's breeder should provide you with your puppy's nutrition requirements, including the brand of food your puppy has been eating along with recommendations for where you can find the food, the amount of food to feed and feeding schedule. Young puppies often eat 3 times a day which may be continued for several weeks after placement. Always rely on feeding recommendations from the breeder, who has, through observing development of their own dogs, chosen a diet that works best for their families of dogs.

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More on crates
*You'll find lots of different sized crates are used with Berners. If the purchase is to become THE crate to serve for the dog's 'lifetime', then an owner will want to purchase a large or x-large crate.

For the most part the 400 sized crates* are adequate for house training and transporting many Berner pups till they are ~ 6-8 months old (or older).

A smaller sized crate (< 400 sized) may be used for a temporary/short time frame confinement of Berner pups up to about 4 months of age. If a pup is transported/shipped/via the airlines at under 12 weeks of age a smaller crate (100-300 sized) can accommodate a 15 - 20 - 25 pound pup.

There are many types of and uses for crates: in home (house training or safe confinement when the owner is too busy to monitor the pup's activities - overnight sleeping quarters). Use of crates at gatherings such as friend get-togethers, dog shows or training centers and for transporting a dog via car or air travel is commonplace.

Types of Crates...

  • the vari-kennel types (heavy-duty plastic),

  • wire (some wire crates are not secure for housing escape artist dogs - gauge of wire used and construction type varies)

  • ​soft-sided crates can be nice for

some (calm) dogs under some circumstances (Soft-sided crates may not provide optimal protection for the dog if used in the car and there is a serious auto accident. Soft-sided crates are not adequate to house destructive, 'chewing' dogs. Cleaning of 'poddy accidents' could be an issue - choose a soft-sided crate that is well-made, water-resistant and washer-friendly.)

 

Wire and fancy well-made wood slated crates and soft-sided crates typically allow for good air circulation and provide 'open visibility' - dogs that are a bit claustrophobic may do better in more 'open' crates - dogs that like to den may do well with the vari-kennel type of crate.

 

For comparison purposes these are Vari-kennel crate sizes/dimensions:
#300 - Intermediate: 32" x 22.5 x 24"H
#400 - Large: 36" x 25" x 27"H
#500 - X-Large: 40" x 26" x 30"H
#700 - Giant: 48" x 32" x 35"H

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Things to have when picking up your puppy from the breeder

  • Bring a crate with washable bedding or a bundle of shredded paper or newspapers.

  • Bring along safe toys for your puppy to play with on the journey to his new home.

  • Bring water and an unbreakable water dish.

  • Bring some food and an unbreakable food dish if the journey home is more than 8 hours.

  • Bring an 8" - 10" Break-away collar and a leash or a martingale type slip lead. (To be sure the collar will fit, ask your puppy's breeder what size collar will be suitable for your new pup or dog.

  • Bring paper towels and spray cleaner in case the puppy soils his crate.

  • Bring treats.

Please remember your puppy has been securely kept with his dam and litter mates since birth. The puppy may be a little scared and lonely for a few days until getting comfortable with a new environment, learning about what is expected and learning to trust you, his new caretaker. Patience and tender hands will go a long way to building a rewarding relationship with your new puppy.

Bernese Mountain Dog puppy growth

A common question new Berner owners ask: "Is my puppy the 'right' size for how old he/she is?

The answer is: size of adult Berners varies; so naturally the size of Berner pups at any given point in their development will vary.

If your puppy looks smaller or larger, is taller or shorter, has heavier or lighter bones or a slighter or bulkier build, a longer or shorter coat than a Berner puppy of the same age you met somewhere - DON'T WORRY. Focus on keeping your puppy happy, healthy, work on training and on providing a nurturing, supportive environment. Your pup will grow up. Genes your pup inherited from his mother and father and ancestors control how your dog will look as an adult. Make the most of the genetic potential your pup inherited. Provide your pup with adequate nutrition and physical conditioning (exercise) during development.

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Bernese are SLOW MATURING DOGS. Most Berners do not reach their adult height and weight until they are 2 or 3 years old. Berners continue to 'flesh out' and add substance and bulk well into their middle years.

Often during the first year to 18 months of age puppies look gangly, leggy or unbalanced, and gawky. How puppies walk or run during the first year might look mildly uncoordinated - especially when a big growth spurt occurs. It is not uncommon for Berner puppy's skeletons to grow unevenly. A 

These photos show the same Berner as a young adult and a mature adult.

