The Complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs

By Dennis Frankel

Get The Definitive Bernese Mountain Dog Ownership Guide.
Whether you own a Bernese Mountain Dog, or are considering it, existing owners agree that this is the "must have" owner's manual. Bernese Mountain Dogs’ are extremely rewarding companions that develop loyal bonds with their owners.
The breed dates back years, and to this day they are most well-known for their unwavering protective nature and ability to serve as loyal companions.
This comprehensive owners guide provides you with the most critical information, resources, and training strategies needed to successfully raise and care for your Bernese Mountain Dog.
From choosing the right Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, to caring for your Bernese Mountain Dog, the information within this guide will serve as your "go to" resource for years to come.
Highlights from the The Complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs:
* The Right and Wrong Reasons for Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog
* Breed Overview and Ownership Expectations
* How the Bernese Mountain Dog Adoption Process Really Works
* All About Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
* Preparing Your Home for a Bernese Mountain Dog
* How to Keep Your Dog Healthy, Safe, and Happy
* Common Health Problems
* Caring for Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues
* Exercise & Activity Expectations
* Showing Your Bernese Mountain Dog
* Training for Guard Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Working Dogs, & More
* The Aging Process and Life Expectations
* Hundreds of Tips and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
As with all dog breeds, there are many advantages and disadvantages to owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. From the day you bring home your new puppy, or adopt, you will be bombarded with questions and concerns. It is critical that you have all of the required proper care information available, at any time, so that you do not make any costly errors or put your new best friend into danger.
The importance of proper training and care, from the start, cannot be understated. The worst problems in Bernese Mountain Dog ownership almost always start early. Be pro-active, learn everything there is to know about Bernese Mountain Dog ownership, and get started on the right track.
From the puppy days to the latter years, new and sometimes difficult decisions are required from Bernese Mountain Dog owners. This manual will help you make the correct decision, based on medical and training best practices, so that you never go to sleep worried about your pet's health or mood.
Always make care decisions based on your particular dog and be sure to know all of the facts.
Ultimately, this guide will prepare you for the vast array of purchasing, adoption, training, healthcare, and expectation-related information that will confront you at one time or another.
This complete manual includes photographs, and nearly a dozen chapters full of useful information for your Bernese Mountain Dog. Additionally, the manual includes a very helpful table of contents so that you can easily and accurately find the important information you are looking for in an instant.
The complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dog is designed to help first-time dog owners and experienced individuals alike, with ease and clarity.
Purchase the The Complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs today and save yourself from costly mistakes that could create financial disasters, poor long-term behaviour, and increased stress in both you and your dog's living environment. A well-prepared Bernese Mountain Dog owner makes for a happy, and healthy dog.
With our 100% No Quibble, Money Back Guarantee you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. A more caring, loving companionship with your chosen, loyal friend.
Get The Complete Guide to Bernese Mountain Dogs’ now
Be prepared to care
Take care of yourself and... Your Bernese Mountain Dog

• Language: English
• Publisher: For Dogs Sake
• Release date: Feb 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781908793331

