RE: bell question
Hi Linda, What you didn't do was introduce the bells to the dogs. What were you thinking?? Of course they were alarmed at this irritating noise everytime they moved. When you train animals you don't suddenly dump a new experience on them but introduce gradually. One reason for putting bells on dog's collars is to frighten and ward off wild life so if the dog isn't trained to accept the noise beforehand he is going to have the same reaction. You now have some repair work to do and that would be to ring the bell everytime you give a cookie or before you feed them dinner, then a tinkle on the bell while talking and carrying on around the house with your normal chores. In time attach the bells to yourself so the dogs get used to the noise. Soon the ringing will be tolerated and then you start to walk them with the bells on their collars, do some sits and recalls, and then let them run in a controlled zone with their bells on. Only then can you be sure they are comfortable with them before letting them run loose in the park. Swiss bells were designed for cows, you might like to find the type of bell gundog owners use which are lighter sounding and less clanging. Far better to reinforce your recall commands and keep your dogs on leash when walking in wildlife country. Many a dog is lost forever once it takes after a deer. Rose T.
Re: bell question
Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
Re: bell question
My Winston used to love to wear his Swiss bell. When he was a puppy, I got a tiny wedding bell and put it on his collar just for fun. It didn't phase him at all and he wore it all the time on his collar. When I was at the Specialty in Wisconsin, I bought a beautiful, melodic Swiss bell for him and he always wore it when he pulled his cart for fun or in parades. It never seemed to bother him - in fact, he got excited when he heard it ring. The Public Safety people called this week to see if I would please bring Winston to the Antique Car Show that is being held in the main street area of Mt. Lebanon this weekend and also to the 4th of July celebration in the park.Last year he gave cart rides to the little kids during those events and was a huge hit!!! They felt so badly when we told them that he had died from malignant histiocytosis in January. I know that he would have had a good time this weekend and also on the 4th of July in the park. Bill told them that in a few years, we would continue the tradition with Nicky. I guess I better start getting him used to wearing a tiny bell. Joye Neff and Nick (just turned six months old today) (and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA --On Wednesday, June 25, 2003 2:06 PM -0400 Maria Crifasi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:r Hi Linda, Both my Berners (Daisy and Buddy) are used to noises since I made it a habit to drop objects, etc. during their puppyhood. I bought two bells (small and medium) from the Care-A-Lot Pets catalog. They are not as loud as the Swiss bells. I think I could have hung the Liberty Bell from their collar and they would not have hesitated because they love to go for walks. I remember them looking at me with confusion when the bells first jangled but I just clapped, jumped up and down and then gave them a treat. The smaller bell makes a low tinkling sound -- just enough for me to figure out where Daisy is in the woods. I'd try a smaller bell, put it on your Berner, let it jangle, cheer, give your Berner a treat and immediately remove the collar and bell. Do this several times extending the time the collar/bell is worn. I'm sure the Berner-L pros will have some good ideas. Good luck! Maria Crifasi Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
Re: bell question
Between name tags, Home Again chip id tag (you just never can be too careful) and rabies tag, I don't need bells on my babes, the jingle wherever they go. I like the idea of a bell though, give the squirrels a fighting chance (as if they need it, they sit in the trees and laugh at Clyde as it is, although he thinks he's hiding from them - big black dug in the middle of a little tree or bush - it's quite the sight!!). Regards Mandy Lionheart's Clyde v Pioneer BARC's Caledonian Princess