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growing puppy's rear end (butt) may be an inch or 2 higher than the front end at certain times during development. NOT TO WORRY! BE PATIENT!!! If you think about it, people look very different at 30 or 40 years of age than they looked when they were 12, 16 or 20.

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Bernese Puppy Growth Guide ~ 8 - 10 weeks
Typical Bernese pups weigh from 12 - 24 pounds at 8 - 10 weeks. Puppy weight at this young age is sometimes a refection of litter size, with large litters tending to have smaller puppies and litters with fewer members having larger sized pups. Sometimes puppy weight is a reflection of the size pups a particular dam or sire is apt to produce. It is not uncommon to see a wide range of sizes and builds in pups produced by any dam, sire or breeding pair. Just because the sire of a litter is a BIG dog doesn't mean all his offspring will grow up to be big dogs. Same can be said for the size and shape of pups produced by any given dam. Relative size of a puppy or members in a litter may or may not carry through to adulthood. The smallest pup sometimes is the same size as an adult as his larger littermate. Typically puppies will gain somewhere between 2-4 pounds a week during the first few months.

First Steps for new owners
Pups have to learn what is expected and they rely on you to provide direction. The first few weeks with your puppy will revolve around getting puppy used to your house's schedule, setting up planned feeding times, setting up a housebreaking routine, and crate training if you choose to use a crate. During the first couple of weeks focus on creating bonds between puppy and everyone in the household.

Teach your baby puppy that human touches are good.

Just handling a pup, GENTLY, by examining or brushing teeth, feeling legs and paws, touching the ears, belly rubs, touching rear quarters and testicles teach a dog to be comfortable with human touches. Trimming nails, bathing and brushing are part of training that should be practiced. Do not over bath and dry out skin and coat - a tepid bath with a mild dog shampoo every 3 - 4 weeks, or as needed to keep the coat clean is correct care. Pups usually have to relieve themselves immediately following the excitement of a bath or brushing so plan on making a trip outside. If you have given a bath in a cold weather climate, please remember that pups can chill easily so make sure the pup is fully dried before allowing her to spend an extended time outside.

Interaction with other dogs
NO PUPPY SHOULD EVER BE PERMITTED TO ROUGHHOUSE WITH ADULT, larger or more physically adept DOGS! Young dogs can and will overexert themselves in play. Slamming, racing around and wrestling can cause serious and even lasting injury to muscles and ligaments in growing pups. All play periods or exercise should be monitored by a responsible adult to avoid injuries to tender puppies.

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Bernese Puppy Growth Guide ~ 10 - 16 weeks
From 10-16 weeks puppies continue to grow. Usually Bernese pups weight somewhere in the range of 24 - 45 pounds. Often puppies that appeared short and stocky at an earlier age start to put on length of leg. They look taller and have a less bulky body. Pups can begin to be housetrained, but will not be reliable about asking to go outside to eliminate. Early socialization is a must for Bernese. The first puppy socialization class can be started during this time frame.

Pups of this age are babies and will be looking to you for guidance. One of the most important aspects of puppy rearing is - remember to reward and praise your puppy each and every time she does the right thing. Give your puppy lots of opportunities to do the right things. For example give her toy to play with if you catch her chewing on an electric cord or the furniture, and remember to praise her for focusing her chewing on the toy. If your pup eats all her food, praise her. Or if she comes to you when you clap your hands give her a treat as soon as she arrives as a reward. Young puppies have no ability to anticipate the results of their actions so owners must be constantly vigilant. Pay very close attention your puppy to see that she does not get into mischief or get into a dangerous situation. Take your pup outside regularly to relieve herself.

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Bernese Puppy Growth Guide ~ 4 - 8 months
Pups at this age usually weigh around 45 - 85 pounds. Larger males may weigh more. Puppies begin to lose their milk teeth between 4 - 5 months. Chewing or mouthing may become more intense when puppies lose their teeth. Also, eruption of teeth may result in tender gums and a lack of interest in food. Soaking food in water to soften it may make eating a more comfortable experience for a pup with tender gums. Also many puppies are beginning to lose their puppy coats by four - five months. Don't be surprised to see lots of puppy fuzz in the brush when grooming. A Berner is changing over to an adult coat when a strip of very shiny coarser looking black coat runs down the center the dog's back. The adult coat will continue to come in over the course of several weeks. Fuzz often remains around the ears. Some owners like to trim ear fuzz with scissors or hand strip it out.
 

