Puppy Buying = Dog Ownership

These are meant to be a guide to help identify or highlight areas worthy of consideration to   determine if a Berner is right for you. For fun, I checked "no shedding" to see how the results would change. Ideally, I would prefer my Berners to be shed-free, but that is unrealistic and we'd rather have a home with dogs that shed than. a sparkling clean house without one!

Dog Breed Selector Quizzes https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm 

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html 

If you are interested in a puppy, please join our email list to be notified up upcoming litter information. At the right time, we will ask you to fill out the Puppy Application with as much detail as possible. The information you supply will aid us in deciding whether you are a good candidate for one of our puppies and will initiate next steps in doing so.

Tips for Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog

http://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/12_bernese_basics_buying_tips.pdf 

Based on what you have told us in your Puppy Application, from talking with you on the phone. and the temperament of the puppies in the litter, we will make some helpful suggestions when it is time for choosing your puppy.

We post pictures of all the puppies periodically.in their first month of life. Between 5-6 weeks, you will be invited to join the puppies and spend time with them to see which ones seem to be attracted to you and visa versa. We will help you determine which puppies are a better match for your family, and more often then not, we have learned, it is the dog who makes the final decision an easy one.

We do not air ship puppies; however, we travel throughout the eastern seaboard on a regular basis and can make arrangements to deliver your pup for a flat rate fee. Price (TBD) includes round trip travel expenses to your location, and crating for safe travel. Of course, you are always welcomed to pick up your puppy. Regardless of which method you choose, we are excited to meet you! 

Planning to breed and raising litters includes many real costs; time spent researching quality bloodlines, raising puppies reserved for breeding that may or may not meet our breeding standard in 2 years, stud fees, transportation costs, veterinary bills, array of genetic testing and costs associated with crates, gates, whelping boxes, cleaning supplies, time spent educating others, and more. Puppies that come from our breeding and selection program are worth the wait and cost incurred.

Berners can be trained for obedience, as well as activities such as carting, agility, tracking, and  herding. Some Bernese make wonderful therapy dogs as well. Early socialization makes a big difference. You should plan to safely expose your  puppy to as many people, dogs, noises and experiences as possible. Puppy training classes are also a big help. 

http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/Socialization_Bernese_Mountain_Dog_Puppies-Training-article.php 

All dogs benefit from basic obedience classes. As the owner of a large dog, you have a special obligation to be a good ambassador. Every time you are out in public with your obedient, well-mannered Berner, you are a positive image for large dog breeds. 

http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/Bernese_Mountain_Dog_Puppy_Growth.php 

The success of most relationships between dogs and children depends almost entirely on the supervision by adults. Puppies naturally chase and bite. Children are often loud and abrupt in their movements and are often mistaken by the dog to be just another pup. Accidents that are avoidable are often blamed on the dog. Puppies (and children) benefit from time without  children during the day.

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Children & Puppy Training Basics http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/Children_and_Bernese_Mountain_Dogs.php 

New dog owners will be given a puppy pack complete with items that have familiar smells (a favorite toy or blanket), food the puppy is accustomed to eating, training bits, health records (including shots and deworming information) and health guarantee, limited AKC registration, and literature on caring for your new puppy. We are always available to answer any questions you have along the way. 

Preparation and consistency is key. Dogs are naturally used to running in packs, sleeping in packs, and eating in packs.  Deciding where your dog will sleep, and what behaviors are acceptable to you ahead of time will help make the transition smoother. 

Get Ready for Your Puppy http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/articles/Get_Ready_for_Berner_Puppy.php 

Yes, we require that your puppy be spayed or neutered before they reach 1 year old.. Please see our Purchase Agreement for more detailed information. If you're dog is to attend doggie daycare, they may also require that your dog is spayed or neutered.

This is a very personal question that is best answered by each puppy owner. Our dogs are OFA certified, and we do everything in our power to make sure we are breeding dogs for health and longevity. We guarantee our puppies against serious health defects (not caused by trauma) for 24 months. Because accidents can happen, every family must decide for themselves what is best for their family pet(s), just as we do for our own children.

Their Swiss name, Berner Sennenhund, references the breed's working traditions. A "Senn" or "Senner" is the stockman who takes the cattle to the Alps for the summer.  The Sennenhund is the dog accompanying the Senner on his Alpine journeys, from farm, to field, and to town often carting and droving to aid the Senner. Bernese Mountain Dogs are often referred to as Berners.