Heel Nipping
Dear L'ers, I am having a bit of an issue with my dog Smokey. Background: Smokey is an 18mo old neutered male. I have had him since he was 8 weeks and got him from a breeder. He has done basic training and has passed the Canine Good Citizen test. Problem: Smokey tends to be nervous around new people. Usually this is not a problem as he just keeps to himself, occasionally stopping to smell people. But he does sometimes, on walks, bark at people who come too close and sometimes tries to chase runners. A quick correction usually does the trick. Yesterday a man stopped to say hello. Smokey had his tail up and was wagging and sniffed the man and let him scratch his chin. Then as the man turned to go, Smokey crouched down in the front (but and tail in the air), tail still up and wagging but ears down and started to bark. Then he sort of hopped/jumped forward to try to nip the man's heel. I had him on a leash and quickly returned him to a sit position but the whole thing had me startled. He has never done anything like this and I am not sure if he was playing or what. Does anyone have any thoughts about what this means? Suggestions on how to make sure this doesn't happen again? Thanks a lot for any help, Radha and Smokey __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
Berners in Stores
Dear L'ers, Please don't flame me for asking this. I have only known about puppy mills for about 2 years, when I started research bernese mountain dogs. I think they are terrible and I fully support efforts against them. It sounded from the things that camping store said that they required quite a lot from breeders. So, I was wondering what is it that is so bad about selling pups in this store? I have this gut feeling it is wrong but if someone asked me why I wouldn't know what to say. As I said, I am just learning about this so please don't attack my ignorance. I just want to understand if the issue is bad breeding or bad buyers or what. Thank you, Radha Iyengar __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Lancaster County National
I am very new to the world of bernese mountain dogs and purebreds in general and until I started researching berners I did not know anything about puppy mills. So perhaps those of you who know more about this could answer questions that many some newbies like myself have. 1. Exactly what makes Lancaster uniquely responsible for the puppymill industry relative to other places? Aren't there mills all over the place? 2. How does the having the Specialty there help the puppy mill industry? 3. Is it possible to go to the Specialty without giving much money to Lancaster county? For example, staying in hotels just on the otherside of a border with another county. Having sales at the specialty in other places, etc. 4. Is there other industry in Lancaster that might be supportive of this cause but that could also benefit from the Specialty being in town? This might be a good ally in a protest or something like that. I was also thinking, perhaps this is just naieve and silly, that maybe the Specialty could be used, in part, as a tool to get some recognition of the problem in the area on a much larger scale. Perhaps an actual protest, not a boycott, before or after the specialty to draw attention to the problem. I think, given the large number of people the specialty attracts, and the cuteness of the dogs that a large scale protest/march or something like that could get some press and attention. Perhaps there could be fliers and posters as well as means of contacting responsible breeders. I was just thinking that for those who want to go, this might be an option. Like I said, I don't know how feasible this is, but just a thought. If some people know more about this and think it is a good idea, I don't mind working on organizing a protest, at least with some help from others. Radha Iyengar (and Smokey) Princeton, NJ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM). http://calendar.yahoo.com
Samoyed w/ Colon Cancer
Sorry to post a non-berner topic. My boyfriend's dog is a Samoyed who is now 13 years old. He has colon cancer and seems to have a lot of discomfort going to the bathroom (he cries and shrieks). They have taken him to the vet but the cancer is inoperable and I was wondering if anyone had any experience w/ anything that would ease the pain of going to the bathroom (drugs or otherwise) that wouldn't just make the dog sleep all the time. He is in pretty good spirits other than when he has to go to the bathroom (still loves his 3 mile hikes) so we are just looking for something that might make him more comfortable. Thanks, Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM). http://calendar.yahoo.com
The bulb is gone
Well, Smokey is now lightbulb free. I will spare everyone the gory details but needless to say, he is still the light of my life--but won't be able to literally light up which all for the best. Thanks to everyone on the list. As I said, I would not have been able to react as calmly (not that it was really all that calm) as I did had it not been for all the wonderful people who emailed me suggestions and stories about their dogs. You don't realize just how much these guys are part of your life until something like this happens. Well, we are happy and healthy and lightbulbs are now going on the TOP SHELF of the cabinet. Say does anyone have a good way of dog-proofing their cubbards. I know this sounds crazy but Smokey can open things that don't have latches. He just keeps pawing them and eventually they open. In this way he has stolen loads of cereal, ripped open a box of raw pasta (which apparently is the only thing he has ever tasted that is not worth actually eating), and finished many a box of dog treats. I think there are things that one uses to baby proof but since I rent right now I can't deface the cabinets or anything--and so the ones that I saw you have to screw into the outside of the cabinets wouldn't work. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks again to everyone on the list. You are wonderful people. Love, Radha and Smokey (mom--now that I'm better, I am going to dig--my friend told me about this place called China and I hear if you dig a lot you can get there!!!) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more http://platinum.yahoo.com
