01 Mar So You Think You’d Like A Bernese ?

Considerations before becoming a Bernese Mountain Dog owner

The following are suggestions of some outline preliminary points to consider BEFORE you search for your puppy and much of it would apply to many breeds. There is much more thought and responsibility involved in owning any large, strong dog than just having the money to pay the food and vet’s bills.

Some Brief Initial Thoughts

1] Can YOU Cope ?

Before trying to obtain a Bernese puppy make sure that you have the ability, time, space, resources and most importantly willingness to care for him adequately.

This is not a breed which always takes kindly to being shut up alone for long periods away from his family, particularly whilst young. He is a loving and giving friend but if neglected he can grow into a large, powerful and boisterous problem by which time retraining can be very difficult.

Generally Bernese are willing to please and therefore relatively easy to train to an acceptable level of behaviour and this should be done whilst young. There is nothing more frustrating to a Bernese lover than a dog presented with a “temperament problem” which merely lacks some basic domestic behaviour training, which many experienced owners perform in an acceptable fashion as part of daily life. Many dogs in this category are effectively spoilt by well meaning but ill prepared owners, especially if this is your first dog.

Are you prepared to ensure that he or she learns such acceptable behaviour from you, either alone or with the help of a local training class?

There are all too many anti-dog lobbies nowadays and another large uncontrollable dog gives them just the type of ammunition they are looking for and the Dangerous Dogs Act, applies to ANY DOG if it is out of control in a public area and this could lead to distressing consequences.

2] Can your FINANCES cope with a large growing dog?.

“I bet he eats alot” is a common comment for those on breed discovery booths or meeting people and discussing their Bernese. In fact, once mature Bernese do not eat as much as most outsiders seem to think but whilst growing can consume large amounts of a quality diet for a year or more.

Make sure that you have the financial resources to cope with any veterinary bills you might incur as well as routine inoculations etc. Most Bernese bought from reputable breeders come with a period of veterinary insurance and it is strongly recommended that veterinary cover is continued at least through the growth period but then at least third party after that.

3] Can your Home Cope?

Be happy that your garden and house can stand the impact of a large dog. You certainly do not need to have a massive plot but your garden may have to bear the brunt of the “consequences” of keeping a larger dog on site. Many people do not have good sized gardens, and a few no gardens at all which is not recommended for a puppy, but have good access to other outside space. If they do foul an improper place you should at all times be prepared to clean up after your own dog.

Whilst “teething” some puppies can go through a destructive phase if not encouraged to play with their own chewing toys and, especially when left unsupervised for even just a short time, a teething youngster can do a lot of damage to your favourite furniture or decor. Have you the time (and inclination) to take him daily walks and sufficient time to minimise the chances of such things happening.

4] Can your Family Cope?

Are you satisfied that ALL your family are happy with the prospect of a large dog entering their home. If a member of a family does not want this addition then problems can ensue. Sometimes it can cause a problem if one family members wants a different breed and is overruled, thus resenting the dog that arrives. Make sure everyone affected is happy with the thought of a Bernese. Small children can also be a problem either aggravating the dog or opening doors, gates etc. Growing dogs need to have a place and time to rest from the attentions of toddlers and children and this means some breeders are very reluctant to sell puppies to households with small children.

5] Can your lifestyle Cope?

It has become a cliche but a ‘Dog is for Life’ and this means it is not something you can put away or ignore for the days you can’t be bothered. What will happen during  your holidays for example? Many people take their dogs on holiday with them but this might mean a completely different type of holiday than as a non dog owner. What about if you want to go out for the day or week-end to somewhere non dog friendly? You need to be sure you will not have these problems or have ways to deal with them before you bring your dog home.

As was said at the start, many of these factors apply to any breed but some are potentially more a bit impactful with a larger breed and need considering even more if this will be your first dog. There are many factors to all of these points and different ways of addressing any issues so do plenty of research and see dogs at events such as dog shows but also try to see some in a home environment to better assess how they will fit into your front room and kitchen. Spend a bit of time with your breeder if you can learning about the dog you will be taking home in the few weeks time.