Taking care of your new puppy is exciting, try these tips and lots of love, you’ll be a great puppy parent in no time.
Picking Up a Puppy
Just like a baby, a puppy's body is fragile. Avoid picking up your puppy unless absolutely necessary. If you must, be careful and use these steps:
Step 1: Place one hand under your puppy's rump, and place your other hand under his chest.
Step 2: Lift with both arms. With a small adult dog, use the puppy technique. For larger dogs, wrap both arms around his legs, draw him to your chest, and lift.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you bring your puppy home, be sure you have the following supplies:
- Large breed puppy formula pet food will get your new puppy off to a good start
- 48' Extra Large Dog Crate: Perfect for crate training. This crate will serve as your puppy's new "den"
- Stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls
- Identification tags with your puppy's name, your name and phone number, and your veterinarian's name and phone number
- A collar and a leather or nylon 6-foot leash that's ½- to ¾-inch wide (Consider using a "breakaway" collar with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets hung up on something.)
- A travel crate that's airline approved and that will accommodate your puppy's adult size. This crate is used when traveling, or when riding to the veterinarian's office. His scent in the crate will provide comfort and safety when traveling
- Stain remover for accidental soilings
- Brushes and combs suited to your puppy's coat; ask your veterinarian or breeder about an appropriate brush or comb for your dog.
- Dog shampoo, toothbrush, and paste
- High-quality, safe chew toys to ease teething
- Flea, tick, and parasite controls
- Nail clippers
- Treats
Helpful Hints
- Use stainless steel, non-tip food bowls, which won't break or absorb odors.
- Toys with parts that squeak or whistle can be dangerous if swallowed. Bernese Mountain Dogs will make a point to find the squeaker or whistle.
- For a comfortable collar fit, allow for two fingers of space between the collar and your dog's neck; consider using an adjustable collar.
Fencing Options
Keeping your puppy safe in your yard requires good fencing. There are several options to choose from, and the one you should pick will depend on your puppy's personality, your property, and your budget. Here are some of the options you should consider:
- Privacy fencing. Privacy fences have no openings and provide excellent containment.
- Chain link. Inexpensive chain link works well and is durable. Remove collars for this fencing because Berners are jumpers when excited.
- Underground fencing. These electronic systems cannot be seen, jumped over, or dug under. Wire is buried, configured, and connected to a transmitter. The dog wears a special collar that emits warning tones and issues a mild shock as he nears the buried wire.
- Kennels. A covered kennel run, especially one with a concrete floor, will keep your puppy from digging, climbing, or jumping out. Ask your veterinarian or breeder to recommend an appropriate size.
The First Days at Home
The ideal time to bring home a new puppy is when the house is quiet. Discourage friends from stopping by and don't allow overnight guests. First, establish a daily routine and follow these steps:
Step 1: Before bringing him in the house, take him to the designated potty area in your yard and spend a few minutes there. If he goes, praise him. Be sure to take him to this spot each time he potties.
Step 2: Take him to the room with his crate. This restricted area will serve as his new "den" for several days. Put bedding and chew toys in the crate, leave the door open, and line the area outside of the crate with newspaper in case of an accident. Let him investigate the crate and the room. If he chews or urinates on his bedding, permanently remove it from the crate.
Step 3: Observe and interact with your puppy while he's getting used to his new den. This will help forge a sense of "pack" and establish you as the pack leader.