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It is easier to start gaining your dog's confidence and attention when the pup is still young. Trying to instill good behaviors in a hundred pound dog that has not received direction or training during the formative months is a tough row to hoe. Continue to socialize and train. Bernese are often very easy going and tractable as baby pups which can lull novice owners into a false sense that their pup does not need training and socialization. Nothing could be further from the truth. As the pup continues to grow from 45 pounds upwards to 100 pounds or more, spending time to teach your dog self control becomes an essential if you plan to own a canine good citizen.

 

Sometimes during these months a Berner puppy's growth becomes a bit uneven. The rear quarters may appear higher for a week or longer and then the front quarters grow to catch up. Uneven growing may extend to 12 months of age or beyond depending on how individuals or a given family of dogs develops. Uneven growth spurts are not in and of themselves a cause for alarm. Dogs can appear a bit uncoordinated during growth spurts.

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Bernese Puppy Growth Guide ~ 8 months - 1 year
They are still BIG puppies

8 - 12 month old Berners are not physically or mentally mature. The family of dogs a pup comes from will have a significant bearing on whether the dog appears filled out or is still a gangly teenager by a year of age. Typically dogs between 8 - 12 months of age weigh around 70 - 110 pounds. By this time a good idea of the finished size of your Berner can be predicted. Dogs that weigh 100 pounds at a year may gain another 10 - 30 pounds of bulk over the next 2 - 3 years. Females that weight 70 pounds are likely to gain another 10 - 25 pounds of weight. A female weighing 85 pounds at a year might finish at around 95 - 100 pounds.

Young Berners rarely carry as much coat as their mature counterparts. Coats on both males and females usually continue to lengthen as they age. Leg feathers are just beginning to grow on many yearling Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are young adults from 8 months to a year of age. Reproductive hormones can affect behavior during this time frame. Many owners choose to spay or neuter their companion dogs prior to their reaching reproductive maturity. Hormones associated with reproduction can cause a dog to act out in ways that are undesirable and unacceptable in the home or in social settings. The puppy that was so obedient and tractable at an earlier age may become more self involved - 'brain dead, forgot everything they learned, won't listen, girl crazed, boy possessed, dingy and oblivious' might be a better way to describe some dog's behavior. Males acting on hormonal instincts can become extremely difficult for novice owners to handle. It is especially important to offer males firm direction and guidance during these months. Reinforce everything that has been learned. Continue to build your dog's confidence through encouragement and praise when behavior is to your liking.

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Reproductive hormones can be quite a disruptive force in a dog's life.

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For an in-depth overview of health and management considerations related to Spay|Neuter of Bernese Mountain Dogs, please see:

Consideration of Spay | Neuter of Bernese Mountain Dogs -- What's a Berner owner to do?
by Ann Milligan

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Generally speaking...

Females may become skittish and nervous prior to their first heat cycle, which typically occurs between 8 - 14 months. Some girls may begin to have heat cycles as early as 6 months or as late as 16 - 18 months. Every female will have her own way of expressing herself during heat cycles. Some girls will be very excitable while others become less active. Sensitivity to human touches on the rear end during heat cycles is common. Girls may tend to urinate more frequently or mark their territory as they get closer to ovulation and during the time they are ready to accept a male. Some intact bitches have developed pyometra (inflammation and infection in the uterus) during or after heat cycles which can be a life threatening condition. Vaginal discharges with a foul odor or of a pussy, or tomato soup consistency should be checked out promptly by a vet. A bitch may miss a meal or two during the time she is in season or when ovulating. Any continued refusal to eat especially in combination with frequent urination over more than a few days may require further investigation by a vet. It may be advisable to spay your female between 6 - 8 months of age if you do not plan to breed her. Please see Consideration of Spay | Neuter of Bernese Mountain Dogs -- What's a Berner owner to do? for additional information - the decision is yours to make.

Some males have a very strong reproductive drive while others do not. Berner males can start to lift their leg when urinating as early as 6 months; but it is normal for males to not begin to lift legs until they reach 18 months. It is advisable to neuter your male if you do not plan to use him for breeding at around a year to 18 months of age. Please see Consideration of Spay | Neuter of Bernese Mountain Dogs -- What's a Berner owner to do? for additional information - the decision is yours to make.

