In the beginning regular sized feeding dishes and water bowls are easy to find at your local pet store or retail store. Keep in mind when you make these purchases Saint Bernard puppies grow very quickly, so smaller sized dishes will have to be replaced with bigger ones. In other words, don't spend a lot of money on these smaller dishes; spend more money on the larger dishes once they are grown. Dog collars same thing, buy ones that are adjustable, so they can be enlarged as your puppy grows. It is a good idea to get a name tag with your puppy's name, address, phone numbers (home, work, cell). Most loose dogs I have encountered do not have a name tag; make sure your puppy has one. I recommend a sturdy leash about four foot in length. I know a lot of people use those adjustable length ones, not a good idea. Often times these are the same individuals you see being pulled down the sidewalk, with their pet several feet ahead. Keep in mind that your full grown Saint Bernard could weigh anywhere from 140 pounds to close to 200 pounds, dependent upon their sex, and body frame. Do you really want them pulling that far ahead of you?
It is a good idea to pick up a scooper for feces clean up. Most pet stores carry this item. I recommend purchasing the largest one they carry right from the start. It is a good idea to have a garbage can with a plastic bag liner to put the feces in. This will be a stinky receptable. I have found that the odor can be kept manageable by putting baking soda in it. Another useful aid is bedding litter with cedar chips; this probably does a better job than the baking soda with managing the odor. Pick up after your puppy and adult dog, you want to keep their environment and ours clean and healthy.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
So You've Picked Your Puppy!
Now that you have picked your puppy, ready your home for their arrival. Walk around your yard, do you have a secure area? If not, then take the time to make it secure. Puppies can squeeze through very small areas, even Saint Bernard puppies. Poisonous plants, if you don't know if the landscaping in your yard is safe, then find out. It is a good idea to have a shady area; you don't want your puppy to get too warm. Access to water is a must as well; bowls or sipper nozzles that can be attached to copper or pvc piping, both are good sources. You should also provide a covered area to shelter them from the elements.
My Saints have all been house dogs, and you may want one as well. In the beginning, you will need a contained area in your home where the puppy can sleep and stay when you are not there. This way you can keep their potty in a confined area instead of being strewn throughout your home. I have used our laundry room and kitchen as their contained areas. These rooms had ceramic tiled flooring, making clean-up easy. I have used a child guard gate to keep them in these rooms, it has always worked well. Most of us work outside our home, a crate or kennel is probably a better choice for your puppy. Contrary to what you may feel, a crate is a safe environment for your puppy not a punishment. Buy a large enough crate or kennel to allow free movement for your puppy. Make sure they have a water pail or other access to water, whenever you are gone.
Look for more useful information tomorrow on BRANDYKEGS blog.
My Saints have all been house dogs, and you may want one as well. In the beginning, you will need a contained area in your home where the puppy can sleep and stay when you are not there. This way you can keep their potty in a confined area instead of being strewn throughout your home. I have used our laundry room and kitchen as their contained areas. These rooms had ceramic tiled flooring, making clean-up easy. I have used a child guard gate to keep them in these rooms, it has always worked well. Most of us work outside our home, a crate or kennel is probably a better choice for your puppy. Contrary to what you may feel, a crate is a safe environment for your puppy not a punishment. Buy a large enough crate or kennel to allow free movement for your puppy. Make sure they have a water pail or other access to water, whenever you are gone.
Look for more useful information tomorrow on BRANDYKEGS blog.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Information On Saint Bernards
We were fortunate in being able to see both the Mom and Dad of our puppies. This allowed us a glimpse into the future of what our puppies might look and act like. We got to observe the temperament of Mom and Dad, another useful bit of information.
Temperament is very important. Remember that you will have a very large dog once they are full grown. You don't usually hear the word aggression in describing a Saint Bernard, but there are Saint Bernards with aggression issues. You definitely do not want an aggressive Saint Bernard if you are looking for a family pet. I personally do not want another Saint Bernard with aggression issues. I have had three Saint Bernards with varying degrees of aggression, this can come from bad breeding choices to the environment the dog lives in or has lived in. One of my three had to be put down at 18 months of age, this is still an open wound for me. There were several other puppies in that litter with aggression problems, clearly a bad breeding choice. If you observe your puppy, nipping, growling at people; pay attention, you may have a problem. I recommend returning that type of puppy to the breeder, believe me you don't need the heart break an aggressive dog can give you. Obedience training is not going to fix an aggressive dog, it might train you on how to handle the situation but it won't fix the problem.
Read more tomorrow on BRANDYKEGS blog.
