Re: puppy issues
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A excite game
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Re: re; Innova - HATE IT!
In a message dated 11/6/02 1:45:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I know of two Berners fed Innova, and both are crippled beyond salvage >> How can a genetic think like hips be blamed on a food -- now I'm sure that any owners who feed Innova (and their dogs have bad hips) -- feel wonderful. It is GENETICof course, getting fat and lazy can also play a part, but my goodness...sounds like more of a food coincidence to me. Glad this isn't a jury :) Kim and Caesar
Re: Help puppy training!
In a message dated 10/20/02 9:30:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I know socialization should begin early, but any ideas on what time may be best? I >> We socialized Caesar from day ONE He is without a doubt, the happiest, most friendly dog out there. Honestly, people even comment on how happy he seems, that tail is always wagging and he's perpetually smiling! He was taken to the farm "grama" has two horses, introduced to all the animals and people up there, driven around to friends to show him off and walked (well, if you could call it walking at that young age...) around our streets from day oneHe was introduced to young children and older people...he has also gone in the car with me from day one (could be why you can't get out the door without him when he hears your keys) -- All of this, I think, is what helped him grow to be a wonderful, wonderful dog -- everbody loves Caeasar, even non-dog people, how can you not love these guys?? Good luck with the pup!
Re: Adequate Berner Exercise!
In a message dated 10/18/02 3:31:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << he bottom line is (in bold print and followed by three exclamation marks): A minimum of two hours every day (rain or shine, and off the dog's own property). >> This is the advice I took at the beginning and also, according to our vet (one out of a practice of 5) who said pretty much the same thing (who also owned Berners so I was quite comfortable taking this advice) -- I think that is why Caesar doesn't like his neighborhood walks too - boring! Really loves his hikes and his romps through woods with his pal (even though he seems to be better with the Rimadyl on the play days). Kim and Caesar (exhausted from an hour of play today)
Re: Adequate Berner Exercise!
In a message dated 10/17/02 4:40:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << es, they are beautiful dogs Yes, they are also beautiful temperament. But they are working dogs! Bred specially all those years ago to pull milk carts!!! To stay healthy they need to stay fit! > Interesting points. I remember when I first got Caesar and asked for walking advice, I got LOTS of conflicting answers. Some people would say they didn't need a lot of exercise, others said they gave their pups as much exercise as possible. But what you say makes senseactivity keeps us ALL young! Kim and Caesar
Re: Subject: Re: leash training
In a message dated 10/16/2002 3:32:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << "SO, this debate about "free range berners", combined with my recent experiences (& expenses)has taught me that some berners are probably very happy receiving their exercise on the leash (hello, Zeus), while others seek more freedom of movement." >> It is definitely a combination of things - dog temperment, amount of training, frequency of off-leash walks, control and the overall bond between owner and dog. Whatever decision one makes, I'm sure it's the best one - only us owners know our big boys and girls best!
