Requirements &
Recommendations
We are commited to breeding quality Bernese Mountain Dogs that meet the standards and everything we do is geared toward that goal.  Subsequently,  what happens after puppies leave out care is as important, if not more important to their long term welfare.  What follows is a list of requirements, which are outlined in my puppy contract, followed by recommendations which are made with the puppy's best interests in mind:

REQUIREMENTS/STANDARDS

- Puppies must be fed a high quality diet - Examples include               Baked Chicken Avoderm, Merrick Cowboy Cookout, Raw Diet                                    (As outlined in the book "Give Your Dog a Bone" by Dr. Billinghurst).  Foods
may not contain corn, wheat, artificial colors or corn syrup. 

- Puppies must attend puppy kindergarden and one basic                                  level obedience class - Positive training only, no choke collars,
  *PO's agree to consult first with the breeder in all training
  matters.  I am happy to help, and if not I can point you in
                 the right direction.

- PO agree to follow Dr. Jean Dodd's vaccination protocal for                            the life of the dog - good time to check and be sure your vet
                agrees, or agrees to disagree and do what you ask or else find
                a new vet.

- PO agrees to x-ray hips and elbows soon after the pet                                     puppy turns a year old and submit the results to                                    Bernergarde, Breeder, and release the results to the OFA                      database.

- PO and breeder both agree - There is a take back clause in the
  contract.  If for any reason PO cannot keep their puppy, the
  puppy is to be returned to the breeder.  The breeder agrees to
  take back the puppy no questions asked.

RECOMMENDATIONS

- Consider pet insurance - There are various types of pet insurance, but *Embrace has the most comprehensive plans.  We do our best by testing our dogs for genetic issues, but they are animals, after all, not cars, and since conditions like Bloat, ACL tears, and cancer have no test, and it's a good idea to have that safety net if and when things go wrong.  As you have probably figured out, Berners are expensive dogs, but make no mistake...the vet bills can add up even more quickly.


- Take it to the next level - after the basic obedience classes are all done, why not try carting or agility                  or rally with your Berner? It's great fun for the dogs and humans alike.  A happy dog, with stimulation in   the form of learning new things makes a better companion.  Invest in your new pet and you will be           payed back in spades.
 
- Keep them on the thin side - If you can't feel their ribs, they are too heavy.  Berners are big, but         they should have a waistline.  A heavy Berner is more likely to have health problems later in life such as    arthritis.  Dog that are heavy can also end up with unhealthy livers.  Consult with your vet on what is       ideal for your dog and don't forget that once your dog is spayed, they generally burn less calories.

- Wait to spay/neuter - This is a common issue.  Vets want to get you in the door at 6 months to alter   your pet...please put it off and wait until at least a year.  Your vet will forgive you.  It may require more     diligence on your part, but it's better developmentally to wait.

- Esp. if you have kids, give your Berner a room -  Dogs, like people, especially as puppies, need        time alone.  Give them a safe place with a dog bed and/or crate where they can go to be left alone if        they choose.  My dogs tend to follow me around, but giving them a choice place to rest, knowing they        won't be bothered is a good thing.

- Check with your breeder - Have a problem?  Question?  Need training advice?  Dietary advice?             There is no issue that you should not always go to the breeder with first.  A good breeder will ALWAYS     call you back and offer moral support when necessary.  If you are looking for financial support, see the      section on insurance.

- Join and support your local Berner club - meeting other people with Berners and supporting the        local club is a lot of fun and give you access to breed specific information and contacts.  Clubs also offer    rescue resources and can always use new volunteers!  BMDCA.org has a list of local clubs throughout        the country.