Re: books?
Just to follow up on Joye's post about Boris's book site: Last week we received a cheque (check ;-) ) from Amazon for $101.72 This is comission earned from purchases over the last 6 months through Boris's site. This all goes to the BMDCA Health Fund. Thank you all for clicking through the links to get this "free" money to benefit our Berners! Boris is pleased to be of assistance in collecting it :-) At 12:01 AM 26/08/2003 -0500, you wrote: The best place to buy books is through our own "BORIS BOOKS" site.There is a link to Amazon.com and I get most of my books through them. They always seem to have whatever dog books I'm looking for which makes it even better!The best part is that the BMDCA Health Fund gets money when we buy books through this link. http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Boris' book site
At 08:43 PM 03/08/2003 -0500, you wrote: Boris' Book site is: http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html Thanks to Wendy Beard and all the contributors, it's a great site! Thanks Pat! Actually, I've been rather lax recently and not done any updates in a while. If anybody spots any broken links or wants to recommend a new book that isn't listed, please drop me and Boris a line! Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Harnesses & Haltis?
At 12:01 AM 29/07/2003 -0500, you wrote: But, and it is an almighty BUT... Maggie & Roxie play off each other: if they see another dog, or if people stand just out of their reach (and say "ooh, you've got your hands full there." Arrrgh) Oh, I wish I had a pound for every time someone said to me "ooh, you've got your hands full there." I'd be comfortably well off by now!! It's a bind taking my three dogs out at the same time. Boris just loves to dawdle and pee, and sniff, and pee, and pee (you get my drift). The two Belgians like to pretend that they are really two sled dogs and pull like they're in the Itarod. Heaven help me if they see another dog, squirrel, or horrors - a cat! Long story short, I have started walking them on a "supposedly no-pull" halter. This brand is called "Holt" and it came from petsmart. There are other makes like the sporn halter, but this is just the one I happened to try. It works, sort of. They are easier to handle, but they still pull a bit. Tanja, not so much as Tyra. The halters aren't too expensive so I reckon it's worth a try. Wendy, Boris and the pointy-pests Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Boris and the night creature
Picture the scene: It's midnight. Hubby is snoozing peacefully on the couch in front of the TV. Teenagers upstairs in respective bedrooms. Self catching up on e-mail and getting ready for bed. Two staccato woofs can be heard from outside. A familiar odor permeates the house. Son and heir emerges from bedroom. "Pwwar! Has Boris been skunked?" Rush downstairs in panic. Hubby stirs. No mistaking that smell (no, it's not hubby!). "got any of that stuff to spray on to get rid of the smell" he enquires "what stuff" "you know, that stuff" "NO" Mind in a whir - think. Seen it often enough on the Berner-L. What IS it that they use? Light bulb goes on *AHA* "Tomato Juice!" I declare triumphantly. "got no tomato juice" says hubby "AH, but we have a tin of diced tomatoes and a liquidizer" I retort. "Get that dog in the bath while I juice the tomatoes". Whir, whir. Off I trot upstairs to the bathroom. Tanja and Tyra stand grinning outside the door. They are wise dogs, they say, Boris is oh, so foolish. Open the door, hubby standing looking helplessly at Boris. "He won't get in the bath" he says forlornly. "well, of course he won't!" I say exasperatedly "Make him". I grab one end, he grabs the other and we heave. 1-2-3 HUP! Boris stands panting in the bath. I quickly climb in beside him and tip tomato pulp over his head. "What's that supposed to do" asks Paul "I dunno, I just read it somewhere". Suddenly - "Boris NO!". Too late. He shakes and the whole room is covered in tomato. Start to rinse it off him. "Is he supposed to be covered in pips?" "Hey, I'm doing my best here" Rinsed and shampooed, Boris gives a few more hearty shakes. I'm now completely drenched and covered in tomato. Boris looks forlorn. Get towel, place on edge of bath and give a push. Out he tumbles. Bathroom looks like it's been the scene of a very bloody battle. Black hair and tomato everywhere. Leave the scene and head downstairs to the basement where blower awaits. By now, it's 1am and I'm not looking forward to a lengthy grooming session. More hair. Tanja stands next to Boris. She likes the blower. Tyra prances around gleefully. Finally get some semblance of dryness. Brush out yet more undercoat. Tumble into bed, exhausted. The bathroom will have to wait Wendy, Boris and the pointy pests Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
Happy Birthday Boris!
