Are you using a regular hairdryer? SHELANDY 3.2HP Stepless Adjustable Speed Pet Hair Force Dryer Dog Grooming Blower with Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLQPJ58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GG1ARTJN6QKYH8WR8A85 we got something comparable to this for our Berner and it works amazing!
We got him this one for $13 last year which was a steal! He's wearing an XL and he's about 100-102 lbs. There's plenty of room for adjusting the straps and velcro for a larger Berner though and it's super super easy to put on and take off!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081XILOU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Some Berners are used for water rescue but not on a large scale. I've seen a video of the Italian Coast Guard employing them. I feel they're stubbornness does not make them good candidates for police work.
On a side note, there's a cute children's book called "Jules the Lighthouse Dog" where the titular Berner asks himself that same question and concludes that, "he faints at loud bangs..." so that job is not for him. Spoiler alert: He becomes the lighthouse dog after he warns ships away from shore with his "howl that sounds like a moo". A true literary classic for Berner owners.
The one he's wearing is this one on Amazon. For reference we got an XL and he's about 105 lbs and it fits very well. Super easy to put on and take off and it doesn't seem to limit his mobility at all
Do your homework. Generally it's not but there are outlier cases (I understand this is an unpopular opinion here). You are FAR better off setting up a savings account where you put away the cost of an average policy. These companies are in the business of making money, not losing it. Keep in mind that you just received a few anecdotal responses here. Sure, I'm also some rando, but check any policy. You will never truly get more than you put in.
Anyhow, here's a good unbiased report: http://www.consumerreports.org/pet-products/is-pet-insurance-worth-cost/
That's great! swimming Berners unite!
The one he's wearing is this one on Amazon. For reference we got an XL and he's about 105 lbs and it fits very well. Super easy to put on and take off and it doesn't seem to limit his mobility at all https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081XILOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_308TVN6S20XG2SVTBC15?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We use these: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00ZYTYI32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_1S49NGESP9HB15ADPPR4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They aren't a special size, but they have worked really well for us for years. I have had no issues picking up with one, but, at $16 for 1000+ bags, I won't mind if I need to use more.
Yes he does. He fits very well tons of room. He still will not jump in yet though but he does jump out. We have this for the back seat though in both of the cars. It’s amazing and was only $30.
MAGQOO Dog Car Seat Cover,Dog car Hummock Nonslip Durable Soft Pet Back Seat Covers for Cars Trucks and SUVs, Scratchproof Hammock for Dogs Backseat Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08547DLS7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EHGQ28N4HAR2HKH2NQTT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They make round trip pet scissors for exactly this, they work great. Our berner hated getting her feet trimmed so we just did it where ever we could and then vacuumed up the mess.
ConairPRO Dog & Cat Rounded Tip Grooming Shears https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MBRB9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_--WSFbTE2MS4S?psc=1
I’ve seen several websites (with various price points) and found a couple of plans.
There’s a dog carting Facebook group that has people sharing tips and plans.
There’s the book Carting With Your Dog that looks good. I haven’t read it yet.
I was hoping to find out more.
Here's what we got for our new Berner pup, recommended by our breeder. They use these for their adult dogs. You will definitely want the 4 cup size. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3GHY5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BYMKCbF5XMATV
Collars aren’t going to work. Buy an EZ-walk harness with a front lead.harness
Itchy ears and head shaking could be allergies, or other things. Floppy eared dogs get ear infections.