Re: Leash Training
In a message dated 10/16/2002 10:33:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << She loves to fly through the woods and jump over things, run in and out of the water or leaping through tall grass. I love seeing her enjoy it so much. I don't think anything beats a good run for an energetic working dog. I don't mind that it tires her out too :o) When she's tired we go home. Sometimes she just wants to sniff everything more then run and that's fine too. She loves both. I think just letting a dog sniff if they want is something that dogs love to do too. >> Kathy - Running off leash is a wonderful way for your dog to get exercise (helps when they are trained too...) You're right, it is not the same as romping through the yard. Though Caesar is slowing a bit in his decision to walk, when we get to the park, you'd never know that he was so stubborn the day before on just a neighborhood walk! Nothing better than letting a dog just "be a dog," and having a great hike with your best buddy!!! Kim and Caesar (champion hiker)
Re: leash training
In a message dated 10/16/02 10:37:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Have you found a place where you can take your puppy to run (and play, explore, and exercise) off leash? >> One option if your parks all require leashes (ours don't, thank goodness) is to find a person with fenced in yard so you can run around with him without fear). We also live in a townhouse, but thank goodness, have the end unit that gives us lots of space. One thing that also will tire him out is to find a quiet place outside and to some trianing. I will have Caesar sit/stay while I walk pretty far away from him - then of course when I say "Ok," he comes running to me (which I don't mind, we're not in any sort of formal traiing). He loves to come running for his treat and I love it that he's getting exercise. Hubby and I will also do this between us while he runs back and forth. Kim and Caesar
Re: leash training
In a message dated 10/16/02 10:37:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Young dogs NEED lots of off leash opportunities in order to develop their musculature and coordination, to burn off their physical energy, and to exercise their minds. >> I totally agree. Caesar has been taken to local parks/fields since the day after we brought him home! He didn't enjoy the leash walking (neither did I!) - and at the park, I was able to work with him on the trails (long lead behind him) as we learned to walk off leash. He got to REALLY stretch his legs and now his park/trail walks are definitely his favorite (when he feels like going that is). He also loves playing with his best friend every night, off leash, they just run and roll aroudn together. Kim and Caesar
Re: rimadyl etc.
Benjamin - I love hearing from vets! Caesar used to be on Rimadyl only once in a while (one within 1-2 weeks) but the past two weeks, there have been a few more cries and a few difficulties such as stopping in the middle of a walk (wanting to come home), crying a bit more, etc. Nothing major, but more than there was. We will be giving every day or every other day depending on planned activity level, but so far hasn't shown any adverse reactions. Do you think it wise to get levels checked within a month or so if we continue this regime? Anyone else, please step in if you've had to do this... Thanks in advance, Kim and Caesar (18 mos)
Re: dog w/ a pacing gait
In a message dated 10/10/02 9:44:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << s long as I can keep her beside me she will gait...so for now I use a prong collar to keep her under control..no flames please >> Ok - I have no idea what 'pacing" is!! Can someone tell me? Do you mean true pacing, like a dad in a maternity ward or is this a special dog term? Kim and Caesar
Re: Bouncy Boy Syndrome
In a message dated 10/10/02 12:11:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Just remember that a dog cannot do a "bad" behavior if he is also doing a "good" behavior -- >> So what would y'all consider THE PAW!!! LOL - Do all Berners use their paw as one of the main sources of communication??? Man oh man, even when you are petting him, he will lightly paw you as if to say "Keep petting memove there...move here..." Even when he's sleeping and I lay down with him or stop to pet him if he's on the floor (though I admit to getting on the floor too, no matter how dirty it is!) - He will stick up the paw with his eyes closed Kim and Caesar
Re: good bones, bad bones
In a message dated 10/8/02 2:27:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Also, in your opinion, can raw bones be fed to a 5-month-old puppy? Hope this is not a repeat of a previous e-mail...I tried to send earlier but my computer did not seem to cooperate. >> Hi Anne - Caesar eats a marrow bone almost every day. Also likes knuckle bones and beef neck bones. No problems with any of them. He's also had marrow bones since he was quite young Kim
Re: Stressed puppy??
In a message dated 10/7/02 8:10:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << He is absolutely fine in every other way - he's still outgoing & wanting to play, chase cats, etc. No lethargy whatsoever. Could this be stress? >> Sorry to hear about "the runs..." Caesar had this EXACT problem when he was about this age, went on for a month, went to the vet's every week it seemed! changed his diet, gave the rice to bulk up (didn't help), had numerous tests and then we finally found a solution. He is now on special food, DCO which is really for dogs with Colitus and/or stomach problems. He has a senstive tummy! Ever since he went on this food, things have been digestively fine... Kim and Caesar
Re: Just to clarify...