Temperament is very important. Remember that you will have a very large dog once they are full grown. You don't usually hear the word aggression in describing a Saint Bernard, but there are Saint Bernards with aggression issues. You definitely do not want an aggressive Saint Bernard if you are looking for a family pet. I personally do not want another Saint Bernard with aggression issues. I have had three Saint Bernards with varying degrees of aggression, this can come from bad breeding choices to the environment the dog lives in or has lived in. One of my three had to be put down at 18 months of age, this is still an open wound for me. There were several other puppies in that litter with aggression problems, clearly a bad breeding choice. If you observe your puppy, nipping, growling at people; pay attention, you may have a problem. I recommend returning that type of puppy to the breeder, believe me you don't need the heart break an aggressive dog can give you. Obedience training is not going to fix an aggressive dog, it might train you on how to handle the situation but it won't fix the problem.
Read more tomorrow on BRANDYKEGS blog.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Continued Info On Saint Bernards
The Saint Bernard's traditional coloring consists of white, red, and a black mask. The coloring on puppies is rather muted. The red is usually a mousy gray, varying from light to dark. The white is still white and the black mask is black. By the time they are six months old; their red coloring has replaced the mousy gray. The actual red color can vary from a light reddish blonde to a rich deep red. Their black mask encircles their eyes, edges up to the top of their heads and flows into their ears. The white starts from their nose up over the top of the head, flows around their head, to their chests, belly, legs, and usually three quarters of their tail, including the tip is white. The red coloring rests almost like a blanket on them, draping down their sides. They are so beautiful! Sometimes a Saint Bernard has a unique marking on the top of their head called a monk's cap. It is a somehwat circular patch that is either black or red. Another unique marking is a hospice ear. One of the ear's is usually dapple colored, muted black or gray with white spots on the ear. I personally prefer the traditional coloring and markings on Saint Bernards. I have had two Saint Bernards with monk's cap. There are splash coats, brindle coloring, half-masks, it is all a matter of personal preference. I encourage you to seek out what you desire.
There are two coat types with Saint Bernards, long, also called rough, and short, also called smooth. The short or smooth coat is the original coat of the breed, which dates back to the rescue dogs in Switzerland. The long or rough coat was developed later by breeding with longer haired dogs. In many litters, you can find both the rough and smooth types. Saint Bernard breeders often breed a smooth and rough together. This way you have a good chance of getting smooth and rough puppies. I have had three smooth Saint Bernards all the others have been roughs. There is quite a bit more grooming required with the roughs, regular brushing keeps their coats smooth and tangle free. It has been my experience that the smooth or short coat Saint Bernards shed far more than a long or rough coat. I was very surprised by this, as I had been told by countless individuals that the smooths were so much easier to maintain. I currently have two smooths and one rough. It is staggering how much fur is shed from the two smooths versus our rough.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information for you to read in later posts.
There are two coat types with Saint Bernards, long, also called rough, and short, also called smooth. The short or smooth coat is the original coat of the breed, which dates back to the rescue dogs in Switzerland. The long or rough coat was developed later by breeding with longer haired dogs. In many litters, you can find both the rough and smooth types. Saint Bernard breeders often breed a smooth and rough together. This way you have a good chance of getting smooth and rough puppies. I have had three smooth Saint Bernards all the others have been roughs. There is quite a bit more grooming required with the roughs, regular brushing keeps their coats smooth and tangle free. It has been my experience that the smooth or short coat Saint Bernards shed far more than a long or rough coat. I was very surprised by this, as I had been told by countless individuals that the smooths were so much easier to maintain. I currently have two smooths and one rough. It is staggering how much fur is shed from the two smooths versus our rough.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information for you to read in later posts.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Info On St. Bernards (continued)
I have loved Saint Bernards since I was a kid. I was always drawn to pictures, movies, or stuffed animals of them. My husband had never had any pets during his childhood, so wanted to be cautious before getting one. I think he also wondered if I would still want one after seeing them in person. My only contact with a Saint Bernard was through a good friend of mine in eighth grade. She had a Saint Bernard and I got to meet this big lovable guy. I am a dog person, and I love dogs. Well, I was not disappointed by my encounter with Saint Bernards then or as an adult. I had been telling my husband for years I want a Saint Bernard and after seeing the dog show I wanted one more than ever.
A good time to pick out your Saint Bernard puppy is sometime between the ages of four to six weeks. It is a good idea to know which breeders are expecting a litter and when. This way you can arrange an early visit to begin your search. Keep in mind a responsible breeder is not going to let you take your puppy home till they are eight to ten weeks old. It is easier to find the right pup when the litter is still together. This way you can compare them. I have found there will always be one that stands out in your mind. You may find that a particular puppy actually picks you.
