Bernese Mountain Dog & Small Owners

[rleepatrick]

Hi, I've been planning for years to adopt a Berner: my family friends have always had one and I think they're a wonderful breed. My boyfriend, however, is concerned that I (I'm 5'6" and 120 lbs) won't be able to handle a dog of that size, even if it's a slightly smaller female. Can anyone offer any advice about this?

[Mattie]

Just do what everyone should do with their dogs, train them, a trained dog is a joy to own no matter how big they are. I know someone who is 4.ft 10ins high, she has a Great Dane.

[Newfiesmum]

I am 5 ft 4 in and weigh 9 stone, and I have nerve damage in my back. I manage to walk two newfoundlands, one 12 stone and the other 11 stone, with no problem whatsoever. I have to admit that I keep a headcollar on the bigger one for back up only, as he is stubborn and if he sees another dog I want to be 100% sure he is not going to take off with me. Apart from that they walk either side of me and I was recently very impressed with them when a lady came toward us with a border collie who was pulling like mad to get to my two. I just crossed the road and they didn't even glance round at the other dog. As said, it has nothing to do with strength and everything to do with training. The golden retriever I used to have used to pull me like crazy and once pulled me over and broke my arm. I had never taught him not to pull because once across the road, he was offlead and fine. My own silly fault!

[Mattie]

Well done Newfiesmum, I can remember seeing a Shire horse stallion being led by a small 3 year old girl, that was quite a site and well worth watching. Horses are bigger and stronger than dogs so they get taught to walk properly.