Distract intact males with a game of catch or a walk if they become inappropriately amorous and attempt to mount and hump other dogs, pets or people. When reproductive hormones kick in some male Bernese may start to show aggressive behaviors towards other dogs, other male dogs especially. Males can be territorial and some react unfavorably to another dog invading their space. Tight quarters where a group of intact overly excited males have the opportunity to bump into each other can pose a risk to other dogs and to people. Inappropriate behaviors or signs of aggression like jumping on the back of another dog, placing the head over the shoulders of another dog, pulling while on leash and straining to move towards another dog, growling or charging should be met with calm and a mind towards placing the aggressor under control. If the dog is not on a leash - he should be - and he should be under control. Dogs that are not behaving with good sense and proper manners should be directed to sit or lie down. The command must be enforced. Do not permit an out of control dog to continue or accelerate his inappropriate behavior. Remove the dog from the situation if he is unresponsive to basic commands like down or sit. A time out and separation can prevent a dog that displays no self control from starting a fight.
 

Expectations
With the large, impressive size of a young adult Bernese, often owners expect their yearling to act like a fully matured dog. Pups of this age that have been offered consistent guidance, have been socialized and have been taught to go outside to eliminate should know how to follow commands with reasonable consistency. A yearling Bernese should be housebroken when provided with consistent opportunities at 4 - 8 hour intervals to visit the outdoors; but that does not mean accidents can't happen. Yearling Berners are still puppies and will behave as such. It is not realistic to expect more of your pup than the maturity at a year of age allows. Pups of this age have energy and curiosity. Some will still chew and find inappropriate ways to entertain themselves. A young bored Berner will get into mischief. Berners can be exceptionally creative in finding an outlet for pent up energy - counter surfing, hole digging, house or yard plant eating, feather pillow destruction, TV remote control ravaging, garden hose evisceration, newspaper shredding, and other devilish antics we humans are not amused by can tickle a young dog's fancy. "My Berner is up to no good" you say. - These antics are the dog's way of letting owners know they need to pay more attention and provide direction.

'Old Swiss saying'
The Swiss saying, "Three years a puppy, three years a good dog, three years an old dog and the rest is a gift" is an accurate description of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs will continue to lay down bone, put on width and substance, and heads will continue to broaden well into the second and third year of life. Young dogs are rarely as together structurally, appearance or behavior wise as mature three or four year olds. By the time individual dogs in this breed reach 5 - 7 years of age, they should be in glorious in coat; their structure set; they should be calm and self assured; they are in full body and are, ideally, in the prime of their lives.

Puppy teeth

A Berner puppy's set of milk teeth includes 28 deciduous teeth. Milk teeth are sharp.
A puppy's teeth begin to appear as early as 2 - 3 weeks of age. Puppies have 12 deciduous incisors which erupt at about 2 - 4 weeks of age, (three on either side/six all together are present in the upper and lower jaws). Behind the incisors, there are 4 deciduous canine teeth that erupt at about the same time (one on either side of the upper and lower jaws). Twelve deciduous premolars erupt when the pup is around 6 weeks, and are positioned behind the canines (three on each side, in the upper and lower jaws. Full deciduous dentition is usually present in Berner puppies by 6- 8 weeks of age.

 

Puppy Teeth ~ management

Just as with human children, puppies may experience a minor degree of discomfort when they cut milk teeth. Pups may become fussy or a “bitey” while cutting teeth. When a puppy is shedding milk teeth and growing adult teeth the jaws may become swollen and tender. Some pups may experience difficulty eating during this time. Softening kibble for pups with tender mouths may make eating a more comfortable experience. Some pups prefer crunchy food while their adult teeth are erupting. Puppies should be offered safe chew toys and processed or raw bones (cow femur bones are a good choice) while they are shedding deciduous teeth/ developing their permanent adult teeth.

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General maintenance

Did you know that dogs’ teeth age and have varying quality which affects how well their bites hold up over time? Like some people, individual dogs are genetically predisposed to dental disease. Symptoms of periodontal disease include: red and swollen gums, foul breath, tartar build-up on teeth, discoloration of teeth, poor appetite and painful chewing.