My Big Bouncing Berner Boy, Boris (how's that for alliteration!) is 5 years old today! Woo Hoo! Extra cheese for Boris today. No long walks, it's just too hot. 33C again today. Phew! Hoses and the wading pool, I think! Funny story: yesterday morning, Boris was entered in his first agility fun match. We entered the ring, Boris raring to go. Bell rings - ready! Off he gallops round the ring, out the ring, goes to visit a nearby tent, back in the ring and out the other side without taking a single obstacle! I politely bow out and go and retrieve my dog who is happily prancing round in a neighbouring field. On returning, I was chatting to one of the other competitors who was admiring my beautiful dog and heaping praise on his doggish good looks. He was about to console me over Boris's performance in the ring by saying, "oh, he's still young, he's be fine when he matures a bit". Then he asked "how old is he?" 5 tomorrow, I reply. "ah" he says. Here's to Boris, the eternal puppy. Happy Birthday my big daft dog! Wendy and the Pointy Pests Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Dogs and Bikes
At 01:49 PM 29/05/2003 -0500, you wrote: Hi All, I was surprised to read about people attaching their dogs to their bikes. What happens when the dogs bolt because they see a rabbit, squirrel or another dog? That sounds like a very bad accident waiting to happen. Well, you could ask the same question and apply it to your daily walk. Would you allow your dog to bolt after a squirrel or another dog when you were walking in the street? It's all about training the dog to trot besides the bike just as you'd train it to go out for a walk on leash. I, personally, wouldn't take a dog out on a bike holding the leash in my hand. Too dangerous. I want my hands for braking and signalling. The springer is great for this. Keeps your dog close to you and your hands are free. Incidentally, there is a quick release for emergencies. A series of plastic links are used on the attachment which will break with a certain amount of sharp force. I enjoy taking my girl out for trips with my bike and it's good for her condition. I would avoid shared bike/walking paths as much as possible, especially on a weekend or summer's evening, they are just not suitable. Not to mention that many pedestrians hate cyclists and will be as awkward as possible in their vicinity, despite the path being for everyone. Anyway, I'll continue biking with my dog as long as I can. Sooner or later Ottawa Council will ban bikes or dogs (or both) Wendy Beard, Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
Re: Conditioning with a Bicycle and "Springer"
At 07:39 PM 28/05/2003 -0500, you wrote: Does anyone else use a springer with your dog and bike? Any experience with the dog getting on the wrong side? What can happen? Can you just continue riding and the dog will go back on the correct side, or must I immediately stop and reposition him? Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana Hi Vicky, This got me wondering - how have you attached your dog to the springer? I always use a harness with my girl when going out on the bike. The lead is then attached at the left side of the harness. It would be very difficult for her to get round the wrong side of the bike from the right. I don't have photos of the springer up at the moment but I have a couple of shots I made about a month ago when I was test-driving a couple of alternative devices. http://www.beard-redfern.com/bikerdog I would guess that your lead's too long if he's getting on the wrong side of the bike. Are you using the one supplied with the springer with the quick-break plastic thingy? If he does happen to get on the left side of you, I'd stop and put him back. You don't want the lead hitting your back wheel! Wendy Beard, Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
Re: Dog show photos
At 07:39 PM 28/05/2003 -0500, you wrote: Bonnie and I entered a DDX test in Ottawa last weekend - didn't pass, but none of the other DDX dogs did, either. Four of the seven DD dogs earned titles, though! We'll probably be trying again in the fall - plenty of time to practice! http://community.webshots.com/album/74339692zxvcwH Bonnie is on the second page, last photo. Jana &Bonnie We saw this dog in action and she did an amazing job. All the dogs were superb, but the amazing part is that Bonnie is blind. Congrats on a job well done, Jana! You'll get that title next time for sure! And guess what! My baby Tyra is photo number 8 in the same album! Wendy Beard, Ottawa, Canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
fibromatous epulis
Hello All, Does anyone have experience of the treatment for a fibromatous epulis? tvm Wendy & Boris Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: fabric or leather?