In a message dated 10/7/02 2:58:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Ok, so I apparently offended someone using the word combination "torture devices". Let me clarify. First off I was being droll. Other items I would catagorize under "torture devices" for people arehair dryers, curlers, dress shoes, pantyhose. >> Briana - I was not offended and knew that you weren't being offensive to others or mean. There is a LOT to be mis-read in an e-mail when you don't have the person's face/tone in front of you and I think people really need to try to not be so super sensitive about things. I understood you perfectly - not everything is always meant literally either. Kim and Caesar
Re: Alternative Breed Recommendations
In a message dated 10/7/02 9:42:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << You have to be very careful with the brachiocephalic breeds like bulldogs, pugs and Pekes (and Persian cats). Their unique head shape can lead to real breathing problems especially in the heat. At the boarding kennel where I used to work a bulldog was left out in a play area in the shade in 80 degree weather. The kennel hand came back after 15 minutes and found the dog dead of heat exhaustion. Bulldogs are also in the same boat as we are - higher demand then is produced by legit breeders and many expensive, unhealthy imports. One last note - in our paper a story has recently run about a pair of english bulldogs who mauled a nanny and I've met some not-so-friendly ones >> As I said in my original post, Bulldogs do have health issues. Yep, and you will also find some not so friendly Bulldogs just like you can find some not-so-friendly other breeds..It was an idea that obviously has to be researched appropriately by the would-be owner. ALL breeds must be researched thoroughly and if truth be told, I'm sure you would find a bad story about the PWD if you looked hard enough. There will always be both good/bad experiences with all breeds...does not mean that because you personally would not own one, nobody else should either. Kim
Re: Is a Berner for ME? (what about other breed?)
In a message dated 10/6/02 7:51:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Even from quite young, Pyrs can happily live out of doors in all kinds of weather (Lliira sleeps on the deck in sleet storms, perfectly content). And not every person who has a mostly outdoors dog has a problem barker, either. >> Elieen - I know that and I didn't assume that you would be one of the culprits. However, I think it is a very irresponsible comment for a breeder to make to someone, especially in the inquiry stages when she has no idea where this person lives. We would love a Pyr but right now, aren't getting any more doggies until we move and have lots of land and MORE room for a few dogsA Pry is one of our choices. I think you answered one of my questions before about this breed. Kim
Re: Alternative Breed Recommendations
In a message dated 10/6/02 10:16:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << They want a smaller, less-shedding, climate-tolerant dog with a "berner" temperament (sweet, laid-back, great with kids, friendly, outgoing), not hyper, no special exercise requirements, etc. Most don't want Labs or Goldens because they are too common and too hyper. Any suggestions on other breeds I could recommend? >> What about a Bulldog? They are great family dogs, very loyal, very content to just be with the family, smaller, don't require a ton of exercise...they do drool though and you have to watch their weight, etc...but probably the same amount of health issues a Berner would have. They may be a lot smaller than they are looking for but I personally think there are great. You don't have to worry about the hyperness and commonality either. Kim and Caesar
Re: Is a Berner for ME? (what about other breed?)
In a message dated 10/6/02 12:33:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << The Pyr breeders, to a woman, said things like "there's nothing wrong with tossing them out in a safely fenced yard with some toys for the day while you work." >> Ok - I'm really sorry people (I thought I'd stop posting by now!) -- I think this breeder comment is a totally irresponsible statement. Do you realize how people hate barking dogs? In many communities it is a LAW that dogs be quite -- to leave a dog out alone all day long is just asking for trouble. I work from home and to be honest, if a dog next door was left alone all day and barked, I would take action. I HATE a dog who barks more than the few seconds it says "Hey, let me in already..." Sorry - but leaving a dog home alone like this outside in any neighborhood setting is just rude and irresponsible...what happens when / if that dog gets out? Who is responsible then when the owner is gone all day? What happens when all the neighbors get pissed at the barking dog (when it's really the owners fault?) Not everyone likes dogs and even those who do abhor a barking dog! Kim
how spoiled is THIS!?