I just had my girl into the vet for her yearly checkup. She's been shaking my head so I had them check her ears, and she did have a minor infection. They put this stuff in her ears at the vet. I've got some at home now, and I put it in her ears once a week. It works pretty fast. The head shaking stops in an hour or so (after she shakes her head after the initial infusion).
https://www.chewy.com/trizultra-keto-flush-dogs-cats-horses/dp/173767
Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/PPP-Tar-ific-Relief-Shampoo-2-Ounce/dp/B002CGFJP6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=tar+shampoo+dogs&qid=1666674339&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjkxIiwicXNhIjoiMS45NCIsInFzcCI6IjEuNTkifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-3
With a little bit of pine tar in it. It really deepens the black as well as white somehow :)
I swear by this. Do it regularly like every 1-2 weeks so you don’t have to spend a long time getting the big ones out. This can honestly get out any mat (if you’re willing to put in the time instead of cutting).
https://www.amazon.com/Furminator-Adjustable-Dematting-Tool-Standard/dp/B07MZBZT5D#
We got a cooling mat for our Bernese and it seems to work really well for her. Within 2 days she had understood that this spot is cooler than the rest of the house. I tried it myself, and it lasted a while. The label states it should last 3 hours but I have not tested that long. Our girl seems to love it though.
We got this one: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0192CJP0W/
Our guy hates the clear cone but has no issue with a black soft cone we got him. He sleeps in super late when he wears it because it keeps light out of his eyes, which is a nice bonus. https://www.chewy.com/comfy-cone-e-collar-dogs-cats-black/dp/134219?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12808057084&utm_content=All%20Four%20Paws&utm_term=&show-search=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC3guyXbeB1AiZeuHyUJPA0...
I took your advice mixed in with some of the others and ended up with a carseat for the next few weeks at least. Thanks for your insights!
So I’ve tried the rubber kind and the work well but at very tiring to use. We’ve switched to the clear, hard plastic bristled one and find that it works really well to dislodge the fur from deep in the carpet before vacuuming. I find it works best if you drag it in one direction the and then in the opposite direction like an X pattern. Roberts 70-127-3 Carpet Rake & Groomer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019S15R68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VDH22ME0P62PW3KZMS4F this is the one we use
We were told by the breeder not to use harnesses as it bows in the chest of the puppy over time.
But we use it only in the car to clip the dog in.
For walking we use a slip lead (recommended by the breeder) and I find it works the best for getting my berner to respond how I want them to on walks.
Easy enough i would say like u/C12X us mentionning https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/anti-traction-lob%C3%A9issance-promenades-d%C3%A9touffer-confortable/dp/B07Q7DSWF4/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=pull+harness+dog&qid=1649705513&sprefix=pull+harness%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-12 we used that one and it took like 1-2 week walking twice a week and used some training tricks for in house training. We show the treat to the puppy get it close to your leg then do a small step forward while putting your arm behind you and pay a little then do another quick and pay 4-5 step max then restart.
First off, I'd suggest getting a crate. If that's not possible, get an enclosure or some baby gates and close of a small section of your living quarters close to the outside door. Keep the dog in this space - don't let the dog out of this enclosure except to go outside to pee/poo. Most dogs have some semblance of routine and behaviours they demonstrate when they are preparing to pee or poo (e.,g sniffing, circling, etc.). Keep a close eye on the dog and as soon as ANY of these behaviours are displayed, take the dog out. If the dog pees or poos outside, praise lavishly. If the dog not relieve itself, wait five minutes then go back inside and return the dog to the enclosure. WATCH CAREFULLY! As soon as any of the behaviours start, immediately whisk her/ him outside again. Repeat as necessary. If the dog starts to go inside, say NO!, grab it immediately and take it outside, even if you get some on you. Praise lavishly if it continues outside.
This is frustrating and time-consuming but it's the only way you're going to break an established habit.
We have a cat and a dog - hair everywhere all the time!
We have flooring throughout but carpet on the stairs and 2 area rugs. I just picked this up from amazon. If you can get down on the floor comfortably, this little tool is a game changer. 20 minutes for both sets of stairs and another 5 on the area rug.
