Dunnwood BMD's: Oakville Manitoba (July 2014)

When you speak to most registered breeders you really get the feel that they are interviewing "you" not the other way around.  Its important to do your breed research before contacting breeders. And to ask as many questions as possible when you have them on the phone.  Most all the breeders I spoke to offered for me to visit and meet their dogs. Unfortunately, due to the travel distance I wasn't able to do so.

I was starting to be discouraged about the fact that the dozen or so breeder's I'd contacted had no puppies or litters expected for the time I was hoping to get a pup.  In fact, a few breeders informed me that people can wait up to 2 yrs for a Berner and that the waitlists can be long.

"Dunnwood BMD's" was recommended to me by a super nice lady by the name of Lynne Mulder from Blakoke Kennels (Manitoba).  She'd been mentoring Teresa who was fairly new to breeding Berners.  Teresa had bred Shelties for years and loved them.....however, once she got  her first Bernese she was hooked.  I can completely understand this!!

Teresa lives in Oakville MB which is a 8hr drive from our home.  I have to give Teresa credit for patience. I sent her email after email asking more and more questions.  We also chatted on the phone on a few occasions.

My first contact with Teresa was on July 13th/2015 and her opening line to my long winded explanation of wanting a therapy dog and that I had young children in my home was, "your timing is actually really good/lucky. I have a female bred right now, due mid August and only two people ahead of you (on the waitlist) right now."   She went on to explain about her kennel, breeding practices and the 'dog parents'.  Including that Berener's are known as "Gentle Giants" who tend to be excellent with children.

Gus' Dad is the no. 2 show dog in his class in Canada at the time I was speaking to Teresa.  Temperament was what was important to me but that was still kinda cool ;)  Once the puppies were born I was sent the pedigree's of the parents and an entire binder of health checks and temperament tests results.

During the time Mamma Bernese was pregnant with the pups I continued to research and speak to Allison from KENRO Dog Training.  I also chatted with Danica Bouvier from Canine Corner in Warman as she is a dog trainer and K9 Nutritionist/Pet Boutique operator. Additionally, I continued to speak to a professor at the University of Regina, Social Work Department about her knowledge of pet therapy/Animal Assisted Interventions.

Lots of work to get this endeavour started....but well worthwhile!  I REALLY wish I'd started this blog back in July when I began searching and thinking about therapy work with dogs.  Ugh, this blog would have been a lot more interesting to read had you been able to follow along with me from the start versus my trying to play catch-up by these initial posts.  Oh well! Better late than never, I suppose.

Teresa's dog gave birth to her puppies on August 14th from about 2:00pm to 11:00pm.  Huge litter of 10 puppies!!!  Wow, and to think I was worried about being no. 3 on the waitlist and worrying that there wouldn't be enough puppies for me.  

I had requested a male pup as my 'sources' had explained that males are typically better for therapy work.  They tend to be more relaxed and love everyone, whereas females tend to bond more closely with their owner.  Both genders, however, can be wonderful therapy dogs.....in the end its all about temperament and lots and lots of training.

Next step: Finding the right pup......