At 12:01 AM 18/03/2003 -0600, you wrote: Hi All, I'm about to buy a new vehicle for my dogs since they don't all fit in the current one. I'm actually forcing myself to buy something I really dislike (a mini van) and is totally out of my personality. Oh, I know! I vowed that I would never ever buy a minivan. Ysterday, I caught myself looking through the specs for minivans on the msn site. Now number 3 dog's here, the current car is getting a bit of a tight squeeze. It's a slippery slope ;-) Anyway, if I could afford it I'd definitely go for leather. The car we had previously (a Renault Laguna Station wagon we weren't allowed to import into Canada) had leather seats They were brilliant! I'd have them again, no doubt about it. The velour seats we have at the moment aren't bad but I prefer the leather any day. Hmmm, perhaps I just have expensive tastes ;-) Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Searching for the Bernerproof Trashcan
At 12:01 AM 18/03/2003 -0600, you wrote: Subject: Searching for the Bernerproof Trashcan Hello all. :) I am in search of a trash can that my "angels" can't get into, knock over, and "play" with. Hi Barb, I have the perfect trash can here at home. It was bought precisely for that reason about 5 years ago. I bought it in Holland and it cost me an arm and a leg but that is probably because it was an american import (=trendy). It's made by the United Metal Receptacle Corp, Pottsville PA http://www.unitedrecept.com/roundtps.htm Mine's the R1530E Brilliant! Best thing I ever bought. Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Vacuum, cleaners
I asked the same question about 18 months ago. We had moved from the Netherlands to Canada and had to leave most of our electrical equipment behind (different voltage & frequency). We were renting a fully carpeted house (beige carpet!!) and eventually settled on a Hoover windtunnel mach 4.7 upright cleaner. It seemed to cope pretty well at first but went through belts like nobody's business. Sniff, sniff, smells like burning rubber, ah yes, the hair has just tangled round the roller and is about to ruin yet another belt. It comes with a little rotary hand power brush for doing things like stairs. Great! Well, if it didn't tangle up with hair I'm sure it would work quite well. Now we've moved into our own house and installed pergo on the ground floor. The hoover only has to cope with the upstairs rooms and it's still burning rubber. How I wish I could find a Philips Vision Canister vac here in Canada. Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Berners and Brains
At 12:01 AM 23/02/2003 -0600, Catherine wrote: Since I'm still waiting for my 2 yr old Berner's brains to arrive via UPS I'll pass on the "when are they mature" question. For those of you anxiously awaiting their Berner's brain to arrive - make sure the UPS man knows where you live! When we moved house, we forgot to inform them of a change of address. As a result, Boris's brains got sent back to the depot and somehow got lost, never to be found. Boris will be 5 this year and we still live in hope that they will be found and re-routed in time for this birthday but we're not holding our breath! As a little aside, Boris took his CGN (Canine Good Neighbour) test on Friday. Well, he nearly passed. He was a very good boy and he charmed the helpers. He got 11 ticks out of 12 which was very good! But, he decided that as it was a hall with lots of other dogs and lots of treats being handed out on the sidelines then he was at a dog training class and it was okay to perform for food. Fair assumption on his part. One part of the test was that he should sit still while the tester approached me and greeted me. He should not approach, jump up and mug her. Well he didn't. Not really. The tester greeted me, offered her hand and I shook it. Boris decided that he should do the same. He stood up, and offered his paw. Sigh. Now to go and reprimand the person in our household who taught him that a paw-swipe is the appropriate way to ask for treats. Could have been worse, he could have greeted her with the famous bernese nose-poke. Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Call Names
At 10:47 PM 17/02/2003 -0600, you wrote: And Lucy (7) can tell you that she has been called Molly more than once! Martha Hoverson and Molly Hee hee, and I've been called Tania a few times before now, after my Belgian, Tanja! Never been called Boris though.thank goodness! Although we've played the name game before our pups have arrived home we've never actually decided on one until they've arrived. With Boris, it took a couple of days. Why Boris? Well, he just looked like one!!! Funnily enough, his grandad had been called Boris too! My new terv pup earned her name the night we picked her up from the airport. There was a snowstorm and it took us 3 1/2 hours to get home instead of the normal 1 1/2 - 2. She shouted all the way home and earned the name Tyra. Short for Tyrant. Absolutely nothing to do with her registered name though. Her litter was to have a "dream" theme. We joked that she would be Blackcomb's Bad Dream ;-) Wendy, Boris and the tervs Tanja and Tyra Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: BARF
At 11:26 PM 13/02/2003 -0600, Pat wrote: My understanding of the four basic food groups for humans is as follows: Chocolate McDonald's Potato Chips Chocolate That's not a mistake, chocolate is important enough to be two separate food groups Hee hee. Someone on the Belgian list has a sig. line which states "Chocolate: it's not just a food group; it's THE food group." too true! Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: agility