I’m in Michigan so similar weather to you, touch warmer in the winter. It’s doable, absolutely, but above 25C they’re noticeably less comfortable and more lethargic. I have fans set up in my car and a cooling mat (I like: K&H PET PRODUCTS Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KK60R4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BGY66W9Y5N1F6M633Q6Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
Shorter walks with more breaks in the summer, need access to water and shade for them to cool off. Know the warning signs of overheating and have exit strategies and it’s no problem. Being said, I think 15km would probably be too much even in the winter, I think the most we’ve done is 2ish miles in a day. But she’s only a year and some months and I don’t have the same insight as others in the group!
What country are you in for food recommendations?
I have this Bob a lot food ball it's a bit of a pain to fill, but sturdy.
Things like Yak cheese chews are good
Our Berner goes crazy for this treat-dispensing toy. Plus it’s a good gift for your sister as well! We put our guy’s regular dry food in it, and so it serves as a busy “treat” without the extra calories.
Yes! My Berner had an mildly infected toe nail bed we couldn’t get resolved for a couple years. It was a minor nuisance we managed and then all of a sudden it got worse. She had to have her right rear pinky toe amputated. She was older at 8. Her prognosis was good, more worry about the anesthesia than the surgery. It was explained that toe amputations are difficult because there’s not a lot of tissue to staple together.
Surgery went really well. Most important part of recovery was no jumping onto furniture for a few weeks and only on shirt on leash walks for 6 weeks and then a slow return to full activity.
Scary thing when we got home Bailey jumped onto a bed and her entire dressing came off! Her fresh staples foot was fully exposed! Covered it with a sock and back to the vet and they wrapped her dressing a lot tighter.
You may be interested in getting a comfy cone e collar and when the bandages come off place a sock over your pups paw, going above the knee, and taping around the leg on the outside of the sock with hockey tape so the sock won’t come off. That wound gets itchy.
Goodness… I remember it all being just so stressful. Bailey was back to living her best life soon enough and we were fortunate to have her until she was 11 1/2.
Wish your pup a smooth surgery and quick recovery!
I've got something similar for my cats, tried it on my bernese and it was rubbish, one stroke and it had to be emptied...
I have an undercoat rake and it's amazing, reaches down through the guard hairs into the undercoat and doesn't do any damage :)
Yes! This.
I want to recommend this product at Amazon
Furfox Absorbent Dog Towel, Microfiber Quick Drying Towel Machine Washable with Hand Pockets Pet Towel for Medium Large Dog 35 x 15'' by Wanxinge Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CTVXHZ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_86VS0ZM3TV7TNZDT557S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These work great on my girl
We got the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler here: AMZ link. Works great for when we're outside. Inside, we keep the water bowl filled with ice water and got him a raised bed for ventilation on his under floofies.
on that note, this is what we use for ours: https://www.amazon.com/Cosequin-DS-Maximum-Strength-Chewable/dp/B003ULL1NQ/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf-lq2a1_0?cv_ct_cx=cosequin+for+dogs&dchild=1&keywords=cosequin+for+dogs&pd_rd_i=B003ULL1NQ&pd_rd_r=190d6df3-3376-48e2-8cc2-2e040b8b...
seemed to be the best combo of reviews + ingredients that we were looking for
I like the freedom harness from 2 hounds.
You can get it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Hounds-Design-Freedom-Adjustable-Comfortable/dp/B005OPZXZ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=56744949020&dchild=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxoO77oqX8AIVfyGtBh0fxgI7EAAYAiAAEgJ5ZPD_BwE&hvadid=274740450910&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=90...
It’s a game changer for dealing with pulling and gives you much more control.
I highly doubt that anyone will mistake him for a bear but wearing something bright or reflective doesn’t hurt.
Good luck.
I bought it on Amazon. I think it's this one: Amazon.com : EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Dog Pack Hound Dog Saddle Bag Backpack for Travel Camping Hiking Medium & Large Dog with 2 Capacious Side Pockets(COB) : Pet Supplies
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Works great.
Not the person you've been conversing with, but we've been using these for our 8mo old: https://www.amazon.com/Cosequin-DS-Maximum-Strength-Chewable/dp/B003ULL1NQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2A8E335024578&dchild=1&keywords=cosequin+for+dogs&qid=1615838866&sprefix=cosequin%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-6
I figure any little bit helps.