Berners may show few obvious signs that indicate they suffer from periodontal disease. Routine dental examinations by a veterinarian are important to maintain your Berner’s oral health. Many owners provide tartar control dog biscuits, chew toys, and processed or raw bones for their dogs to maintain condition of teeth. There are different canine tooth care products available. Brushing a dog’s teeth, using a hand held dental scaler to remove tartar and providing bones keeps most Berner teeth in reasonable to good condition. Each Berner will require management specifically designed to meet its unique oral hygene needs.

Veterinarians may use anesthesia and an ultrasonic dental scaler to clean dogs’ teeth. Price for veterinary teeth cleaning varies depending on the condition of the teeth, whether anesthetic is used, on the size of the dog and on whether additional veterinary services are required (pre-surgery blood panel or other lab tests).

Food and feeding Berner puppies and adults
A well balanced diet provides quality nutrition and in turn keeps the cells, tissues and organs healthy. This enables a Berner’s immune system to stay in top condition to fight any invaders. The food you feed can help your dog to remain fit or it can cause problems with ears, skin, overall health and behavior. Observation of your dog's physical condition, coat quality, condition of the eyes and ears, and eating habits and preferences will guide feeding decisions you make throughout your Berner's lifetime.

How to choose the right food
Your dog's breeder should recommend a diet for your dog. Your dog's breeder has experience in selecting a specific diet that has proven to meet the nutritional needs of dogs from the families of dogs from which your puppy comes. Veterinary advice on diet can be helpful; especially if the dog develops short or long term health issues related to digestion. BUT do keep in mind, your dog's breeder is the best source for advice on what kind of food will work best with your new pup and adult dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog owners feed a range of food from raw diet, homemade diets to commercially prepared kibble. No matter what type of feed, Berner owners seem to agree to feed a high quality food with relatively low protein level, approximately 18 -26% and a moderate fat content, under 16%. High protein/fat feeds (> 28%, >16%) can be 'too much' for many Bernese, especially those that are not very active working/performance dogs. Feeding a diet that is too 'heavy' in protein has been known to precipitate hotspot outbreaks in some Berners. A diet too high in fat adds unwanted pounds and in some cases causes diarrhea.

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​Canine diet's book list:
Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (Volhard, Brown)
Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome (Moore, Davis)
Better Food for Dogs: A Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide (Bastin, Ashton, Nixon)
Raw Dog Food: Making It Work for You and Your Dog (MacDonald)

Raw Feeding websites/Yahoo Groups
Dr. Billinghurst's BARF Diet
BARF/Raw Diet Support
Raw feeding
Carnivore Feed-Suppliers
 

Tips for feeding Berners
Feeding some raw foods or a raw diet can improve your Berner's immune system function and overall health. Many Bernese love eating a variety fresh food. Small additions of yogurt, cooked or lean raw meat, fish , eggs or fresh fruits, including banana, apple or pear and vegetables, including carrots, broccoli, squash, cooked pumpkin or yams can be offered as a way of introducing enzymes to a diet. Your Berner may have certain preferences - dog loves carrots, green beans and apples, but not so fond of other fresh foods - picky, picky, picky! - dog says, 'you really expect me to eat brocolli?'. Preferences are normal. Before embarking on feeding a raw diet read books or articles on canine nutrition. Ask others who have been successfully managing their dog(s) with feeding raw foods how to proceed. Understanding how to balance a raw food diet requires research and keen observation of the dog's reaction to eating raw foods. Choosing the most beneficial food sources and striking the correct balance of ingredients in a raw diet for the individual dog's activity level, metabolism and digestive system can be challenging.

 

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Supplements - nutraceutical support list
See the list below for some of the more commonly used supplements to address either overall immune system support and/or specific support for conditions such as allergies, dry skin, digestive, arthritis. Determining the correct supplement(s) and the dosage for your particular Berner, is serious buisness. Be aware of the possibility of interactions of supplements with other medications your dog may be taking. For best results it is wise to discuss adding supplements to your Berner's diet with the dog's breeder and vet.

Antioxidants - vitamins C & E
B-complex supplement
Kelp
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids - fish oil, flax seed oil
Joint support supplements - glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Probiotics/plant enzymes

 

About kibble
For optimal development and maintenance combined with minimal food preparation time, many Bernese owners choose to feed a good quality commercially prepared food. The cheapest food available in the local supermarket or pet store is not a good choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Some commercially prepared kibble and canned or frozen feeds contain human grade ingredients and use vitamins C and E as preservatives instead of BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin. There is strong anecdotal evidence to suggest additions of chemical preservatives and additives may result in allergic reactions (itchy skin, seepy ears or eyes, pink staining around mouth or feet, or a host of more serious immune system challenges) in some Bernese. Protein sources in commercial kibble and canned dog foods usually come primarily from meats, eggs or fish and grains. Many Bernese owners prefer to use foods with meat sources listed first in the feed ingedients list found on the bag.