Re: Berner tails-- deadly weapons
You might think hanging picture would be safe--I mean hung high off so even a tall jumping dog (much like Smokey) wouldn't be able to affect them. You would be wrong. Now these berner tails--not only do they have a long reach but they pack a punch. One day after I was coming out of my shower (I must have been in for a devastatingly long 15 mintues) Smokey, ecstatic at my return wagged furiously as I pet him--berner hair sticking to me, tail thumping the wall when all of a sudden a painting hung down the hall fell off the wall. The tail-wacking had shaken the wall so much it fell off it's hanging thing. Well--Smokey took it all in stride and continues to what anything and everything he can with his tail. My suggestion to berner proof your house--you know those inflatable things they put in the gutters of bowling alleys during kids parties so the balls just bounce off them? I was wondering if they make wall to wall carpeting out of that stuff. Inflate it, and you china falls from some wagging and it can just bounce right back into the cabinet. Viola! Radha -- From: "jane heggen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Berner tails -- deadly weapons Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 15:07:19 -0600 Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] sheesh, no kidding. You may be safe hanging pictures high up on the walls. I remember a few years back we had a thread about how high up doors you could find toenail marks. I have a new one on the back door, 64 1/2 inchs from the floor. jane & the boys of iowa __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more http://platinum.yahoo.com
We're Okay
THANK YOU!!! This is just wonderful. All of the advise about cotton balls was right on the ball. After writing the list, the answering service at my vet's had a vet call me and I brought Smokey in. After an X-ray and some examination it turns out that smokey swallowed the bulb whole!!! That's right--it is one of the those small vanity mirror bulbs and he just swallowed it in tact (you can actually see it on the X-Ray-- I have saved it and when I make a webpage I am going to scan it in!). Anyway, long story short, the vet said to give him soft foods and cotton balls soaked in cream--just in case there are a few splinters. For future reference to anyone else, the vet also said that it is very, very important to go in right away if a dog swallows glass. The reason is the shards can cause internal bleeding and serious damage to the stomach and esophogus. Cotton balls soaked in cream or milk as well as soft, solid foods (like soaked bread) can stave off the impact and should be given immediately (which I did based on the list advise). But if the bulb is only half crunched out surgery may be necesarry as the pieces will be too large to pass without injury. If the bulb is mostly intact or thoroughly crunched up it can be passed but the dog must be watched. This was quite the heart attack. I never imagined a dog would eat a lightbulb!! Why? Well thank goodness it was whole so that surgery wasn't necessary. Smokey is uncomfortable (but more from eating the cotton it seems than from the bulb). And it seems like everything will be okay but I am to watch his stools for the next few days and then take him back. If it doesn't pass, then we need surgery to remove it but it looks to be a reasonable size and shape that it will pass (what luck he chose that lightbulb to eat and not a standard 60W bell-shaped bulb). >From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone who responded to me. It really made a big difference both to know what to do, to hear that this has happened before, and to just keep me from panicking while I waited for the vet to call back!! Love to all, Radha and a very guilty Smokey Princeton, NJ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
Help (ASAP)
Smokey at a lightbulb. It was on the counter and he just ate it when I went downstairs to do laundry. I called the vet's office but they are gone for the night. He seems fine right now but should I take him to the emergency room? Should I give him something to eat? Should I make him throw up--I worry about the glass. Please help. Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
Re: Backtalk
I am not that experienced so I am sure other people will have more suggestions but Smokey is a backtalker. I mean he in general is a talker and when we first started training he was quite upset at the idea he had to listen to me. Basically what the trainer told me is the following: 1. He must always obey backtalk or not. So if you give him a command and he wants to talk back, he needs to do the command too! 2. If he doesn't get into his space. Move towards the dog, and enforce your command and your leadership role 3. There is no reward for backtalk but lots of reward for quiet obedience. So, if your pup obeys with a lot of noise, a gentle good dog is in order. But if you dog obeys quietly, praise as if he just invented the theory of relativity. And some smelly treats always help. I have found that Smokey largely grew out of this as I kept up on obedience. The basic trick is just to get him to realize you are in charge and his best bet is to listen to what you have to say quietly. But, Smokey still has some talk, especially when it involves walks or sitting while I am eating dinner. Still vast improvements. I hope that this helps. Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