This isn’t a harness, but I use this attached to my seven month old’s collar. She has chewed through all other seatbelts except this one. It works nicely to prevent her from being in my lap while driving. 😳seatbelt
Ran into a similar problem with my berner - bought a great bed from costco, but he ended up being too scared of it (for whatever reason). We ended up going with a Serta bed (here's a link on amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Serta-Orthopedic-Quilted-Pillowtop-X-Large/dp/B014SS8S3K/ref=pd_sbs_199_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=203SJ80HEHMKW20S612V)
So far, it's a quality bed - a little on the expensive side but its thick enough that he doesn't have any issues trying to stand and get up. Also in Ontario, hope that helps!
Our Berner had sensitive stomach issues as well and we had to give him the Hills Science Prescription Diet (dry food) until his stool hardened. After a week of normal stool, we then went with the Hills Science Large Puppy. We also give our pup Bernie's Perfect Poop. Link below:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L6QC3TW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q2MK1H3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zoDoFbK0KV2YA
We have one of these dog blowers. It's horrifically expensive but it also works beautifully. We towel dried our pup, took like half an hour; used this thing and he's dry in 10-15 minutes.
I have the same backpack, but with my Berner it slides around a lot because there isn't a real harness underneath the bags. That's why I'd recommend a backpack with a harness base for example from Ruffwear. If you're still interested in this pack though you can find it on Amazon easily. Here's a link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXSLPHL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_BdDnEb2V7HKMS
I have the same backpack, but with my Berner it slides around a lot because there isn't a real harness underneath the bags. That's why I'd recommend a backpack with a harness base for example from Ruffwear. If you're still interested in this pack though you can find it on Amazon easily. Here's a link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXSLPHL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_BdDnEb2V7HKMS
I have this for the back of my Honda CR-V with the back seats folded down: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C73S3YX/
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It's a little big and I wish I could make the head rest straps even tighter to have a higher barrier, but it gets the job done.
As /u/Nm0369 said, elk antlers are the way to go. I've bought two off of Amazon.
This one was $19 and my Berner loved it and still pulls it out every once in a while. It's a good size and is really really cheap for what most elk antlers go for.
This is another one I bought that's $28 and it was good too. I thought it would be a little bit bigger than the other one but I think it was actually a bit smaller overall. It's more cone shaped and pointed at one end whereas the other one was a chunk of the middle of an antler.
I'd say my Berner liked this first one a little bit more.
Hope that helps!
If your pup manages to destroy the Black (Extreme) line of Kong toys like ours does, I can strongly recommend Goughnuts' MAXX50 line of durable chew toys. The doughnut and stick of this line have been the only toys that stand up to our boy's chewing habits. We seem to get about 5-6 months out of them before they are ratty enough to replace, which is covered in their guarantee for many of their toys. (you ship it to them, and pay ~$7 for shipping of the new toy)
We still use the Kong XL Extreme for treat distribution, but for toys we trust him with all day, I've not found any other that are quite as durable. Geez I sound like an advertisement! I promise I'm just a happy customer!
One warning though, these are EXTREMELY tough, and could definitely be rough if the dog wasn't ready for it. They suggest you try the MAXX before you move to MAXX50. We went directly from Kong Extreme to MAXX50 because of the speed with which he destroyed the Kong.
Does your dog get wet often? If so it may be as simple as making sure to thoroughly dry the dog whenever he/she gets wet. Moisture can stay in a Berner's fur for a long, long time and can lead to hot spots. Also, applying some Coconut and/or Argan oil to the dog's coat after drying can help replenish their natural oils and prevent skin issues.
We actually bought one of these dryers and it works very well for drying our boy whenever he's wet. Prior to that we used a hair dryer (without heat), but it just took forever. Also used the output side of a shop-vac, but was too noisy and dusty.