If you'd like to do a little research on dog foods, the following informative website www.doberdogs.com lists a number of commercially prepared dog foods, ingredients, website addresses, and contact information. The Whole Dog Journal at www.whole-dog-journal.com prepares an annual list of quality feeds. Whether the feed is grain based or meat based, owners should use common sense and powers of observation to determine which foods work best for their dog. Rely on your breeder for tips on managing puppy diet to optimize development.

 

Special considerations
Food sensitivities or allergies can create management challenges, including skin or ear problems or digestive problems like gas or diarrhea. If your dog has ongoing digestive problems or allergic reactions like skin rashes, hot spots, itching, or seeping ears, changing to another brand of food with different meat and grain sources might be something to be considered.

 

Feeding and exercise
Manage your Bernese puppy's play schedule or adult's activities so exertion and exercise will occur at a minimum of 1 - 2 hours after mealtime - A puppy or dog that is very active or exercised with a belly full of food could experience bloat or gastric torsion. Also, if the dog has been exercising allow for a cool down of an half and hour or so before feeding.

 

Food and manners
Offering a short 1-3 minute training session, even something as simple as requiring a sit from your dog prior to delivering a meal, will foster polite behavior related to feeding time.

 

Managing food intake
The best favor any owner can do for their puppy is to manage activity and feeding to allow for as steady as possible growth. The ideal weight of any dog should depend on how large a frame and how much bone and muscle he or she has. Feeding more food to a pup to accelerate growth is NOT advised. Over feeding a Berner puppy will cause the dog to become fat which can place increased strain on joints, ligaments, tendons and bones. Overfeeding can also cause digestive difficulties such as diarrhea. A bit of firm flesh covering the ribs and when the dog feels tight fleshed but not bony is reasonable.

 

How much food?
Food intake will increase steadily as your pup grows. Usually healthy pups from 8-10 weeks of age eat roughly 3/4 - 1 and 1/2 cups of food per meal. Usually young pups are offered 3 meals between 2-6 months . After 6 months, offer the dog two meals per day. The amount of food a puppy needs to maintain good body condition will vary depending on the individual metabolism and activity level. As a general rule healthy Bernese will eat from 3-6 cups of good quality food daily. A four-month-old will eat more than an eight-week-old pup. At 6-8 months the food intake will usually be at an adult proportion or slightly greater depending on the dog's environment and system.

 

Suggestions and ideas
Most breeders feed puppies in a litter from one or two large communal food dishes. Getting a puppy to eat from his own bowl, with no competition from litter mates, can present minor challenges. Some puppies are easily distracted, may wander away before finishing. An easily distracted pup that wants to move into other pets' food dishes can be confined to a crate or different area during feeding times, unless the owner is willing to act as a constant monitor. It is not unusual for puppies to be less interested in meals at particular times of the day while gobbling up food at other times. Finicky eating behaviors are often learned and may be the result of poor management or an owner making an incorrect choice of feed for a particular dog.

Generally speaking most puppies do best with planned regular feeding times; that is when food is set down and left for short periods, 5-15 minutes. Any uneaten food is then picked up and stored safely, refrigerated until the next meal time. Scheduled feeding also can allow an owner to establish a housebreaking routine since what goes in does come out.

Free feeding, that is having food available at all times, is something to be discussed with the puppy's breeder.

Coddling by holding the food bowl while the puppy eats or by adding delectable treats after the bowl has been put down can tend to establish poor eating habits. If puppy is hungry, puppy will eat. Dogs have a great sense of what they need to survive. No healthy puppy will starve itself. Bernese that do not get daily physical exercise may become less than enthusiastic eaters.

Some puppies are real "chow hounds." Using a flat shallow pie plate or tin will slow down food gobblers since the food is spread out rather than all mounded in as in a steeper feeding dish.