Re: Fun Survey
1 --- Do you live in a) city b) suburbs c) country d) on Planet Berner ***(B) but soon approaching (D) as we look for a new place to house my growing addiction to berners 2 --- Where does your dog spend the night? ***This is a bit like where does an elephant sit? Anywhere he wants--right? Well Smokey sleeps on the floor, on a couch, sometimes nestled between us on the queen sized bed (we need to get a king--that will be part of the move!) 3 --- What is your dog's favorite toy? Smokey loves, I mean loves, this stuffed squeaky lamb thing. He doesn't chew it (which he does with all other toys) just hugs it and holds it. If he doesn't have it when he sleeps he is restless and won't settle down until he gets it! There is also an old, chewed up football (american) which we used to play with Smokey and now has a large hole where the front should be when Smokey tried to strip my boyfriends of the ball one afternoon. Smokey still chases it, and will only play with it if he sees it outside. 4 --- Your dog's most remarkable feature is his ability to give backtalk. Yes, I am sure there are others here who have a rambunction pup who while he will obey commands has a mouthful when doing it. Also when not getting food, treats, or when not being attended to. Smokey has a large range of sounds and I SWEAR he thinks he is speaking the same language as me. Sometimes he even waits for me to respond and then interrupts with more!!! 5 --- You bought a new car for your dog(s) In process... 6 --- Your dog participates in (feel free to list any titles your dog has won) (g) training classes actually we are just starting obedience training in may. That should be fun (any advise or suggestions from folks is welcome) ***(i) My own category--table surfing. Now I don't know what your dogs are like but when I say this I mean my boy will get up on tables counters, etc. to eat things and when I say get up, I mean all 4 feet, and 117lbs of berner boy on top of whatever he is after. I believe that he learned this from the cat, but with his long legs he sure can jump high! 7 --- The naughtiest thing that your dog has done is. eaten my cellphone, and coffee table, and rug, and... he went on a rampage but has been could recently (I knock on wood to get some spliters from the chewed up edges). Still, he's a good boy (he smiles at me wondering what dog I am writing about!) Radha and Smokey Princeton, NJ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
Riding in Cars with Berners
So, I currently have a 1996 Toyota Rav4 which I thought would be a fine sized SUV for me, my boyfriend and my dog, Smokey. Turns out we have decidied this car is far too small, especially if we intend to add something else (baby or puppy) to our lives. So we have decided to buy a new SUV, to replace our aging Rav. Now we have been thinking about getting the Honda Element, or the Toyota Highlander. I was wondering if anyone had experiences with either of these cars. Also, currently I do not have any restraint system in my car for my dog (no flames please--I am working on it). I used to have this doggie seatbelt but Smokey can't sit comfortably on the seat so the belt is really not working. I can't fit a crate that Smokey could fit so that's out. So I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Thank you, Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
leg injuries
I have a question for the list. Smokey has once again hurt his leg. This is about the 4th time something like this has happened. I am worried that there may be something I (and my vet) are missing so here's the story: Smokey is 1 year and has twisted his ankle, broken one of his toes, and now done something to his ankle again. It usually happens when we are on our off leash walks and he is running about. He has no other health problems and heals quickly after getting some anti-inflammatory medicine and some rest. What I am worried about is that something else (like a problem with hips or elbows) is causing him to be off balanced and making him get injured. Is this likely? How would I know what to do about this? Or maybe it is just clumisness as Smokey still grows into his body. Oh, he is about 27" and weights 120lbs. Any advise or references about where to look about this is greatly appreciated. Radha (and Smokey--now on houserest and unhappy about it!) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Was: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
As a pet owner myself and being very new to berners I think that this discussion is a little one sided. I had absolutely no problem answering basically any questions a breeder would ask me. I know that, as I said in my post, I needed to prove myself to them and I felt that there are perfectly good, in fact necessary reasons to do this. BUT that does not mean that when I ask questions I expect to be treated as a criminal and nor do I expect to treated as if I purposely ill-intentioned. And it is the case that breeders do this. Now, to preface the rest of this I want to say that on the whole I had a positive experience of research the breed. I met a lot of people who knew a lot and were very helpful and kind. But there were a few experiences that if they had been my only ones (for example if I hadn't grown up with dogs/dog people all my life) might have turned me off for good. For