Socialize your puppy during Covid-19 isolation. Many ideas on how to raise a puppy staying home!

[@RayandLindaCoffey]

Stacy has a world of positive knowledge on BMDs. Her videos are a wonderful way to have Your Berner questions answered. MGEN Ray Coffey, USAVR

[@k9noseworktrial]

Thanks Stacy! Those are some very helpful ideas. My pup is 17 weeks today, I'm hoping that we got a good solid foundation of socializing before all this happened, but we are continuing the best we can by being creative! Your ideas made me think it would be worth sharing a couple things that we are doing. You mentioned playing "environment" sounds in the house, expanding on that playing them on a smart phone while you are out walking with puppy would also be useful. Here are some things we have done. Hang shiny things in the house from the ceiling and doorways, like an old shiny mylar balloon that moves with the air current. I also have some shiny Mardi Gras beads, flashy shiny holiday ribbon, decorative flags, caution tape, etc., what ever I could find that moves with the slightest breeze. I hung them in the house first, then moved them to different spots in the house and now I am moving them outside to actually flap randomly in the wind where she can see them from inside and also when she is outside. I have been moving furniture to different places in the house, and same with outside items, so the visual "landscape" changes. Outside I laid a ladder down flat in the yard as well some tarps, an x-pen, a pile of brooms, big pieces of cardboard, etc. so she could have lots of different surfaces to walk on. Making things that move that the puppy can self-encounter, like short stacks of empty boxes, an open umbrella on the ground, a cart with wheels, a skateboard, wagon, rolling luggage. (Taking the rolling luggage or cart or wagon on a walk with the puppy!) The other thing we have been doing is making sure that Juniper spends time alone so that she does not become too dependent on having us home all the time. Even if it is just kenneling her in another room to start, or safely (in a crate with windows down) out in the car in the drive way while we work in the yard close by. When she is ready we will be kenneling her and then going for a short walk or just outside so she is completely alone for short amounts of time and working up to longer periods. I am very concerned about many puppies right now who may become too dependent on having their people home 24/7 and then when we have to go back to work having separation anxiety issues. On the good side we no longer have people rushing up cooing "Can I pet your puppy?" while their hands are outstretched and bending over before you can say anything and you are trying to keep puppy from jumping. It has been great to have people stop 15'-20' feet back, have puppy do a sit, reward and then have them walk away. Same with other dogs in the neighborhood, thankfully they are not coming up to us now with the "my dog is friendly, can he meet your puppy" routine, so it gives me a chance to do the "look at that" game a lot with dogs walking across the street or seeing them from the porch, etc.

[@jacindal7539]

Thank you for these ideas. We are bringing a puppy into our home in June and I was worried our dog would not be exposed to enough at a young age to be socialized and well balanced. These ideas were very helpful!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Good! I am glad! Let me know if you have any additional questions!

[@Rebekahlavy]

Thank you so much for all these ideas! We are getting our 2nd dog in 6 weeks and we can't wait to meet her! I was worried about socialization as I wanted to have a puppy school to help that and going to cafes and seeing friends. I hope by the time we get our pup we can do some of those things again!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I hope so too! Let me know if I can help at all!

[@tomatoma9207]

Thank you ,Stacy! Your video is important nowadays! I adore your dogs, it’s better to say friends, I think!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you!!

[@rouxchat6033]

What an important and helpful video for all types of dogs, as well as for us humans. Thank you! 😄

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thanks!

[@thomasvispisiano4663]

We have 2 Berners too! Almost the same ages as yours! Love your training tips!

[@lisajones1251]

We also have 2 Berners about the same age!

[@ginaanderson9333]

Such beautiful dogs, so smart and loving, you have it all Stacy ❤️❤️❤️

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you!

[@ginaanderson9333]

Absolutely I meant that. How perfectly happy I would be with Duece 😍 and Hazy😇 by my side every day. I think I’ll have another one someday not too far away. My boy is gone 6 months now, and it hasn’t got any easier, after all he was my best friend, I wish I could show you his picture, he was such a blessing to me. ❤️

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@ginaanderson9333 They are a very special breed. Hazy's grandpa Tag was my heart dog, when I lost him my world wasn't the same. But his connection and love for me is what made me start sharing my videos. I wanted to share what this breed brings to your life. I am so sorry about your boy. I hope you find a nice healthy Berner to join your family again. :)

[@ginaanderson9333]

Thank you for telling me that about Hazys grandfather, he must have loved you very much. Thank you for listening and understanding. The videos are wonderful and happy, I’ll be watching ❤️

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@ginaanderson9333 Hazy's grandpa is the dog pictured in the photo headers on my channel. He was an extraordinary boy.

[@jillwalsh3781]

Thank you for making this informative video. Your dogs are so smart, cute and I want one! I am doing my research on the breed

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you!! If you haven't already seen my video on how to find a great breeder, breeding for health, please take a look!

[@dariela23101]

Hi Stacy, thank you for the tips, we have a Bernice mountain too, I notice that you dogs don't bark, ours tends to do a lot of barking what do you you thing that we are doing wrong, love you videos a learning a lot from you THANK YOU VERY MUCH ..