At 12:01 AM 01/02/2003 -0600, you wrote: > Hi Everyone- I have an 8 mo old Berner who is quite smart. We would like to > start training him for agility. Have found a trainer who gives an 8 week > course for this. My question is this- is he too young to start training for > this? I wouldn't want to do anything to harm him - I know he has alot of > growing to do and wouldn't want to jeopardize his hips or legs. Anyone have > any advice for me? Love listening to all of your suggestions and advice > everyday. I've learned sooo much. Thanks again for any help you can give me. > Denise & "Deuce" > I've just started my 4.5 month pup in agility classes (though she's a belgian tervuren, not a berner, there is a St Bernard in the class). There is no jumping. There is a lot of attention work in the first eight week session. Then there's obstacle familiarisation which builds awareness of the dog's legs and what he's doing with them e.g. walking through a ladder on the ground, walking along a plank raised one brick high off the ground, tunnels and tyres placed at floor level. It's fun for the dogs and builds confidence and a good relationship with the handler. I would recommend it to anyone. Boris (my Berner) will be 5 in June and I enrolled him in the beginners class last year. The first session he was doing identical exercises to the puppies in the puppy class. The second class built up jumping very gradually. In fact, I think that even then the jumping was more like walking over a 10" high pole. Two more classes later and he will now jump 16" if he's feeling inspired and it's unlikely I will ask him to jump any higher than that. The main thing for me is that he is enjoying it. He adores all contact obstacles (Oh, how I wish my others did!). Imagine a 110 lb berner thundering over a dogwalk, drool flying out of his mouth in anticipation of the treat he earns for hitting and waiting at the end of the yellow contact zone. It makes me smile just thinking about it. I say "go for it". Just don't do any jumping with Deuce until he is at least a year old (some trainers even say 18 months for a large dog and may even ask for written agreement from a vet if the dog is younger). Don't try to do too much too soon, some people that I've taken classes with have got frustrated that they are not running a full blown course by the end of the 8 weeks. Take your time and build everything up gradually, but above all - Enjoy it.! I do, and so do my dogs! Wendy, Boris, Tanja AADC and Tyra Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Guard Dog?
I would never have had Boris down as a guard dog, rather a dog who would let in any potential burglar and lead them to the family silver. Boris greets all visitors silently but enthusiastically, either with a paw to the shoulder or a nose-poke to the groin. Always goes down well with the male visitors ;-) Well, One day last year, Paul was down in the basement with a couple of workmen. He had arrived home when Boris and Tanja were out for a romp in the woods with the dogwalker, and was still down there when the two beasties arrived home. Apparently, Boris heard strange voices in the basement and thundered down the stairs, all guns blazing, barking furiously. Surprised everybody, that's for sure! Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Berner Calendar 2003
At 06:17 PM 06/01/2003 -0600, you wrote: Anyone having information where I can obtain one please correspond with me directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks for your help. Elisabeth Everyone MUST have one of these calendars. All the photos are taken by the talented Bernd Guenter and yet again, they are WONDERFUL!. You can see the covers here: http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/misc_dog.html#MS Wendy (Calendars are also available through Amazon - buy through the link on Boris's site and the BMDCA Health fund gets the commission!) Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Cabana Crate Sizing
At 12:01 AM 29/12/2002 -0600, you wrote: Hi Everyone! I've been basically a lurker on this list on and off for about 6 years. I finally have my very own Berner boy, Berkley! We've had him for two months now and he is wonderful. He's now 8 months old and 46 pounds. Needless to say he's going to be on the small side. I'm looking at getting a Cabana Crate (for those who are interested and don't know what I'm talking about www.doggonegood.com) and was wondering if anyone on the list uses one and what size you have. Especially those of you with smaller Berners. The X-Large "may" fit in my trunk but it will be really close and was thinking that for my small berner I may be able to use a Large. Hi Kelly, Hmm, 46 pounds is pretty small. My Belgian, Tanja, weighs about that and she's a dainty little thing. Having said that, when I was looking at buying a cabana crate though a large would have been adequate for her, I decided to go with the extra large. I reckoned that if I ever wanted to bring Boris along, then it would be okay for him to fit into. (Boris is 110 lbs but not hugely tall). By getting the extra large, it also means that there is plenty of room for Tanja to stretch out. If I was pushed, I could probably fit the two of them in it. You may want to consider that for your two! Do you know anyone at your club with a cabana crate? I was lucky in that an agility friend of mine has the extra large crate, so I could see exactly how large the thing is. She has a German Shepherd. Remember, Berkeley might not get big, but he still has some growing to do too. One more thing that might sway you - the old stye X-Large crates are on sale! Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: 2003 Specialty
