Introducing your New Berner Pup to the Family
Congratulations on your newest family member. Everybody knows first impressions are the most important. Well, when it comes to a Bernese Mountain Dog this rule applies. If their first impression is a bad one, it takes a lot of work to overcome that stigma. Let’s see if we can help you and your little puppy start off on the right foot.
Their New Home
Berners need to feel safe and comfortable in their space. The easiest way to help them when you first bring them home is to start outdoors. Walk around with them while they investigate the new smells and to use up some puppy energy. This helps them to be able to familiarize themselves with their new world. Also it helps get bathroom duty out of the way before you bring them inside. Once inside, focus on making them comfortable with your family.
Their New People
If your children are older or if it is an adults only household then the best way for everyone to get acquainted is to sit on the floor and let the puppy sniff and meet their new people without a lot of extra movement. Side Note: If this is an older Berner I probably wouldn’t advise sitting on the floor. If you have smaller children in your household, an easy way for them to make friends without your little pup or little child being traumatized, is to kneel on the floor and hold your child in a standing position. This way they have support so they are not accidentally knocked over and their face is above the exuberant puppy kisses.
Their New Animal Family
Berners find other animals fascinating, so depending on what your menagerie includes and their personalities will depend on how you introduce them. If you have cats then I wouldn’t worry too much, just be present and don’t let them chase the cat if it runs. But cats usually teach Berner Pups real quick that they are the ones in charge. The same goes for older dogs. Bernese puppies usually will follow the older dogs lead. If you have any other small animals, such as birds, reptiles, bunnies, etc, then the trick is to teach the pup to be gentle and aware of its size.
For the most part the more relaxed and confident you are the more safe and comfortable your Berner will be. That being said the oddest things will make a Berner nervous so always be prepared to offer comfort and also to help them to cautiously overcome those fears. It helps if you can make sure that you have a safe place for your dog where they can retreat if they feel scared or intimidated by someone in the home.
Until Next Time,
B&B