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

How old is your dog? I keep my dog's focus and reward when I have it. If a dog is barking, they are not focusing. I keep things very exciting and fun, the more the dog is thinking the less he will bark. If you have let him get away with barking he is practicing the behavior. He needs to keep his brain busy with a down, spin, back up, etc. If he is just barking at you, he needs something else to do and think about. Some are more mouthy than others but keeping him busy thinking will help!

[@dariela23101]

Hi , he is a year old, truthfully he thinks he runs the house, he had elbow dysplasia surgery so maybe we over pampered him, he is obedient most of the time, but can't figure out how to stop him from barking, I just found you videos and am finding very helpful and enlightening, YOU doing a great job on teaching us a lot KEEP THE GOOD WORK..

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@dariela23101 Thanks, I have fun with my dogs! I would set more boundaries and make him work for your attention and for his meals. I think he is bored and is training you guys ;) I would work on training him tricks, new things and asking him to use his brains more! Dogs love to think! Good luck, let me know how I can help!

[@terryarcher1247]

Stacy - do you have a video and tips on recall? I have a new 8.5 week old BMD pup and she completely ignores when we call her. She usually just lays down and doesn't get excited to come see her "people". I absolutely feel that recall is one of the most critical commands to teach a puppy, not only for obedience but to keep them from danger. TIA

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Yes, but remember you have to be more exciting than everything else. Have yummy treats or her meal when you train and only train it on a leash. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWGcmJl5qdqMbKc

[@dennishatley9668]

Iam looking into the bernese mountain dog..I have a special needs kid. Want to home train as much as I can.i it to become a service dog for her.these dogs seem very awesome for what iam looking for.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I strongly recommend finding a reputable breeder who can work with you to make sure their lines are socialized, have proven temperament and workability. There are many non-reputable breeders who are not breeding for health or temperament, both of which you will need as a service dog.

[@pickledgremlin3080]

Hi! I'm very interested in getting a bmd. I live in Washington, do you know any breeders near there that are reliable?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Yes! I am happy to help as I am in WA. Email me and I can send you referrals to reputable breeders here!

[@pickledgremlin3080]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade oh thank goodness! Where can I find your email?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@pickledgremlin3080 [e-mail]

[@suzanne2729]

Hi Im getting a puppy soon and I don't have a backyard but I do have a decent grassy area right outside. I do see other dogs (and wild rabbits) out there sometimes, is it safe to take my pup out there even if its not yet fully vaccinated .

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Are the dogs that use the grass pets who have been vaccinated? Is there any private area you can take her until vaccinated? It would probably be fine but even teaching her to go on cement somewhere private might be best.

[@atlas_vglt8440]

Hellooo, i was just wondering what age deuce when you got your other puppy, im thinking about getting another dog but want to know what age my first dog should be. Thank youu :3

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would get a puppy at 8 weeks for optimal adjustment, training and socialization.

[@n.a.garciafamily]

I have a question, slightly personal, about my personal neighborhood. Can I message you?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Yes, feel free. I have a FB page if that works for you to PM me.

[@n.a.garciafamily]

I don't have FB but I have Instagram. Do you have an Instagram page?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Garcia Family sure, @SevensBMD is my handle

[@n.a.garciafamily]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thank you! Question(s) 😉 sent ♥️

[@kelliemichele2844]

Do you mix the hydrogen peroxide with water?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Kellie Michele Remind me what you are using it for?

[@kelliemichele2844]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade you said that I can spray my puppy's coat so people can pet her.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@kelliemichele2844 Ah, thank you for the reminder! (Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting). You don't have to dilute it to spray the coat, however you can if you would like.

[@kelliemichele2844]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thank you!!!

[@deborahthompson2094]

What kind of treats are you giving?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

String cheese :) They would do anything for it!

[@cathymorse877]

Love the video-I have a three month old and live in California. By the way the Comb/rake you show I believe came from this website. I love their products for my older berners too. greyhoundcomb.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=534

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you! Mine is so old and no branding on it, Appreciate the link!

[@yachinyphotography]

There is no safe people,but what u can do is use gloves and masks and give them to people u meet , using treats and long line. Than they can pet your puppy, Also we need to address these issues: social distancing make people to walk away when they see other people. Which is good. But it might signal ,the wrong Idea . That people are something to be aware of. Which for us in this situation it's true. So I think that u need to choose carefully the route that you take when walking your puppy.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Of course, however I won't suggest anything illegal and here, "gathering more than two people" is illegal. People need to make the best choices for themselves and work to give their puppies as much socializing as possible in this unprecedented circumstances.

[@yachinyphotography]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade here it's the same.... But u can meet one person at a time. Ask him/her to put some new gloves ,that u r providing, hand feed some treats your puppy... From a safe distance.Then say goodbye and continue the walk.... Here u can only go out 100 m radius from your house.

[@yachinyphotography]

U need to use gloves and masks when u r out of your house.