Resource guarding, meaning dogs that growl, become territorial or overtly aggressive when food is removed or when a person comes around while the dog is eating must not be permitted to develop. Start early to train your puppy to be comfortable by placing your hand in or around puppy's food bowl. Children should be taught to leave a dog alone when it is eating. Teaching your puppy to remain calm during an intrusion while eating is especially important if you have children. If your puppy has resource guarding tendencies, consult a professional trainer.

Children and Bernese Mountain Dogs
People frequently choose a Bernese Mountain Dog because they have read or heard the breed is great with kids. Generally speaking, most Berners are gentle and nurturing; and most have the tendency to interact well with children. As a parent or owner please understand that you will need to spend time teaching children and your dog how to conduct themselves. Young children and puppies and even adult dogs should be closely supervised to avoid behaviors that could lead to injury of child, dog or both. Parents should also plan on providing guidance to children who visit their yard or home to ensure safe interactions.

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Young children and Berners ~ basics
All dogs have space boundaries just like people. Have you ever heard a person say, "heh, back off, you're in my space!"? Well, dogs don't talk; but they do have other ways to express the same thought. Children and some adults may not pick up on the language a Berner speaks when trying to tell a human to back off. Teaching children how to read a dog's language and respond appropriately to a dog's boundaries and tolerance levels is a big part of parents keeping kids safe. Berners are big dogs and could potentially frighten a child unaccustomed to interacting with dogs. Due to size, a Berner might inadvertently knock over young children or toddlers. Berners puppies, if left to their own instincts, will often chase and nip or bite as a form of play. Teaching children how to respond to these instinctual behaviors can be challenging. Teaching small children not to grab skin or fur, pull on legs, or tails, not to stare at or scream in the dog's face can be tough - since those kinds of behaviors are fairly common when young children interact with a pet. Children while playing can be noisy

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and abrupt in their movements. A dog can get overwhelmed by the busy activity and high pitched voices of children. Some Berners are sound sensitive and may become anxious, nervous or disinterested in children's playtime activities. Most Berners will seek private space in a quiet location if they are stressed due to sensory overload, tired or don't want to be bothered. Owners who are not familiar with raising dogs with children are encouraged to take advantage of information available in books and on websites which provides common sense tips for parental management of dogs and children.

 

Book List:
Living with Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar
Raising Puppies & Kids Together: A Guide for Parents by Pia Silvani
Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life by Brian Kilcommons

The American Kennel Club website offers a terrific set of printable materials to assist parents in educating children to interact well with dogs.

Bailey the Beagle Responsible Dog Owner's Tip Sheet http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/bailey_tip_sheet.pdf
Bailey Goes Home http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/bailey_goes_home.pdf
Canine Courtesy http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/canine_courtesy.pdf
How to Greet a Dog http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/how_to_greet.pdf
Megan Meets a Mastiff http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/megan_meets.pdf

 

Websites for parents and children:

Fencing - its about responsible owner management of Bernese
When weather permits, Berners benefit from spending several hours a day outside in the fresh air - a fenced yard can be a perfect place for Berners to rest or play and experience the stimulating sights and sounds of nature. Many breeders prefer to place pups in homes with a fenced yard. There are some breeders who will not consider selling a Berner puppy to a buyer who can not provide secure outdoor accommodations for their dog. Breeders who require fencing as a condition for placement of Berner pups realize owners who don't have fenced yards may not be aware of how much time and effort it takes to diligently monitor a Berner in an outdoor situation. The main reason breeders are more comfortable selling their Berner pups to an owner who offers a fenced yard is - owners too often fail to strictly monitor dogs when they are outside which can put dogs and people at a greater risk for accidents or injury.

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No fencing management ~ consider the following...

  • Without a fence and strict supervision, would your dog 'stick around' if let outside to relieve itself?

  • Can you be 100% certain your dog will come to you when called under any circumstances?

  • Might you be distracted by a phone call or interrupted by children who required your attention while monitoring your unfenced dog?

  • Could you safely say your dog would stay on your property if the dog saw a cat or a person across the street?

  • Are you aware that your Berner will use its nose to find wildlife, the neighbor's barbeque grill, garbage cans, or another dog.

  • It is likely others will have occasion to monitor your unfenced dog outside; the babysitter or a child may not be attentive and astute enough to watch or control the dog.

  • Would your Berner, if excited or scared, charge through an outside door in your home into an unfenced yard and just keep going?