Check back tomorrow for additional information, BRANDYKEGS SAINT BERNARDS.
A good time to pick out your Saint Bernard puppy is sometime between the ages of four to six weeks. It is a good idea to know which breeders are expecting a litter and when. This way you can arrange an early visit to begin your search. Keep in mind a responsible breeder is not going to let you take your puppy home till they are eight to ten weeks old. It is easier to find the right pup when the litter is still together. This way you can compare them. I have found there will always be one that stands out in your mind. You may find that a particular puppy actually picks you.
Check back tomorrow for additional information, BRANDYKEGS SAINT BERNARDS.
Friday, January 22, 2010
California Saint Jamboree
The Saint Bernard Club of San Diego, Inc. will be hosting a weight pull competition on February 12, 2010, at their annual California Saint Jambree. Cash prize will be awarded to the Highest Weight Pull for $100.00. For additional information about the California Saint Jamboree visit their site.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
St. Bernard Specialty Show in February
The Saint Bernard Club of San Diego, Inc. will be hosting two Saint Bernard Specialty Shows. Save these dates: February 13th and 14th, 2010. Cash prizes will be awarded each day for:
Best Of Breed - $150.00
Best Of Opposite Sex - $75.00
Best Bred By Exhibitor - $50.00
Best Puppy - $50.00
You can visit their site for additional information: California Saint Jamboree
Best Of Breed - $150.00
Best Of Opposite Sex - $75.00
Best Bred By Exhibitor - $50.00
Best Puppy - $50.00
You can visit their site for additional information: California Saint Jamboree
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
More Info On St. Bernards (continued)
Get a first hand look at Saint Bernards before you jump in and purchase a puppy. The internet is a useful tool in locating Saint Bernard Breeders and Saint Bernard Dog Show Competitions. Your newspapers can also provide leads. My husband suggested going to a dog show competition,prior to getting our first Saint Bernard, which was twenty-three years ago. This was an excellent idea; you were able to see several dogs. You may even luck out and find a Saint Bernard Breeder with a litter of puppies. The one thing that stood out to me was the love and devotion these individuals have to this breed. You also get to see just how large, Saint Bernards really are. We found these individuals happy to answer our questions.
We have encountered breeders who choose only to sell to individuals who will show their dogs. I would caution you on this purchase. I don't really understand these breeders, not every puppy in a litter should be a show dog. I think it would be better if the concern a breeder had would be the type of home you were going to provide for the puppy. We have also encountered breeders who want their names kept on the paperwork as owners for the AKC registration of the dog. Be careful before you do this, I would recommend you have your lawyer draw up appropriate paperwork to protect yourself. These are just a couple of things to take into consideration when purchasing a purebred puppy or dog. We have made both of these mistakes and probably would not do so again. We do not hold the breeder responsible for our decisions, the bottom line is we agreed to their requests and have no one to blame but ourselves.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information on a later post.
We have encountered breeders who choose only to sell to individuals who will show their dogs. I would caution you on this purchase. I don't really understand these breeders, not every puppy in a litter should be a show dog. I think it would be better if the concern a breeder had would be the type of home you were going to provide for the puppy. We have also encountered breeders who want their names kept on the paperwork as owners for the AKC registration of the dog. Be careful before you do this, I would recommend you have your lawyer draw up appropriate paperwork to protect yourself. These are just a couple of things to take into consideration when purchasing a purebred puppy or dog. We have made both of these mistakes and probably would not do so again. We do not hold the breeder responsible for our decisions, the bottom line is we agreed to their requests and have no one to blame but ourselves.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information on a later post.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Right Breed For Me? (continued)
One of the early questions you should ask yourself, are you willing to put the time in to being a good Saint Bernard Mom or Dad? Too many people get a puppy and once that first year is past, they lose interest. I never agree with people who say, "I waited to get a puppy till I thought the kids were old enough to take on the responsibility of taking care of a pet." Who are you kidding? the responsibility of this lies with an adult and if you are not willing to take on that commitment yourself, then don't. It is a commitment and it is a commitment for life. The reality is being a pet owner makes you responsible for the well being of that ball of fluff for its life. In ways you could compare it to taking care of an infant, one that never grow up and that will always be dependent upon you.
It will be your responsibility to feed them, keep them healthy with vaccinations and medical care when necessary, grooming, exercise, training, provide shelter, and love. You have to keep in mind that this beautiful domesticated animal cannot do these things for themselves. They look to us for all of this, and that need is there for their entire life. Look around your neighborhood, too many dogs are relegated to a backyard. I see it in my own neighborhood where these dog never leave their yards. Some of them are nuisances with barking. With so many of these dogs, that bark is a cry for attention. I often ask myself, "Why do they have a dog?" I say if you have made the choice to have a dog, then make the choice to have them be part of your life. Your life will be that much richer because of the choice you made.
