Hi guys,

I really wanted to get some feedback from owners before I buy a Berner. I love the breed and have tried to read as much as I can about them but would really appreciate some of your opinions before I get one, as I wouldnt want to be cruel to them at all and if my lifestyle isnt suitable then I wont get one.

So, im a single man, live alone in a house with a back garden. I work shifts, 9 or 10 hours, work 3 days on and then 2 off, I never work full nights only day shifts and late shifts and im willing to put in as much effort and give the pup as much attention as it needs when not working. Would a Berner be okay in my house, or garden, whilst working?

Thoughts, opinions and suggestions all welcomed,

Thankyou in advance,

Jenks
Plymouth, England

IMO, you'll be a fantastic dog owner if you give your dog at least a walk per day and train him/her daily. Doesn't matter if you sometimes have to work as long as you give your dog a decent amount of time AFTER or BEFORE work. (BTW, crate training is KING- so read all about it!! then don't listen to those who say it is cruel b/c it's not). Berner pups should only be walked for a very short time but do need training so enrol or read about training methods and practice daily. Just don't exercise your Berner pup too much as it can lead to health problems down the road due to their heavy bone structure and genetic issues. Be careful too ,about who your breeder is...Have they provided you with genetic health checks? Most Berners are pretty laid back, but they need firm training too and lots of interaction with every situation as they are sometime shy, so take them out to the park or shopping centre to introduce them to as many new situations as possible. The effort you put into training a Berner pup will manifest itself 10X or more as an adult! Good luck and I hope to see you posting soon as a new Berner pup owner on this site!

Hi,

Thankyou for your response, I was a little concerned as to why nobody had replied to me untill now but thats really helpfull what youve said. My heart is very much set on getting one im going to start looking around soon once I feel ive read enough information about everything on the net, and im going to try to speak to a local Berner owner if I can find one. In your post you mention crate training, are you suggesting the pup would be best left in a crate whilst im working? or do you mean overnight when sleeping?

Thanks again :-)

I should also mention that Berners shed ALOT. They first shed their baby coat at about 9 - 12 months, then twice a year. So be prepared. Berners need brushing weekly and when shedding, it's good to do at least every 2nd day. This is also something to take into account. Also, if you run into health issues are you prepared to pay the price to help your Berner?

As for crate training...you really should read about it. Either a crate or a small area like a bathroom or even if you can block off a very small room like a kitchen area with baby gates will work. A crate at night is best and this should be a nice cozy size i.e. you'll need a smaller one for the puppy, then a mid-sized one when your pup gets bigger. I used to throw a cookie or treat in there so our puppies would go in on their own. Then, when I heard whining, I knew it was time to get up for a pee break, but usually after only a week or two or three, the puppy can get through a whole night if it hasn't had too much water after 7 or 8. During the days I had to work, I'd put our pups in either a smallish kitchen area that I blocked off with baby gates or in a very large wire crate with a sheet over it so it was dark and cozy. I left the radio going, put water and a stuffed (with food & treats) kong toy in there and our puppies were safe and sound until I got home. I was fortunate that I could take a quick lunch break and let them out - perhaps you could persuade a neighbour to help you out? But, anyways, there's lots of good advice to be found in books and on the net, so read and ask friends or phone a trainer or pet store and ask advice. I think the rule of thumb for smaller crates is no more time in there than the age of the pup plus one i.e. a 3 mo should only stay crated alone for maximum 4 hours. All our puppies have been trained in no time - some of them only ever had 1 or 2 accidents in the house. And NEVER get mad at your puppy for soiling mistakes; remember they are just babies who look to you with trust and they will respect you for your kindness. Have you inquired for any puppies yet? Keep me posted!

hello,

we have a berner and also work long hours sometimes.

I find that darby is fine when left alone as long as you avoid the seperation anxiety by leaving him alone for gradually longer periods (you can google this). darby did become somewhat destructive out of boredom but that was solved with a kong! simply pop in the treat and he'd try all day to get it out.

We play with him loads before we leave and he gets a lovely walk when we get back so he doesn't mind it so much now... as long as he is kept entertained he/ she will be ok.

You will be making a fantasic choice by getting a berner - i'm already looking into berner no.3!

...never met a breed as smart, gentle and affectionate while being a great gaurd dog due to there size and bark! oh and absolutely wonderful with kids!

I still think so!

10 Hours + transit time is a VERY long time for any dog to be alone and outside especially since you live in a cold climate state. While Berners love the snow, I don't think one would want to be alone outside for that long, especially at night in the dark of winter.

If you are willing and able to pay for dog sitting services to have someone come visit your dog a couple times a day for walks, feedings and visits for attention, it might work.

I am single and work and am gone for a good 8-9 hours a day, but I have a dog walker come in for a lunch feeding for my puppy, and walk both dogs and play with them. If I can't get home before dark, they have the ability to go into my insulated garage which also has A/C installed for the summer months as well as a carpeted section to lay around on. If I have to do a business dinner, again, I have to have my dog sitter come and visit and feed dinner.

Berners are VERY social dogs, and I truly believe in having two dogs so they can keep one another company. But even with 2 Berners, my elder Berner will bark if it gets dark and I'm not home yet...this gets harder in the winter given it gets dark at 430pm in Chicago. So, my dog sitter will be coming over to let the dogs into the house.

Whether you get a Berner or another breed, it sounds like you'll need a dog sitter to help you given how long you are away from home.

Good luck!

Hi all! I know this thread was a little old, but I just read it and decided to comment.

My husband and I have been looking into getting a Berner also. We have the same work full time issue as alot of people. My husband leaves by 5am and doesnt get home until 5:30pm. I leave by 8am and don't get home until 6pm. I too have been looking into pet sitting services that come into your house during the day for visits with puppy and take care of his needs when you aren't there.
Which I'm sure is good for socialization also.

Other than us working full time, i think we have a good lifestyle for a berner. I am home every day/night after work. I never make plans after work. We don't like to travel, so there's no vacationing. We are always home on weekends and if we go anywhere it' to places where we can take our Berner. We love animals, and we have a cat now that is just spoiled and we give her alot of attention, so puppy will have a friend in kitty also (at least we hope!....LOL)

jackie

Jenks,

What a coincidence to find another Plymouth resident. I am also on the hunt for a Berner, have you found a reputable breeder as yet? Please let me know if so! Closest I can find is Penzance (not really that far to be fair) and also Wales.

We sadly lost our Bernese x Border a week ago to old age and neurological condition and I am determined to find myself a pure Bernese in a few months, I wanted one before our Monte sadly passed away but I feel in a few months we would be ready to give another dog our time, love and attention.

I am lucky as I shall be moving back home that whilst I work 7-8 hours a day my parents work different hours to me and so the dog would be on it's own for all of 2-3 hours a day at most.

Good luck for your search for a Berner.

Hi all!! I work long hours as well. I spend all my off time with storm. As soon as I get home from work we either walk or swim. I take him shopping with me as well. He does get to go to work with me some times which he loves.

I made sure I socialized storm as a pup and so glad I did. He learned to love people. everyone pays attention to a Berner pup and they learn to love it.

I did not crate train. Storm took over the basement of my place. He had a small area, then it slowly got larger. now when i'm gone he goes there immediately.

all i can say is spend all your off time with your pup.