Book preview

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS

By Dennis Frankel

~~~

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 For Dogs Sake! ®

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 978-1-908793-33-1

Copyright 2013

Publisher For Dogs Sake!®

Author Dennis Frankel

Table of Contents

1 BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG DECISIONS

The Right And Wrong Reasons For Purchasing A Bernese Mountain Dog

-- The Right Reasons

-- The Wrong Reasons

Bernese Mountain Dogs And Social Responsibility

Where To Purchase Your Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Private Sellers

-- Breeders

-- Shelters And Rescues

-- Puppy Farms

-- Pet Shops

General Equipment You Will Need

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs As Guard Dogs

-- Family And Child Friendly Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Working Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Drafting Bernese Mountain Dogs

A Breed Guideline

-- Barking And The Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Children And The Bernese Mountain Dog

-- The Bernese Mountain Dog On Its Own

-- Active Lifestyles And The Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Exercise And The Bernese Mountain Dog

Mixed Or Pure Breed Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Conclusion

2 YOUR CHOSEN BREED:  THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

The Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard

Personality And Temperament Of The Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

The Reality- Life With A Bernese Mountain Dog

-- The Bernese Mountain Dog And Children

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs And Families

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs And Lifestyle

-- The Bernese Mountain Dog And Other Animals

3 ALL ABOUT PUPPIES

Choosing The Right Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

What To Look For In A Bernese Mountain Dog Owner Or Breeder

When Is The Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Old Enough To Leave The Mother?

How To Choose The Right Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

What To Watch For

Paperwork

Questions To Ask

Bringing Your Puppy Berner Home

-- Preparation At Home

-- Arrival

-- Introducing The Family

Keeping A Healthy Berner Puppy

-- Good Nutrition

-- Vaccinations And Vet Visits

Common Berner Puppy Health Problems

-- Diarrhea

-- Bloat

-- Puppy Allergies

-- Fleas And Ticks

-- Vomiting

Exercise

In Conclusion

4 THE RESCUE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG OWNER’S MANUAL

Rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs

Why Adopt From A Rescue Home?

-- Misconception: Anyone Can Get A Bernese Mountain Dog From A Breed Rescue

-- Misconception: As Soon As You Put In Your Name And Are Approved You Will Get A Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Misconception: It Is Easy To Get A Puppy At A Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue

-- Misconception: Rescues Will Take In Vicious Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Misconception: Rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs All Have Personality Or Temperament Problems

Older Bernese Mountain Dogs Versus Younger Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- How Does This Bernese Mountain Dog Behave Around Children?

-- How Does This Bernese Mountain Dog Respond To Strangers?

-- What Routines For Feeding And Exercise Is This Bernese Mountain Dog Currently On?

-- What Food Or Diet Is This Bernese Mountain Dog On And What Treats Are Being Provided?

-- What Unique Behaviors Or Personality Traits Does This Bernese Mountain Dog Have?

-- What Commands Does This Bernese Mountain Dog Respond To?

Process For Adopting A Rescue Bernese Mountain Dog

1. The First Step Is Research

2. Contact The Rescue In Your Area

3. Be Patient

4. Renew Your Application When Necessary

5. Follow Through

6. Consider Volunteering

Common Issues With Rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs And How To Deal With Them

-- Fear

-- Biting

-- Anxiety

-- Housetraining A Rescuee

Particular Problems With A Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Dog

A Closing Word

5 BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG HEALTH

General Considerations For Keeping Your Bernese Mountain Dog Healthy

-- Spaying And Neutering

-- Regular Vet Checks

-- The Importance Of Exercise

-- Exercise Requirements Of Your Berner

-- Grooming And Living Conditions

Typical Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues

-- Fleas

-- Ticks

-- Worms

-- Weight Loss / Weight Gain

-- Bernese Diarrhea

-- Bernese Vomiting

-- Coughing

-- Trouble Breathing

-- Bad Breath

-- Hip Dysplasia

-- Walking Dandruff

-- Canine Arthritis

-- Ear Infections

-- Eye Infections

-- Constipation

-- Heat Stroke

-- Allergies

Specific Dog Health Issues For The Bernese Mountain Dog Breed

-- Progressive Retinal Atrophy

-- Cataracts

-- Hypothyroidism

-- Entropion

-- Gastric Torsion

-- Cardiomyopathy

-- Osteochondritis Dessicans

-- Cryptorchidism

-- Hypoadenocorticism (Addison’s Disease)

-- Panosteitis

Non-Medical Emergencies

-- Missing Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Bernese Mountain Dog Safety In Cars

-- Ventilation And Overheating

-- Cold

-- Bernese Mountain Dog Bites And Liability

Summary

6 BATHING AND GROOMING YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Tools

Bathing

Ear Care

Nail Clipping

Anal Glands

7 THE GOOD BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG FOOD GUIDE

The Importance Of The Right Diet

Changing Types Of Food

Keeping A Routine

How Much And What To Feed

Making Your Own Bernese Mountain Dog Food

Foods To Avoid

Specific Feeding Advice For Your Berner

Weight, Dieting And Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Feeding Obese Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Diabetic Bernese Mountain Dogs

--BARF

Health Foods For Bernese Mountain Dogs

Homemade Treats

In The End

8 WORKING AND SHOWING YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Options For Working Your Berner

The History Of Working Bernese Mountain Dogs

-- Using Bernese Mountain Dogs To Hunt

-- The Bernese Mountain Dog As A Guard Dog

Training Your Own Guide Berner

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs For Therapy

-- Obedience

-- Working Trials

-- Control

The Problems Of Working Berners

Showing Your Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Choosing The Perfect Bernese Mountain Dog For Show

-- Ringcraft

-- Grooming The Show Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Transporting And Caging Your Bernese Mountain Dog

In Closing

9 TRAINING YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Training Your Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

Basic Commands

Common Puppy Problems

-- Housetraining

-- Barking

-- Biting Or Nipping

-- Jumping Up

-- Leash Problems

Choosing A Trainer Or A Class

Training Your Adult Bernese Mountain Dog

Particular Training Challenges With A Bernese Mountain Dog

Common Adult Bernese Mountain Dog Problems And Solutions

-- Biting And Nipping

-- Dog Barking

-- Chasing Other Animals

-- Aggression Towards Other Animals

-- Chewing

-- Digging

-- Dog Anxiety

-- Running Away

-- Pulling On The Leash

-- Coprophagy

-- Constantly Distracted

A Final Word

10 BREEDING YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Basic Breeding Information

Breeding Checklist

Finding The Perfect Partner For Your Bernese Mountain Dog

Pregnancy And Beyond

Whelping

Special Notes On Breeding A Bernese Mountain Dog

Puppy Care

Registering The Puppies

Choosing Good Homes For Your Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

The Transition

In Summary

11 THE OAD CARE GUIDE:  OLD AGED BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS AND CANINE BEREAVEMENT

Older Bernese Mountain Dogs And Their Needs

-- Diet

-- Exercise

The Aging Bernese Mountain Dog

-- Environmental Modifications

Health Problems And Older Bernese Mountain Dogs

Dealing With Grief

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs And Grieving

-- Bernese Mountain Dogs That Lose Their Owners

Preparing For The Worst

-- Euthanasia

-- Planning For Burial