instance, when I asked one breeder at a club event (not a show mind you, more like a gathering) if I could talk to her about her kennel she informed me that breeding was very complicated and I shouldn't expect to understand it from a short conversation (as if I thought I could) and then reamed me out about trying to breed dogs without proper knowledge (as if I would) without ever once pausing to let me interject. In another instance, a breeder was asking me about my lifestyle and I was explaining that I was a graduate student. And he was naturally concerned with my financial ability so I was explaining that I do have some other non-income money sources. He then proceeded to call me a liar--and I don't me insinuate it--and then yelled at me about trying to get a dog without having appropriate means to support it. Now there were also less extreme cases (especially when I was very new to researching the breed) when people would lecture at me, not explain to me, why getting a bernese was so difficult and required a very special type of owner, one that I clearly could never be. Perhaps all of these seem reasonable to people on the list. The reason I am providing these specific examples is that they are not out of the ordinary. From even speaking to new people from this list as well as people I have met at other berner events I have found many similar stories. And the truth is, just because you are a breeder and have the right to ask questions of potential owners does not mean that you have the right to do so at the expense of basic courtesy. I think that what many pet owners object to is being treated as if no matter what we do, we are inferior beings and we are trying to steal some berners. I also think that when people don't really know about puppymills (as I didn't) except that they are supposed to be bad, and then have these experiences with responsible breeders--they start to look for less confrontational ways to find a pup. That's when newpaper ads, pet stores and the like can really suck them in. I think that if you want a berner, it can feel like a desperate need and feeling totally rejected by the bernese community only makes you want to go somewhere else to get a dog. If we want to stop that we need to both let PPO's know what is really going on at petshops AND start treating them like they care. Because I think, if every person who researched the breed met someone who was kind and trying hard to understand what they needed from a dog as well as what the could provide to a dog then we could do a lot in both placing pets and preventing puppymill business. But let's not be blind to the reality that it is not just PPO's being oversensitive--there is a problem. Flame me if you must. Radha and Smokey (Princeton, NJ) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Re: Had Enough (long response)
Dear Berner-Lover, I am sorry I cannot respond to you by name, but you didn't sign your email. I wanted to respond to you as some one who has not been involved in the breed for very long and who not too long ago went through the process you are going through right now. So to start--it sucks. There is no reason to sugar coat it. You know, probably as I did, that you could care for a dog, that you are responsible, and that you would have the love and devotion that would make a good home. The trouble is, in this world, there is no way for other people to know that. There are so many people who, not with malice or evil intents, want dogs and shortly after give them up (after puppyhood--when it is too much work, etc.), too many people who neglect the dogs they have, and way, way too many people who simply don't have the where-with-all to care for a dog. The sad fact is that breeders need to screen closely not just to see who you are today but whether who you are today will accurately reflect the person you will be for the next 10 years. When you put on top of that that these breeders are giving you these babies that they spend endless nights caring for and are the children of the dogs in their family--it's easy to see why they can be so protective. I think that seeing it like this makes it easier to understand why some breeders seem so unfriendly. Have you tried going to some local club events? I found that meeting breeders and talking to them about their dogs and after finding a friendly one who had nice dogs then asking about pups was a much better way to get friendly responses. Now I do want to say that there is a tendency in the berner community to be a little, how shall I say this, insular and worse yet snobbish. It is true that people involved in the breed for years know it better than you or I ever will. But I vividly recall feeling a little bit like some breeders thought I wanted a puppy for the sole purpose of torturing it by locking in a tiny crate for 18hrs in a 100degree room with no water. And since so many people are so taken with berner's looks, it seemed to me that many breeders make a point of emphasizing (ad nauseum) the drawbacks of the bernese (health, size, etc.). In truth you are not the first person, nor do I suspect you will be the last, who has been browbeaten by some breeders when all you want is a little pup to love. It sounds to me like you are having a combination of bad luck and failed expectations. Like I said, you know you but a breeder doesn't so maybe the next time you talk to one and the conversation starts to go south you can ask what they are looking for, what you seem to be missing. In truth it could partly be communication issues (you not realizing what they want to know, them not understanding what you are trying to tell them), and it could partly be that this is just not the breeder for you. The long