  • Would you consider someone else's large black dog roaming in your neighborhood as potentially dangerous to itself and to people? A roaming dog is a traffic hazard.

  • Are you aware intact (not neutered or spayed) male and female dogs can have strong instincts to reproduce. Countless numbers of puppies have been born as a result of unplanned 'get-togethers' by dogs that are not securely fenced. If raising and finding homes for a mixed breed litter of pups isn't in your plans, make sure your intact dog has no opportunity to 'meet up' with your neighbor's intact pets.

  • Will your insurance company or neighbors view your unfenced dog as a risk? Can you afford increased cost for homeowner's insurance or a lawsuit if your Berner is perceived as 'a problem dog'?

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​Fencing selection ~ fencing types

  • Above ground, physical barrier type including chain link, welded wire, wood slats/panels.

  • Electric, underground type* requiring use of a collar designed to alert the dog (through warning shocks/high pitched sounds/vibrations) to the existence of the boundaries of the area that is fenced.


When deciding which type of fencing is best for your situation, take into account where you live. A busy neighborhood in the suburbs with children on bikes, other people's pets at the end of a cul du sac where cars are driven slowly is quite different than a rural farm house close to a county highway where cars and trucks drive by at high speeds. Physical barrier, above ground fencing is considered by many breeders and owners as optimal. *NOTE: keep in mind when selecting the type of fencing that underground fencing does not keep other animals or people from entering your property and approaching your unattended dog. Some Berners are not always friendly or comfortable with strangers; and some are not predictable when approached. Adults or children who enter your yard may or may not 'read' or react appropriately to

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your dog's language. A barking 100 pound dog or a dog that jumps up to greet a stranger is intimidating to many people. If building a new fence or putting up a kennel run, be sure to check with local government zoning offices to make sure covenants/property development regulations in your neighborhood permit construction of above ground fencing.

 

Fence location ~ new fence planning ~ suggestions
Ideally, a fenced yard or kennel should serve your needs as well as the dog's. Determine if you'd like to set up fencing to give direct access to your home, or if you'd prefer a separate kennel area. Plan for the location of new fencing or a kennel to take advantage of shade trees if possible. If the location has no trees, choose the coolest spot available; and plan to use shade screens or tarps on the tops and/or sides of the kennel or fenced area to protect the dog from exposure to direct sun, wind and rain. The location of fencing in relation to the home's layout can be important in terms of minimizing the spread of dirt by dogs. If possible plan to install fencing to allow access through a door with flooring that can be easily cleaned. Lay a large absorbent rug next to the door you plan to let your dog in and out through. Train your Berner to wait when coming through doors so you can direct him or her where to go to dry off - saves time spent cleaning up muddy paw prints.

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​Fences ~ limits of use
Fencing should be used to provide a Berner with a safe place to spend time outdoors for limited periods of time. Berner puppy on fenceFencing is not a substitute for the human attention and mental stimulation Berners need. Berners are companion dogs; they are most content when spending time with their people. Please consider that when Berners are left alone too long they might seek and find undesirable outlets for their boredom. A bored dog might attempt to dig under or go over a fence. Bernese are big, powerful dogs. Most Berners are not fence jumpers, but some can sail over a 4 foot fence easily. A few 'confinement challenged' Bernese have been known to climb a six foot fence. Generally speaking, a five foot fence is difficult for most Berners to jump or climb. For Berners digging comes naturally, especially when it is hot outside. In short order, less than a half an hour, a Bernese can excavate several feet of dirt which is ample room for the dog to pass under a fence.

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No one home ~ dogs in fenced yards ~ safety issues
Please consider very carefully whether leaving your dog outside in a fenced yard when you are not home is a good idea for where you live. Unlocked gates can be opened by adults or children who may not be aware that a big black dog is waiting behind the closed gate.

  • If you intend to leave your dog outside in a fenced area when you are absent, might a stranger or delivery person have access to the area where your dog is kept?

  • Might your dog escape or run away if someone entered your property and inadvertently forgot to latch the gate? Recovering a lost dog can take days. Sometimes Berners that run away don't ever find their way home.

  • Ask yourself who could potentially have access to your dog if left outside while you are at work or away running errands. What kind of response might people who enter your fenced yard have to your dog? How would your dog respond if...?

  • Unfortunately, there have been cases in which unscrupulous individuals have entered yards and stolen Berners - recovery of a stolen dog is not always possible.

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