Transporting a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy safely requires careful planning and attention to detail. These adorable, fluffy bundles of joy are not just large in stature but also in their need for comfort and care. This article Covers these two scenarios: Bringing a new puppy home from a breeder yourself, or working with the breeder to have your puppy transported to you. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Scenario 1: Bringing The Puppy Home From The Breeder Yourself
1. Choose the Right Carrier
For a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier is essential. Opt for a size that allows the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A soft-sided carrier can be a good option as it offers a bit more comfort and can be easier to handle. Ensure the carrier is well-secured in your vehicle to prevent any sudden movements that might startle or injure your pup.
2. Prepare for Comfort
Puppies can get nervous during travel, so make the experience as stress-free as possible. Place a familiar blanket or a piece of your clothing inside the carrier to provide comfort and a sense of security. Some puppies also benefit from chew toys or a favorite stuffed animal. Avoid feeding your puppy right before the journey to prevent motion sickness. Some puppies may also benefit, and feel more comfortable being held in your lap during the journey. An old blanket, towels, or dog bed can do the trick to cover your lap and prevent messes from potty or nausea accidents.
3. Plan for Frequent Breaks
If you’re traveling by car, plan to make frequent stops every 3 to 4 hours, especially on longer trips. This gives your puppy a chance to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and drink water. Remember, puppies have smaller bladders and may need bathroom breaks more often than adult dogs.
4. Keep the Vehicle Environment Controlled
Maintain a comfortable temperature in the car, avoiding extremes of heat or cold. A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, with its thick coat, can be sensitive to temperature changes. Use sunshades on windows to regulate the internal climate and ensure proper ventilation.
5. Health and Safety Precautions
Before traveling, ensure your puppy has had a recent health check. If you’re heading to a new home, make sure vaccinations and deworming are up to date. Also, have a first aid kit handy, just in case. Keep your puppy secured in the carrier during the trip to prevent distractions and ensure their safety. This is most important if stopping at public rest areas. DO NOT allow your not fully vaccinated puppy anywhere near public areas that other dogs or animals may have contaminated.
6. Gentle and Positive Reinforcement
Lastly, use a calm, reassuring voice to keep your puppy relaxed. Positive reinforcement, like gentle praise and a calm demeanor, can help ease any anxiety. Consider taking short trips before the big journey to help your puppy get accustomed to traveling.
In summary, transporting a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy can be a smooth process with the right preparations. By choosing the right carrier, ensuring comfort, planning breaks, and maintaining a controlled environment, you’ll help your new furry friend feel safe and secure. Happy travels!
Scenario 2: Having Your New Puppy Transported To You
1. Choose The Right Breeder
A trustworthy reputable breeder should have a few options available for safely transporting a puppy. The breeder should be able to provide contact information for the transporter if you feel it necessary to research the transporter yourself. A breeder should be knowledgable and up to date with current laws and regulations for safe transportation of puppies and specific breed related factors.
2. Don't Get Scammed
Transportation scams are unfortunately a common way for fake dog breeders to get more money out of unsuspecting customers. Charging un expected or exorbitant fee for transportation is a common red flag for catching a scammer. Transportation fees and delivery details and timelines should be clearly stated before a financial commitment is required.
Typical Price Guide
Ground transportation: $300 to $450
Air Cargo: $600 to $800
In Cabin Flight Nanny: $400 to $1400
3. Why Does A Flight Nanny Range So Much?
There are two types of flight nanny options. Flying standby is typically cheaper but has uncertainty for getting a seat and arrival time can vary. The second option is using a flight nanny that purchases a ticket and can provide certainty. This can be more expensive but having certainty and peace of mind can be worth it for the over all stress of the puppy and being able to plan for arrival.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. The American Kennel Club has more information available on this topic that you can use to educate yourself as well.