and short of it is it will be frustrating. It will take phone calls, long conversations, and time. But, once you find a breeder who is for you, their questions will feel those of a protective parent and not an investigating officer. So why not just take the short route and go to a puppymill. I won't reiterate that moral issues of puppymills because you surely have heard about them. They are just horrible, and if I start to write about it I will just be a blubbering mess. But when I was deciding it was not that cruelty of puppymills that deterred me (I truthfully didn't know that much about them) but what these breeders can offer you that won me over. They get to know you, not just your wallet, and they can match a dog to your lifestyle and personality. Me, I am young active and have a very flexible schedule so Smokey was meant for me. What "puppy mill" could have done that? When I had trouble with his food, his housetraining, anything, his breeder was able to consult with me and give me recommendations. I know that if I ever have any questions about anything I could call him. That is just not something that can be overlooked. So, my advise is to stick it out. I know that it is tempting to just grab one of those puppies at the local pet store but your life will be the worse for it--and in the greater scheme of things isn't an extra six months of work worth a pup that can be happy and healty for its life? Good Luck to you, Radha and Smokey (Mom--the sun is out--why are you at your computer?!!) From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 03:22:53 EST Subject: Had Enough To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] I am an avid dog lover and always dreamed of welcoming a berner into my family. However, the experiences I have encountered in speaking with breeders is discouraging. I am a professional, successful woman, mother of three healthy, well taken care of children and am looked at questionably by the "interviews" I've held so far.
RE: where did you get your dog?
I wanted to add a little to this topic. Smokey is my first BMD. His breeder, Rui Rosa, was a very, very kind man who not only trusted me with this wonderful puppy but also trusted me given that I am only 22 and was just starting out. I assured him that I had the money, space, and love for a berner and he was uncertain and interviewed me carefully. To be honest, the extra care he took in meeting me, getting to know me, and making sure I was worthy of getting one of his dogs made me certain that this was a breeder who I wanted to get my dog from. Smokey is the light of my life. When I first joined the list, before I had Smokey I would always think how odd it was all these people calling their dogs their soulmates, children, etc. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with dogs, I LOVE them. They are part of my family and always have been. But the kind of love and connection I have with Smokey is unlike that of any other animal I have ever met (save perhaps my pony when I was a child but that's a story for another day). Smokey is indeed a dog that I am thankful for everyday. The point is that even though it was hard to convince Rui to trust me, it was worth it. And winning that trust I believe was an important part of what got me to Smokey. So for those on the list who are waiting for their puppies, have had a long difficult trip to getting their dogs, or are frustrated with these crazy breeders and their zillions of questions and concerns about your fitness as an owner know this: it was worth it. Shortly after getting Smokey, a friend gave me a little plaque that says "My goal is to be as wonderful as my dog thinks I am". Sometimes I think that is could say as "as my dog's breeder thinks I am". So thanks Rui and to all the breeders out there who work so hard to place their dogs. Radha and Smokey __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
Re: To Berner or not to Berner??
Dear Kenny, I also live in a townhouse and backyard isn't even fenced. We have put up a dog run but that is barely sufficient. My dog, Smokey, is now 11 months (closing in on a year in just a few weeks) and he is pretty well adjusted to the situation. Something important to consider is that you need to be really willing to take your dog out no matter what. I live in New Jersey and this winter has been snowy, cold and terrible. Regardless smokey always, every single day rain or shine gets at least one long walk and 1 hour of off leash play time in a suitable place (often our dog park--which is privately owned so has many fewer of the problems of dog parks discussed previously). It is just important to keep in mind that especially when they are puppies, dogs need a good deal of exercize. Other than that, I think it sounds like BMD is your kind of dog. Smokey is pretty vocal but not a constant barker. He more barks to communicate (He has a log of different "barks" he can make to say all kinds of things). This is a lot of fur, but I find that regular brushing makes the furriness of the house quite tolerable--but I do quite often find fur in my food, etc. Good luck with everything and drop a line so we know how things are going--okay? Radha (and Smokey) Princeton, NJ --- From: "Kenneth L Babcock" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: To Berner or not to Berner?? Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 22:11:09 -0500 Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] Greetings to all the expert Owners of Bernese Mt. Dogs! My name is Kenny and I reciently fell in love with the BMD! I am seriously considering, no...no, I mean I'd love to own a BMD!! However I have a few concerns: Shedding/is my home large enough/temperment/barking/and will the breed fit into my lifestyle? I live in a 3 floor townhome with a fenced in back yard (20' X35"), hopefully daily walks and the small yard will please the breed? Last week I dog sitted my sisters 70Lb. Golden Retriever to experience life with a large dog (although 20 or 30Lbs < a Berner). The first two days were difficult in that he was heavly shedding and the hair was a nusance! However I seemed to adjust by day three and just vacummed and brushed daily! By the end of the week I and my family were attached to this beautiful dog. "Bernie" filled our home with a special warmth and love with his laid back temperment. He is missed, as he went home 3 days ago and my children, (3boys, 20,12,9) enjoyed him greatly. I'm told the berners are similar in temperment to the Golden? Finally barking, neighbors have a Sheltie and a besicon that are cronic barkers and is quite unplesant at times! I prefer a controlled to non-existent barker. You may ask, why not get a Golden? I just loved the look and size of the BMD I met a few breeders and found one I am comfertable with. I met her and her BMD's and loved playing with all of them. I guess I'm seeking advice or reassurance that my home and lifestyle will accomidate a Berner. Thanks for any possible advice! Kenny B. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
Berner in Belle Meade
I could help but I don't know exactly what to do. I live in Princeton which is about 15 min. away from Belle Meade, so if someone can email me privately on what to do, I am happy to do it. radha Forwarded Message From: "Andrea Brin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Berner in Shelter Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 14:24:01 -0500 Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] how could a dog like this end up roaming around and then in a shelter. wonder who the breeder is. i would think they would want to know about him. i actually might have a home for him. andrea -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Nobles.Carrie Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 2:03 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Berner in Shelter <> http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=1412164&adTarget=468doggeneral &SessionID=3e47f5571e819de1-app1&display=&preview=0&row=25 This is a link to Animal Alliance of Belle Meade, NJ which is currently caring for Teddy, an 8-mo-old male Berner. Hopefully a nearby List member can check him out and help find a home for this gorgeous young lad. Carrie Nobles * The information transmitted is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of or taking action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Rehome in Westchester
In the Pennysaver in Westchester there is an add for an 8yr old bernese mtn dog. I was wondering if anyone knew how to help or who the local club was I could maybe call and talk to these folks and lend a hand. Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Kennel Help
Hi Everyone. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Kennels in the Princeton (central Jersey) area. I am going away for a long weekend at the end of January and the only boarding place I know (smokey's trainers run a dog sitting service for their clients) can't take him then. I didn't just want to pick a place out of the phone book and so if anyone has any suggestions can you please let me know. It will be from january 24-27 if that is relavent. Thank you, Radha and Smokey (what--you are going without me?!!) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: BERNER-L digest 4183
Hi everyone. Took Smokey out in the snow today with his Samoyed friend. We had a smashing time and it got me thinking...Are there any in the berner world out here in Westchester that would be interested in meeting up sometime this week to have a good old berner romp. Email me and let me know, Radha And Smokey Yorktown, NY (parent's house on holiday--usually we're in Princeton NJ) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Rescue in NY
I came across this boy who looks more like a berner than a newfie or rotweiller. The picture is probably not good enough to tell though. Is there someone around Huntington NY to look? http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=1180824&adTarget=468petsgeneral&SessionID=3deb4783651ae03f-app2&display=&preview=1&row=0 Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Chewing--Please help
Okay. I love my dog. I will do nearly anything for him. But when he eats a $200 cellphone, all of the television remotes and rips newspapers to shreds, I get to my wits end. Smokey is in his crate when I am not home (he *loves* his crate and the stinky bone he gets when he is in it). But when I am upstairs doing something he can wander freely--or at least he could until the above instances. The thing is I have tried to puppyproof. But he is so tall now that anything he wants he jumps up and gets. He has even figured out how to open the cabinet that has his treats in it, so I had to move the treats to a random drawer (the drawer changes periodically so he won't find them--I hope). What can I do? how can I stop this? he has lots of toys and a bone. I try giving him a kong, which when he has he is fine. But any spare time alone and he shreds or destroys something. For background--he is 8 1/2 months old, neutered and has gone through basic obedience. He is just starting clicker training. He does not rip things up when I am there in the same room, but will if I am out of sight. Please help me. I can't afford to replace literally everything in my house! Thanks, Radha and Smokey (whoa mom, I think this cord to your computer would be great to chew on too!) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Shock Collars