BRANDYKEGS will have additional information on tommorow's post.
It will be your responsibility to feed them, keep them healthy with vaccinations and medical care when necessary, grooming, exercise, training, provide shelter, and love. You have to keep in mind that this beautiful domesticated animal cannot do these things for themselves. They look to us for all of this, and that need is there for their entire life. Look around your neighborhood, too many dogs are relegated to a backyard. I see it in my own neighborhood where these dog never leave their yards. Some of them are nuisances with barking. With so many of these dogs, that bark is a cry for attention. I often ask myself, "Why do they have a dog?" I say if you have made the choice to have a dog, then make the choice to have them be part of your life. Your life will be that much richer because of the choice you made.
BRANDYKEGS will have additional information on tommorow's post.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Is The St. Bernard The Right Breed For Me?
You should probably take the time to do a little research prior to getting your puppy. I say prior because once you see them, your heart is stolen away. All puppies no matter the breed are adorable, but I find the Saints especially so.
Saint Bernard puppies are born quite small, and they grow incredibly fast. Breeders have to take care after the litter arrives, because of how small the puppies are and how large Mom is.
I recommend purchasing your Saint Bernard puppy from a Saint Bernard Breeder. It has been my experience that a Saint Bernard Breeder and especially those who have show dogs is the way to go. I have found these individuals have the necessary knowledge for producing healthy Saint Bernards. I would shy away from individuals who have purchased a male and a female Saint Bernard and have done so just to have litters of puppies and make some money in the process. In order to preserve the wonderful traits of this noble breed, please leave it to the professionals.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information for you on tomorrow's blog post.
Saint Bernard puppies are born quite small, and they grow incredibly fast. Breeders have to take care after the litter arrives, because of how small the puppies are and how large Mom is.
I recommend purchasing your Saint Bernard puppy from a Saint Bernard Breeder. It has been my experience that a Saint Bernard Breeder and especially those who have show dogs is the way to go. I have found these individuals have the necessary knowledge for producing healthy Saint Bernards. I would shy away from individuals who have purchased a male and a female Saint Bernard and have done so just to have litters of puppies and make some money in the process. In order to preserve the wonderful traits of this noble breed, please leave it to the professionals.
BRANDYKEGS will have more information for you on tomorrow's blog post.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
California Saint Jamboree
The Saint Bernard Club of San Diego, Inc., will be hosting two Specialty Shows, and a Weight Pull, on February 12-14, 2010. Location: Hotel Claremont, 840 South Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA. Check the Jamboree website for additional information:
http://www.casaintjamboree.org/
http://www.casaintjamboree.org/
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Basket of Saint Bernard Puppies
Three Saint Bernard puppies are nestled into this wicker basket. Each puppy has their own Rescue Brandy Keg and heart saying, "I love you." Very cute Valentine's Day gift! For details on purchasing visit BRANDYKEGS' STORE.Valentine's Day Red Photo Frame
This vibrant red wooden photo frame with pawprints in lower right corner of frame, will hold one of your favorite 4"X6" photos. Go to BRANDYKEGS Store for more information.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Gift Idea For Valentine's Day
Wall heart plaque with pawprints. For more details and other gift ideas visit BRANDYKEGS' Store.Valentine's Day Gifts
BRANDYKEGS calls this decorative frame, "Pawprints On My Heart". The lower right corner of the frame has a group of hearts, some have pawprints on them. This frame wil hold an 8"X10" photo. Visit our store for more details: http://www.brandykegs.com/store/index.html
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Young Male Saint Bernard
Young male Saint Bernard resting in exercise pen after competing in the show ring.Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Show Dog On Grooming Table
Well behaved show dog waiting on grooming table, before entering the show ring.Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dog Drool Bibs
BRANDYKEGS has a new product for sale: Dog Drool Bibs Visit our store at
http://www.brandykegs.com/store/index.html for more details and pricing.
http://www.brandykegs.com/store/index.html for more details and pricing.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saints Rock in Branson
The 2010 SBCA National Specialty will be held in Branson, Missouri. Remember the dates: October 4-9, 2010. Make your reservations early at the Ramada Resort. Here is the link to the 2010 SBCA National Specialty http://www.2010sbcanational.com/.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Saint Bernard Rescue Organizations
BRANDYKEGS has dedicated an entire page on their website with links to Saint Bernard Rescue Organizations, check it out http://www.brandykegs.com/164401.html . You might just find your next best friend at one of these rescue organizations.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)