Keep the breeder informed-for the life of your dog. If you get an obedience title or clear hip certification, drop the breeder a note. If your dog develops a condition that is hereditary, let the breeder know. If you find yourself unable to keep your Berner, get in touch with the breeder-they will be able to help with placement and foster care. Don't forget a card and some photos during the holiday season or birthdays, these tidings are always welcome! Most of all, when you are thoroughly enjoying your Berner, drop the breeder a note to say "thank you" for this wonderful dog.

To your dog

This is a big one! Think about it... your dog's physical and mental well being rest squarely with you.

Start with his physical needs, your Berner counts on you to provide a healthy and well balanced diet, grooming (even teeth cleaning), and exercise-all on a regular schedule. Periodic visits to the veterinarian for check-ups and vaccines must be maintained as well as medications administered when necessary and, of course, those unplanned trips to the hospital when pooch "just doesn't look right".

Dogs can find trouble in a million places — it is up to us, their people, to keep them safe. Learn to anticipate your dog's reactions as well as those of others. Dog proof your home and yard by removing toxic plants, providing safe toys, restricting puppy's area, etc. Avoid unnecessary risks and be sure your dog is under control at all times. Safety means a fenced yard and walks on leash unless you have full control of your dog by command.

As his steward, you are responsible for your dogs behavior — both in your home and in public. Berners are very smart, but they do not grow into well mannered family members by themselves. As the "people part" of the relationship, it is up to you to teach and train your Berner what is acceptable and what is not. Without your leadership it is virtually impossible for your dog to mature into a happy and well behaved pet that is welcome wherever he goes, the true calling of the Bernese Mountain dog in today's lifestyle. As a matter of (sad) fact, a 100 lb. dog without training can lead himself and you down a very unpleasant road. Plan on a commitment of time and energy to obedience train your dog, your efforts will be rewarded many times over.

Your dog's well being is a full time and long term commitment, arrangements must be in place to cover vacations and "getting hung up" at the office. The cost of keeping a Berner well fed, groomed, boarded, mentally and physically healthy far outstrip the initial purchase price of the dog. Both routine and unanticipated expenses are a part of the package and should be honestly considered before committing to a lifetime of care for a Bernese Mountain Dog.

To the Breed

If you have done your homework you will be working with a breeder who has made a large investment in time, energy, and money to produce a litter that will represent the breed well. When that incredibly cute ball of fluff is put in your hands, so to is a part of the Bernese Mountain Dog's future.

Science and study have given knowledgeable breeders some tools with which to make informed breeding decisions. If your breeder has determined that your puppy is bet suited to be a pet rather than a candidate for breeding your contract will probably require spay/neuter and/or carry a limited (non-breeding) registration. It is your responsibility to see that the procedure is done before your dog has a chance to "get into trouble". This is critically important for the breed and beneficial for your dog as well, definitely a win-win item.

Benefits for the girls: If spayed before her first heat-a bitch's risk of developing mammary cancer is reduced by 98%. The "risk savings" decreases dramatically with each heat so that after 3-4 cycles her chances are the same as an unspayed female. Also, intact females are always susceptible to pyometra a life threatening and frequently "silent" infection of the uterus.

Benefits for the boys: A number of the benefits of neutering a male are enjoyed by the people in his life as well as the dog himself. Neutering before sexual maturity tends to prevent some unwelcome behavior patterns from developing such as dog aggression, scent marking, and the total obsession that goes along with one whiff of a bitch in heat (from as much as 3 miles away!). Health problems such as prostate trouble and testicular tumors which may be faced by older intact males are also avoided.