At 05:29 PM 24/12/2002 -0600, you wrote: My first Specialty! The specialty being on the west coast and not more than a 7 hour drive away from us, this is perfect, WRONG! I have made contact with the hotel and RV parks and even the names of the people to contact on the Specialty internet site and hear the same words, ALL FULL. Waited too long to call. How dumb I feel. Pat, Don't feel dumb. I sent my reservation form in to reserve a room for two people at the Host Hotel. I sent it Expresspost which has a guaranteed delivery time (and is trackable) so that my application would reach the hotel by the first day that they were accepting bookings for the hotel. (can't remember the exact date, mid-june beginning of july?) In August, I received a letter to say that the the hotel was sold out, but they were establishing a waiting list. Fine, I thought, there are alway people dropping out when it comes to stumping up the deposit. I've just been doing a little tidying up and filing on my day off today and just found the letter. I re-read it. The third paragraph down tells me if I want to be put on the waiting list to telephone or e-mail and I'll be put on the waiting list in the order that the request is received. When I read the letter back in August, I stopped reading at the bit which said "as we already have your reservation request". Now who feels dumb! (if you're reading this - Sorry Chantal! I'm a dozy so-and-so!) Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Nose to Nose in Europe
At 08:51 PM 04/12/2002 -0600, you wrote: The problem is that the book is not available in Europe. Amazon UK doesn't yet carry it. For those of you in Europe that would like copies, I'm sure Joye Neff or I can help out. Email us privately. Pat Long (& Luther) Amazon.com ship all over the world, Pat! http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html#BT I've just been experimenting with buttons that puts the book directly into your shopping cart, making it even easier to shop (and earn commission for the BMDCA health fund!) I think it works, but haven't tested it with all browsers. If someone would like to try it out for me I'd be eternally grateful. Wendy Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Amazon
At 12:01 AM 21/11/2002 -0600, you wrote: From: Jeannie Schoen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I would like to buy all the Boris books I don't already own. However I am waiting to see if Amazon will run another shipping free offer. I hope one wouldn't cancel the other benefit. Happy Trails, Jeannie Schoen, Greta, BARC Gulliver, Sophie forever in Michigan Hi Jeannie, It shouldn't affect the commission, as the commission is just given on the books. I see they're offering free shipping at the moment, but only on certain books. Ah well, there's always dogwise who are offering free shipping until the end of November on all orders over $50 ! Wendy & Boris Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Agility books
Maria wrote >Hi L'ers, >Daisy (now 3 years old) loves her agility classes. My husband Jack has made >several jumps, the tire jump, weave poles (with springs) and is now working >on the dog walk. Humph. I'll tell you the secret of "work away" in return for you sending Jack up here to make a load of agility equipment for me too ;-). I have the Jane Simmons-Moake book "Agility Training: The Fun Sport for All Dogs" http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/agility.html She has some videos available too, but haven't seen them. I'll give you a little hint on how I'd make Boris work away from me. Lob a hunk of cheese over a jump. wendy, boris and tanja ADC ottawa, canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
Re: Nose to Nose?
At 06:10 PM 19/11/2002 -0600, you wrote: Can someone tell me where I can purchase Nose To Nose? I know it has been posted before, but can't seem to find that post. Thanks. Jeanne Amazon has it. http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html#BT If you purchase it through the link on this page, 15% of the purchase price goes to the BMDCA health fund. Wendy & Boris (Tanja & Tyra) Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Dogwise - free shipping
Dear All, Just thought I'd mention that Dogwise (dog & cat books 'n' stuff) have free shipping until the end of November on orders over $50. Great for those of you who plan ahead when buying their Christmas gifts ;-) There's another reason for me mentioning it, and that is because any purchases made through clicking the dogwise banner on Boris's Book Pages earn commission for the BMDCA Health Fund http://www.dogwise.com/entry.tmpl?header1=WSR0023 Last quarter we received a check from Amazon for over $50 for the same thing. Commission earned from click-through sales. Okay, so it's not much, but it's a nice easy way to generate funds for a good cause - and the good thing is - it doesn't cost us a penny! Wendy and Boris (Tanja and Tyra too) Boris Beard Ottawa, Canada http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Sherri wrote: >I know plenty of people who've bought the webbed flexi, but no one who uses it . >The problem is that it's very heavy and cumbersome...most people just don't like it. I have, and I do! My only gripe about it is that the tape freezes up in the snow and doesn't retract too easily! Wendy, Boris and Tanja too (with 2.5 inches of snow - whoo hoo!) wendy beard ottawa, canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
RE: Alternative Breed Recommendations
Julia wrote: >The first thing that comes to my mind is a Cavalier King Charles >Spaniel. Yes, they are A LOT smaller, but they do meet the criteria you >set out. Funny you should say that. Boris has two tri-coloured Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in his agility class. They are SO tiny by the side of him. Because of their colouring, we often joke that they are mini Berners. wendy beard ottawa, canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
