A puppies development period from birth to 6 months
is the MOST CRITICAL time of its life.
What he learns during this time will affect the rest of his life. Your
breeder should ALWAYS be available for
questions and work closely with you in these first critical months. I strongly
suggest getting a copy of the Monks at New Skeete
"The Art of Raising a Puppy"and "How To Be Your
Dog's Best Friend" available at most book stores.
Teach your puppy basic house manners but not formal
training until after teething--6 months.
Take pup out after waking up and eating every couple hours the first
few days. Take the pup to the spot you want him to use. Use "hurry
up", a lot of praise and your pup will be easily house trained.
Never hit puppy or chase when it does do something
wrong. You are teaching the pup to
run from you and/or become fear shy. Don't put the pup in a situation
(such as chewing furniture) but provide safe teething toys.
FREE EXERCISE IN A FENCED IN YARD
is best for a puppies proper bone growth. Walks on lead are fun and good
training; however, a young dog will NOT
develop properly without a lot of free self-exercise.
Collars should be light weight and never left
on when the pup is alone. Light weight chain collars are my choice
in lead training. Use a light weight leather or flexi lead--nylon
will rip your hand.
Teething is the most critical time. Anything you teach the pup
during teething will be relate to pain. No formal training is suggested
until AFTER teething. Teething usually lasts until 4-5 months of age.
Check pup's bite daily to see that baby teeth are coming out.
If a baby tooth is not loose and you can see permanent tooth--take
to vet to pull the tooth or the bite will not develop properly.
Do not give rawhide (can block intestines), any
cooked bones that splinter, anything pup can swallow. The ideal
chew toy is the marrow bones about 4-5" long available at
the grocery store.
Always have a safe place for the puppy. Crate
training is ideal. Puppies play hard but sleep long hours. A
crate represents a den-like safe place. It also helps in house
training. NEVER leave a collar on pup
in crate or unsupervised---too dangerous.
Place your crate where pup can see you - beside your
bed at night is ideal. This gives the feeling he is
not alone. Dogs are pack and social animals.They do not do well
in isolation. The metal folding crates are best. Your dog will use it
the rest of it's life plus you can fold it up and take your pup with you
on vacations. Remember-the crate is a training aid. Pups can not stay
in it for extended periods of time.
Berners do not mature until
2 years old and final growth at 3 years of age. Slow growth is best.
I do not recommend puppy food. If you use it, change by 4 months of age
to a quality adult food. Most grocery store pet food do
NOT have adequate nutritional value. They have poor protein (feathers, hoofs), cancer
causing agents, dyes, ethoxoquin preservatives. My puppies are raised on
holistic kibble like Merrick grain free and a fresh/raw diet-barfworld.com.
Feed according to the pups appearance and weight.
It is better to keep a dog on the thin side. Have a safe place for the pup to eat quietly. Leave food down for 10 minutes
then pick up until next feeding. DO NOT
feed free choice. Always have fresh water available.
Most vets know dogs in general but you can't expect
them to know everything about your breed. Follow your breeder's advice. They
know through years of experience what is best for their breed. If your vet
is uncooperative--find another one. A veterinarian who is also a breeder or has
advanced studies in accupuncture, herbs, nutrition
is ideal. When your pup turns 2 years old, you should follow up with OFA hip
and elbow checks, CERF-eye checks and report the results to your breeder.
Puppy skin is extremely sensitive. Use natural
soaps from a health food store such as Tee Tree Oil or even very
diluted Joy. NEVER Flea dip,use flea
shampoos, chemical/insectide sprays, advantage, front-line. There are safe
and altenative way to protect you dog from fleas, ticks and mosquitos. it
makes no sense to put poisons on your pets and then wonder why so many dogs
die young from cancers. Dilute
Avon Skin-So-Soft (one ounce with the rest water in a spray bottle) and
spray on your dog and even yourself to repel insects.
Slowly introduce your pup to kids, babies, cats, dogs, loud noises-
vacuums, hairdryers, FUN auto rides (shopping centers are great). Always go
at the pup's pace. Never force or reinforce negative behavior. Common sense
is your best guide.
You've made an investment and added a new family member. Take the time
now for developing a wonderful life long companion. Call your breeder with
ANY questions you have.
****TRAINING****
****EXERCISE****
****TEETHING****
****CRATE TRAINING****
***DIET****
****HEALTH****
****SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE**
**
****GOOD LUCK!****
QUALITY DOGS COME FROM QUALITY BREEDERS-NOT
PET STORES!