-- Dealing With The Loss

To Conclude

1

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG DECISIONS

THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING A BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Planning to purchase a Bernese Mountain Dog is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful, rewarding experience but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about Bernese Mountain Dogs largely based on your living situation, as well.

THE RIGHT REASONS

There are many right reasons for purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A Bernese Mountain Dog requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a Bernese Mountain Dog can potentially live up to 8 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog include:

<> You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

<> You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

<> You can make the time commitment to train and work with your Bernese Mountain Dog both now and in the future.

<> You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to your Bernese Mountain Dog. The average cost of raising a Bernese Mountain Dog is approximately $250.00/£125 per year in vet fees plus an additional $40.00/£25.2 per month in dog food. For those that have Bernese Mountain Dogs that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $150.00/£75 to $200.00/£100 per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£15 to $50.00/£25 per month. These costs are per dog, so families with more than one Bernese Mountain Dog will pay significantly more per year.

<> You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

<> You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the Bernese Mountain Dog will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

<> You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

<> You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house a Bernese Mountain Dog in a quality home environment.

<> You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Bernese Mountain Dog is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Bernese Mountain Dog.

THE WRONG REASONS

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Bernese Mountain Dog from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

<> Purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog based on emotion rather than planning and thought. All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow. Rescues for Bernese Mountain Dogs are full of dogs that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

<> Purchasing a trendy breed. Though far less common than with other breeds, different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Bernese Mountain Dog can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

<> Purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

<> Feeling guilty about a Bernese Mountain Dog and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a Bernese Mountain Dog even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

<> Taking home a Bernese Mountain Dog at the wrong time in your life. Don’t get a Bernese Mountain Dog when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

<> Purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Bernese Mountain Dog will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There are several considerations that a Bernese Mountain Dog owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owner’s job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owning a Bernese Mountain Dog:

<> Travel

Will you bring the Bernese Mountain Dog with you? Who will provide care for your Bernese Mountain Dog while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your Bernese Mountain Dog to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those Bernese Mountain Dogs that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit, is an important consideration. Bernese Mountain Dogs can grow to be quite large so it is very important for you to find the right size and strength carrier/cage for your canine before traveling.

<> Vaccinations

Not only should your Bernese Mountain Dog be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even Bernese Mountain Dogs that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your Bernese Mountain Dog on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

<> Kenneling

Finding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your Bernese Mountain Dog.

<> Car Safety

Teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog to ride in the car, in a crate or using a leash seat belt, is important. These devices keep your Bernese Mountain Dog safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

<> Biting and Other Legal Issues

Keeping your Bernese Mountain Dog in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying a Bernese Mountain Dog, check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.

<> Insurance and Micro chipping

Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs. There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet. Micro chipping is a great way to permanently identify your Bernese Mountain Dog. A small microchip is inserted just under the skin and allows identification of your dog at any vet’s office, shelter or rescue center. Your vet can complete this process at any time.

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

After you have made the decision and completed the research on the breed of dog that you would like to purchase the next step is to decide where to buy your Bernese Mountain Dog. There are several different options for purchase or adoption, all which have pros and cons. The following section will describe the various methods for purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

PRIVATE SELLERS

Sometimes known as backyard breeders, private sellers are individuals who have either purebred or mixed breed Bernese Mountain Dogs that have litters of puppies.

<> Advantages

Usually the parent Bernese Mountain Dogs, at least the female, are family pets and are well cared for and socialized. Often the owners have the litters in the house so the puppies are used to being handled and may also be started in basic training and socialization with people. Most private sellers love their Bernese Mountain Dogs and do their best to care for them. Bernese Mountain Dogs from a private seller may be registered or unregistered depending on the breeder.

<> Disadvantages

The owners are usually not showing the Bernese Mountain Dogs so, although they may be purebred, they may not be eligible for show depending on their characteristics or faults. The price of puppies from some private sellers may be just as expensive as from a breeder with a proven kennel, without the extras provided by the breeder. The owner may not have checked the male or female for hereditary conditions and usually will not offer a health guarantee. This is considered a buyers beware market and researching the breed is very important before making a purchase from a private seller.

BREEDERS

Breeders are those individuals that actively show and raise Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. Their goal is to enhance the development of the breed and is not a for profit emphasis on the sale of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies.

<> Advantages

Breeders are registered with a Kennel Club and must uphold the ethical standards of the club. They are required to health check the male and female parents for genetic conditions, as well as avoid breeding any lines that have known health problems. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for the puppy; as well as provide a return option should the puppy not adjust to your home. Many breeders will also have the new owner sign a contract that prevents the re-sale of the dog; rather it is to be returned to the breeder. Most puppies, unless otherwise indicated, will be eligible for show and competition and free from disqualifying faults.

<> Disadvantages

Since breeders are very selective in the breeding of their Bernese Mountain Dogs there may be a long waiting list until a puppy becomes available. Breeders also require most owners to complete a questionnaire about their home and lifestyle and breeders may refuse to sell to a particular family or individual for a variety of reasons. Many