Care and Compassion Agreement

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting responsibility. We want to make this time as seamless and smooth for your new friend and your family. We have done our best to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy through our care and compassion we’ve poured into your new friend daily.  Below we will outline some simple, helpful things you should consider and/or continue doing to continue that same care and compassion to your new puppy!

Health Agreement contract

The health and well-being of our puppies is so important to us! Your puppy will come to you up to date on vaccinations and a strict deworming schedule. We require that you take your new friend for a thorough vet check within the first 5 days of going home. Continue the vaccination schedule (we send you home with a schedule), regular vet visits and provide a healthy diet-more on that in a bit.

Diet

One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to continue its current kibble for at least a month after going home. Literally everything changes for your new family member, but the one thing you can keep the same is its food. If you feel you want to change over to another kibble, we recommend doing it slowly. Feed your puppy its current kibble for two weeks and start by adding a small amount of the new kibble to its current kibble to see how they tolerate it. Be careful not to over feed your new friend. Berners tend to have unending, big appetites. Over feeding can lead to undue stress on their hips-don’t over feed. Talk to your vet about the recommended feeding amounts and schedule.

Exercise

Regular exercise is so important in the physical and mental development of your puppy. We ask that you provide at least an hour a day (not all at one time-it can and should be broken up into short segments at first) in exercise with your new friend. However, now is a good time to mention that you should be mindful of not allowing your pet to jump from high places or subject them to long strenuous activities. This places undue stress on their bones and can cause issues with their hips and/or elbows later. One more note on playing with your puppy. Use utmost caution when taking your puppy for a walk or potty breaks in public places before they are fully vaccinated. Puppies should have their full set of booster shots by 16 weeks old. Until then it can be harder for them to fight off infection. Once they have their booster shots they can be introduced to other dogs and public places.

Products and services to consider before bringing puppy home

Toys-pick items that promote interaction and mental stimulation.

Treats-have something on hand to reward good behavior!

Vet-If you don’t yet have a working relationship with a veterinarian, take the time to do some research and set up a first appointment.

Groomer- consider finding a groomer for a regular bath and trim. This helps to eliminate matting of hair and decreases your pet’s chance of getting fleas etc.

Dog trainer- one of the best things you can do for your new family member is to teach obedience and good socialization. Not only will this be a good lifelong skill but it will also enhance the chances of safety for your dog and others.

What your puppy will go home with/what to bring

Our puppies are sent home with a small baggie of their current kibble, a toy with the scent of their Momma and litter mates, a few probiotic pills to keep them boosted in transition and necessary signed paperwork & helpful reminders.

We do not provide a collar or leash. You are welcome to bring them with you on pick up day.