Just for the record, shock collars are not all bad. There are 2 versions approved the the Humane society as superior correction methods to choke collars. When I was researching training methods for smokey I considered taking him to a training company that used this. The trainers were APDT trainers and very knowledgable. The explained the pros and cons of the collar, and force everyone who is considering using it on there dog to hold it in their hand while they did the "shock". Frankly until they cranked it up, I couldn't even feel it. In addition, they carefully interview each dog and determine if that dog is a good candidate for this type of collar (Smokey was not). I do believe that if he was I would have used it. They also do the leave your dog for a week training and they allow you to sit in on the training sessions with other dogs prior to choosing them (you can't with your own dog it is too distracting). They also do clicker training and positive reward training for other dogs (which is what we went with). The key thing here is that these trainers were tailoring their training method to the needs of the dogs. I got references from people who used all the different methods and was very, very impressed. A "shock" collar is no different than any other type of training collar (choke, prong, harness) provided it is used by someone who knows how to use it on the right dog. I wanted to correct the knee jerk reaction against it, as in many cases, as I said, it is preferrable to a choke collar. In addition, the sending your dog away again can be necessary depending on the specific dog. Still this situation sounded terrible! I also volunteered my help and so hopefully the owner will be in touch. I am hoping to talk to her about all the training methods I came across and the different trainers in the area in hopes that she will come around. Radha -Original message From: "Tracey Conner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Berner l'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: Rescue Berner -- foster home needed ASAP! Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 08:29:46 -0600 Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] UNBELIEVABLE!! This is crazy!!! The poor dog!!! I am so against this "drop your dog off" for training method. I hear something similar is also big in the Western US -- where you get a puppy, drop it off to a trainers for a few weeks/months OVERNIGHT, and get it back trained (including house trained) -- of course, you have NO IDEA what your baby is put through!!! Seems to me you'll get back a dog that may or may not only listen to the trainer ... Where were YOU in the education?? How on earth can you know what your dog knows ... To ME, the main purpose of taking a dog to training is to BOND -- to establish a RELATIONSHIP -- on common grounds. SHOCK COLLAR!!!??? SHOCK COLLAR!!!??? SHOCK COLLAR!!!??? SHOCK COLLAR!!!??? I thought that was an OPTION for dogs that wouldn't listen ... What happened to getting a dog to do things because they were REWARDED! __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Berner Walk
Hi everyone, Is the Allaire State park walk on Saturday or Sunday? Thanks, Radha __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Re: Cooper Comes Home
Lindsay, Congrats on your new boy!!! I got Smokey a short 8 months ago and I know how exciting it is. I am a graduate student so I do most of my work from home. I was worried that Smokey would be really upset and noisy when I left and since i live in a duplex, I was worried about our neighbor. Well, somebody on the list suggested that I try giving him something he only gets when I am out (say a Kong filled with peanut butter, etc.) It worked like a charm. I introduced it by putting him in his crate with his toy and just going out of site while he was distracted. Now it is gotten to the point where he is actually excited when I am going, and by the time I get home he is done with his treat and happy to see me. Saves me a lot of guilty feelings!! Good luck and take LOTS of pictures! Radha -Original Message Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2002 12:14:31 +0100 Subject: Cooper Comes Home! From: "Lindsay Cox" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bernese Mountain Dog List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Plain Text Attachment [ Save to my Yahoo! Briefcase | Download File ] Hi everyone! Before I tell you all the details of the new addition to the family, I must say that I have been religiously reading the list now (every day) for at least a month and a half! This, of course, has given me great insight to the world of the BMD and it really is great to hear experiences from such wonderful, caring owners that you all are! I can tell you that I am sure that I will have many, many questions to ask and in addition to asking our breeders for answers, just know in advance, that I will consult all of you, too! :) Your help and advice will be greatly appreciated throughout "Cooper's" life! So, with that said...I have wonderful news! My 10 week old "bouncing baby berner" came home this Sunday! My husband and I moved to Switzerland at the end of June from Florida (BIG change!!) and we have always loved the BMD's! We decided before we moved to Switzerland permanently, that because we were finally in the heart of 'BMD land', now was a perfect opportunity to have a new addition to our little family! We did SO much research before selecting the perfect breeders! Thanks to the help of our German and English speaking friend and several trips around Switzerland, we found the most wonderful Swiss-German breeders just outside