Hello,
My mum was saying about getting a dog for a while now, and this week she went to look at some bernese dogs to buy...

I've never heard of the Bernese breed so i started looking about and seems like the particular dog is actually a really nice dog.

I'll get to the point, although my mum and lil sister want this dog, im preparing myself to probably the main handler for the dog, training, diet, introducing and taking the dog for walks... ect

I'm 19, and work 8am untill around 4pm, but while im away my mum is always in with sister so i dont think this should be a problem?

This will be a FIRST dog for us so im not sure if the dog will need a 'main' dominant figure in the household? There's 5 family members...

I've read places that the Bernese are actually a scared shy breed, and can actually coward towards people?

Any tips from Bernese owners would be amazing?

If you do research and research a good breeder you should not have the problems with shyness. They can be a wary breed and do need socialisng well from young.

I think any breed needs one main trainer but usually if trained well any breed will take command from any member of the family. Both of my dogs did one a mixed breed many years ago and my Bernese I recently lost due to ill health.

With regard to training you need a routine and make sure all of the family know it and adhere to it to save the puppy confusion.

With Bernese you need a firm but fair approach no harsh handling, shouting, yanking or pulling they can be sensitive.

They take a long while to mature mentally and physically. They need a good diet and care with exercise. It is improtant not to over exercise when young.

Research and research os my advice with reagrd to the breed to make sure you want to commit to one of these beautiful dogs and the other to research a a good breeder. Not sure if you are based in the UK, Canada or America or of course somewhere else. What I wlll say is to go to some Bernese events run by the breed club in your part of the world, meert the dogs and the people then enquire about breeding programmes and seeing if you can go on their list.

I will stress do not buy from an advert in a local paper pet shop internet advert or similar. Breeders that breed for health, temperamnet, and type do not need to advertise they get buyers from word of mouth and if they feel you are a good candidate to own this breed they will not hesitate to put you on their waiting list.

Thats the good thing about attending some of the events laid on by the breed club you can speak to people and ask who they got their Bernese from and you will be amazed at how many breeders are recommended or how many times a person will go back to the same breeder.

Good luck in your search.

After having a labrador who had every bit of mojo as the one in Marley and me, but used it for GOOD! thank goodness! and who was the perfect most lovely trustworthy friend ever for more than 10 years.... I can already see my little Bernese critter shaping up into the same.

I would say he's even more intelligent and sensitive to his environment as my lab was. At this age, my lab didn't care if I lived or died, let alone listen to me. But my Bernese is really taking it all in. I noticed this actually when I first saw him...that he looked with his eyes, not with his head. He seemed far more sentient and intelligent.

My labrador set the standard really high...and this little guy is exceeding my expectations in terms of personality and learning (and of course, MAJOR cuteness factor but that shouldn't be too much of a deciding factor).

As an animal, he needs enough stimulation and exercise.
As a dog, he needs nice walks with his masters, socialisation, guidance and training, treats and playtime after the exercise and training.
As a Bernese, he needs confidence (socialisation) and I feel my plan of leaving him alone a bit in the day after exercise is working because he's relaxed to be alone sometimes now. If he had his way, I think he'd be tethered to me 24/7 but I can only give him 90% of my time =) since I can't take him in the supermarket, and I don't want to leave him locked away in a crate. So he needs to feel confident when alone. Also looks like he'll generate a LOT of hairs when he has his adult coat. I'm considering whether it's a good or bad thing that we have black counter tops =)

It's a big commitment, but a hugely rewarding one. The first few days were hard (especially after coming from 100% trust of an adult dog), but 1 month in, I already feel I can trust him. Of course I have to look out for his safety in what is left lying around, but he's generally not interested in anything that's not his toys...and he certainly goes potty outside. He amuses himself quite a bit with his toys too.

They're very special dogs. That's for sure. And the fact that you're asking these questions before committing yourself, shows that you'll be a great family for one.

I was looking at some sites. AKC's on the list too. Are they really reliable? I mean the breeders of bernese dogs?

I am in the Uk so cannot say how reliable a breeder advertising in your part of the world would be. I learnt to go through breed club attending events and word of mouth for my second Bernese.

The only sites you should consider starting with in the U.S is Bernergarde.org and the BMDCA.org site.

From here, it takes diligent research to weed out the irresponsible breeders who are not following the code of ethics (and doing required health certifications) and those who are.

The AKC site currently has 17 breeders listed nationwide and 14 of them are backyard breeders at best. Two on there are well known, disgusting puppymills so be aware.

There are two breeders in my area listed on the AKC site - I know them both. One is a puppymill and the other is a BMDCA member but irresponsible and not following the code of ethics. So I recommend avoiding both.

Always start with the BMDCA member who is doing health certifications and then weed out from there....no responsible good breeder exists outside of the above, but plenty of irresponsible breeders do still exist within the BMDCA - so it is key starting point, no end all.

Good luck!

Thanks for that one! I now have three already. I didn't read your message before but I also have BMDCA on my list after some research.

__________________
weimaraner