Ok, now this is bad (not my doing!) -- Every night Caesar lays by our table and gets a small portion of scraps (not the saucey things, but pieces of chicken/veggies, etc.) - Tonight he decided to "skip" the dinner drool and lay outside. My husband just took out the plate he specially prepared for him and fed him in the front yard Oy... Kim
Re: new show on Animal Planet, dog days???
Did anyone see the opening ad for the new show "Dog Days" on Animal Planet? I was watching today and I could have SWORN I saw a Berner at the end of the leash, however, the ad was very, very fast (the first part anyhow). Kim and Caesar
Re: Is a Berner for ME? (what about other breed?)
In a message dated 10/3/02 3:22:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Puppies I bred who have went to puppy daycare or sitters are some of the most outgoing well adjusted Berners! The most loving, well adjusted family who is seeking to add a puppy to their lives can end up disappointed if they are not ready to shoulder the responsibilities raising a puppy entails, ANY breed of puppy. Schedules have to be changed, time set aside for puppy training classes, someone to take the puppy in for vet checks, what do we do for vacation if puppy can't go along? grooming, putting up with dog hair on work & school clothes, finding hair in your food, these are things that have to be carefully discussed BEFORE you place a puppy and about a million more. : ) These things I've discussed have not even touched on the many breed specific considerations. >> Excellent advice and no, nothing elitist about it. To be honest, if we are TRULY interested in educating PPOs, we should be outlining all of the puppy negatives for any breed, not just Berners. When someone mentions they are getting a puppy, of course, we all want to know what kind. How many of you clam up when they say "A lab?" Do you end the conversation there or do you share your advice regardless? Do you tell them how hard a puppy will be and how much it will change your life? Puppyhood is not exclusive to Berrners for goodness sake...rescue is not specific to Berners and neither is puppy mill exploitation. While I love my Berner and will always pay careful attention to the breed, my concerns spread into the entire doggy kingdomPPO education is for EVERYONE considering a dog/puppy, not just for Berner considerations. If you aren't interested in educating everyone for every breed of dog, I believe that is truly elitist. I like all the things that Mary says regarding purchasing a puppy...and she is right too - I want everyone to enjoy our dogs (obvoiusly, I'm talking about the people who truly want and can care for them) -- Kim and Caesar
Re: Pros and Cons ...........
In a message dated 10/3/02 4:03:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Kim please accept my apologies if I've offended you. I have been away for a few days and hadn't even read your e-mail concerning the pros and cons. I >> Thank you, but I'm pretty unoffendable!! I do not question the pointing out of cons, I only question situations where Berners are discouraged -- there is a big difference. Kim and Caesar
Re: breed question / size
In a message dated 10/4/02 11:17:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I have a 65lb, 17 month old BARC female. I have met couples who want a BMD, but have never met one in person. The wife thinks Halley is the perfect size, the husband wants a big, buff Berner. I met 2 people this week who told me, after meeting Halley on a walk, that "this was their next breed of dog" and she was just the size they wanted >> There is a breeder locally here whose dogs seem to be much smaller than what I consider to be a "good size" breeder. I don't see many Berners around here but when I do, I can tell 100% of the time that a dog came from this particular breeder because of the size and also the paws (that are not all white...just a tip of white on one of the paws)...I know the lack of an all white paw isn't a big deal, but it is to me and personally, I doubt I'd pick out a pup with only 3 good white paws...those paws are one of their best parts (except that they use them so much to get attention!!!) Kim and Caesar (with 4 good big white paws mom!)
Re: Contract question
In a message dated 10/5/02 12:40:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I told you all about my friend with the lab, and the fact she bred her. She is asking me questions about the contract she wants to draw up, and I don't know enough about it to really help her. >> So she obviously didn't listen to anything you had to say, did she! Personally, I wouldn't even help her with this - why add to the fact that she's not a "real" breeder? Kim and Caesar