of Bern! (Luckily their daughter acted as a translator, too!) They are the best I've ever seen...so loving to their dogs, so professional and so very responsible. Their dogs were extremely well behaved, loyal and HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!!! Once the puppies were born, hubby and I went to visit each weekend and really got to know their personalities. It was absolutely amazing at how we just kind of "picked" each other! His registered name is in German...I'm really not sure how to say it or even write it, but they nicknamed him "Yonko" (You can see why we liked Cooper better, right?) His mother and father and well, heck, his whole family, are very-well decorated and very sweet Berners but they all have tough names! Anyway, Cooper would come running out first ahead of his siblings each time we came to see him and greeted us with several kisses and tail wags that seemed to almost knock him off balance! We really bonded with him as well as his whole family! On Sunday when we took him home, he was so good. I sat in the back with him just to comfort him and he slept the whole way. Little Cooper seems to miss the company of this brothers and sisters as well as his mom and grand mom right now. He cries a little at night-time and also when he "thinks" he's alone. My husband (good man that he is) took the day off from work yesterday to help with his new "son"! We are really working hard at trying to establish a daily routine for Cooper. He is our first Berner and I truly can say he is unbelievably smart already! This is day 2 and he just walked right into the crate to take a nap. He seemed a little unsure of the crate the first day...I'm sure it was all the confusion of new surroundings and smells. Probably some separation anxiety as well. Speaking of separation anxiety, I know and understand that it is very, very early and that he is still getting used to his new home, but will this eventually subside? I will be staying home with him everyday which I know is fantastic for him. I guess my biggest fear is that he will get so used to me being here that when I go to the store or to take hubby to the airport, he will hate being alone. What is the best method of training him to be by himself for these short trips without crying. (The Swiss are VERY aware of all their neighbors and value their "quiet-time!") We are going outside to "do business" about every 2 to 3 hours so far--even at night we take turns. I have to get used to the "non-Florida" weather here! Last night I groggily got out of bed and when I opened the door, was blasted with 40 degree "wow-that-
Stuffed Berner
Can anyone PLEASE send me 2 stuffed berners (one will do if that is necessary). My cousin has taken to naming all dogs Smokey and I would love to get her a stuffed berner for her two year old birthday. Thank you in advance. Radha and Smokey (Mom--are you gettin' me a new chew toy?!!) __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
Virus
I got this email today and it had an attachment with a virus. I guess I just wanted to give a heads up. Radha >Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 09:46:26 -0700 (PDT) >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | This is not Spam | Add to >Address Book >Subject: To Julie Mott > > > > >I am truly sorry for your loss. Though not yet a >Berner-parent, I do >have >an affection furry-girl of my own. And I can not >imagine the >heartbreak >of losing her. >Hugs and prayers >Lisa Clark >Conroe, TX >[EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do you Yahoo!? Y! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your web site http://webhosting.yahoo.com/
Thank you
> > Everyone thanks for the ideas. > A lot of times on this list we point out when some > one > is being elitist, snobby, etc. and I wanted to do > the > opposite. This post by Ruth was not only full of > useful suggestions but also a way of thinking about > shy dogs. It was a shining example of how someone > with an enormous amount of knowledge can share it > with > a newbie in way that is kind, understanding, and > useful. Ruth, your a gem. > > Radha > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More > http://faith.yahoo.com __ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com
Shy Dog help
I need help. Smokey has become really afraid of new people in the house. He is fine with people outside (on the street, the dog park, etc.) but inside the house he is simply terrified of new people. He likes women better than man, and often just eyes women suspiciously for awhile and eventually will greet them cautiously. But with men, he will bark and back away if they try to approach him. Usually he just goes upstairs and sits in the bedroom away from the guests. Obviously I don't want to force him to meet people, but at the same time, I don't want him to be stressed out whenever anyone comes to the house. The thing is, he is fine with my boyfriend and dad. And I socialized him extensively all his life. I have tried having dog savvy male friends come over, sit on the floor and offer treats. But Smokey (chow hound that he is) will sneak over steal the treat and run away, but he will not stay anywhere near the man. What is going on? Is this a show? He sure does look scared. What can I do about this? For background, Smokey is 7 months, recently neutered. I have had him since he was 8wks, and got him from a breeder. He has been in doggie daycare, goes to the dog park daily and has never shown any aggression. He doesn't try to bite the people he is afraid of, just barks and and backs away. HELP ME PLEASE! Thank you, Radha and Smokey (I'm friendly, I swear) __ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com
