Hi all, I've been enjoying reading some of the threads here and finding out just how "berner" my Nell really is!

She is 11 weeks tomorrow and the current love of my life.....shhhhh don't tell my other critters that

I'm sure I will be asking questions, or is it okay to comment on some of the older posts here? Wouldn't normally do that at a forum but seems like a small group here. Let me know what you prefer.

Hi! Glad you found us, and glad to hear you are enjoying the site! It is funny to read and then realize how much our dogs do have in common. Sometimes I will read a post, and SWEAR they are talking about our Riley! lol

Please feel free to ask anything...and to post your own stories! We welcome both!

Also Congrats on your new "baby" !

Hello from B.C. Canada (we're an hrs drive fr Vancouver , which was home to 2010 Olympics - what a party that was!!)
I think it's really a really great thing for you to read and sift thru the info on older threads. There's a wealth of information here!
But, just like most everything in life, you also have to do your own research and decide what's best for your pup and you. Good luck!
I'll never forget those first few months with our very first Berner; it was an awesome experience! The only advice I'll give you is keep the weight down (don't use puppy food which is too high in protein for these fast growing Berners!) and don't walk your pup too much. I walked our first (berner) puppy 3 times a day, for about 1/2 hr at a time, to the detriment of her joints and it is something I regret dearly! Our 2nd and 3rd Berner, we walked here and there casually for about 5 or 10 minutes and mainly let them play off leash and we had zero joint troubles!
Now, Leo, aged 2, can easily do a 10 or 20 km hike (6 to 12 miles or so) and could probably go a lot further, we've just never asked him to. We hike in the mountains frequently, and Leo never has any problems, whereas, our female (who has genetic joint issues) has so much trouble, we have to leave her at home if we are going for more than an hour or so. But she will forever be "princess" in our home, so she is definitely not suffering!