inside this issue...inside this issue...

TheThe

Berner BlattBerner Blatt

the newsletter of the

Bernese Mountain Dog Clubof Nashoba Valley

the club for new england berners & their families

September 2016

Fall Fun Day

Eventspage 7

Calendar of Events ............................22018 National News ..........................3Retreat Weekend ................................4Fall Draft Tests ...................................5Holiday Party .....................................6

Fall Fun Day .......................................7Rescue Corner ....................................8New Member Showcase ....................9Birthdays, Brags ...............................10It’s a Good Thing ..............................11

Tennescott ADK Otter Creek RN “Rogue” and Smokey Keep King Moonracer’s Treasure “Luna” are ready for football season, cooler temperatures and fall in New England. Owned by Carolyn Massey; Billerica, MA.

board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BMDCNVDirectors:

PresidentMarge Bumenpresident@bmdcnv.org

Vice PresidentPatricia Buickeroodvicepresident@bmdcnv.org

SecretaryCarol Jensensecretary@bmdcnv.org

TreasurerBruce Halldentreasurer@bmdcnv.org

Karlo Laforteza • director_Laforteza@bmdcnv.org

Sue Mahan • director_mahan@bmdcnv.org

Steve Diers • director_diers@bmdcnv.org

Jean Michael • director_michael@bmdcnv.org

Anya Wittenborg • director_wittenborg@bmdcnv.org

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Calendar of EventsBMDCNV

FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html

~ 2016 ~October 15 & 16:

Fall Draft Test • Westford, MAOct. 16:

Fall Fun Day • Westford, MANov. 10:

Retreat Weekend • Ocean Park, MEDec. 11:

BMDCNV Holiday Party • Sturbridge, MADec. 11:

BMDCNV Board Meeting • Sturbridge, MA

~ 2017 ~Feb 19:

Winter Walk • Ashford, CTMarch 4:

Supported Entry: Working Dog • Springfield, MAMarch 5:

Regional Specialty: Working Dog • Springfield, MAMarch 19:

Annual Meeting • Sturbridge, MAApril 2:

OFA Hip & Elbow • Suffield, CTApril 23-29:

National Specialty • Portland, ORJune 3:

Ladies Supported Entry • Wrentham, MAJune 11:

Spring Fun Day • Westford, MA

Help WantedHelp WantedSOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR: After two years, Karlo Laforteza will be stepping down as social media chair. He is looking for volunteers to train and take his place. Responsibilities include promoting BMDCNV events on the Facebook page, Facebook groups and Yahoo groups to increase awareness and membership. Lead other admins for other social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, etc. Coordinate with the Board, Berner Blatt editor and webmaster. Volunteers must be members of the BMDCNV or other Regional club for at least 1 year. All inquiries and applications can be sent to: social@bmdcnv.org

DRAFT TEST VOLUNTEERS: Seeking a Chief Steward for the Fall Draft Tests on October 15 & 16th. Anyone interested in volunteering or who would be available to help throughout both days would be appreciated! Experience volunteering in the past is helpful for the Chief Steward, but no experience needed for any of the other jobs. Contact Draft Show Chair, Susan Nowak: cdberner@yahoo.com

ANNOUNCEMENT: BMDGNY will hold the second BernRR Picnic on Sunday, October 9 1pm – 3pm. The event will be at The Greenwich Firehouse, 266 Glenville Road, Greenwich, CT. This is the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, so traffic should be light! The picnic will be much like last year. We are planning a pot-luck, a raffle, Berner education and book signing tables, a BernerGarde database entry station, a short Berner parade (bring all carts) a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test and a traditional blessing of the animals. It is a great day for fun and socialization. We think we had 250 in attendance last year!

REMINDER!BMDCA Health Survey

BMDCA has been involved in management of breed health since its formation. The survey is a very useful tool that we will hope improve the length and quality of life for Bernese Mountain Dogs.Please set aside 15-20 minutes to complete the BMDCA Health Survey. The link for the survey closes on October 31, 2016. Here is the link for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016bernesesurvey

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2018 BMDCA National News

Calling All Veterans! Showcase your special veteran in our

4th Annual Veterans Issue! If your Bernese Mountain Dog will be 7 years or older on December 31st, you’re invited to include them in

the December Veterans Issue of our Berner Blatt.Submit your Veteran information and picture at

http://bmdcnv.org/veterans.html Submission Deadline is November 20th.

A wonderful way to honor your special veteran!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Sweepstakes Judge nomination process for the 2018 BMDCA National.

Our membership identified many excellent nominees. Once the nominees confirm their availability as potential Sweeps Judges, their names will be sent to the BMDCA membership on a ballot for final selection.

We’re excited that we continue to get more great BMDCNV members joining the National Show Committee. Heidi Henderson and Pam Eldredge will team up as our 2018 Trophy Chairs. Beth Atkinson has volunteered to be our 3rd

Draft Test Chair, joining Jon Cons and Margot Burwood on the Draft team. Since we will offer four draft tests in 2018, we need one more Draft Test Chair.

If you want to join the team, it’s not too late. We still need to fill the essential roles of Ways & Means Chair and Registration Chair.

The Ways & Means chair selects and orders the 2018 Logo merchandise. The Ways & Means chair also manages the distribution, sales, and fulfillment for this merchandise at the 2017 and 2018 Nationals as well as on the BMDCA web site. This role can be shared by co-chairs.

The Registration Chair organizes the team that checks in and hands out welcome bags and materials to attendees at the National.

Contact Jim Todhunter at NationalChair@BMDCNV.org if you’re interested in either of these roles. The National needs your help. Become a part of the team; join in the fun; feel the excitement.

National Specialty Updateby Jim Todhunter, Show Chair - Nationalchair@bmdcnv.org

Ways & Means Chair AnnouncementStephanie & Bill Freeman as new Ways and Means Paws & Shop chairs! Stephanie, Bill and Dylan joined BMDCNV in 2012. Many of you may know one of their wonderful Berners, and especially Oakley BG# 90983 who was presented the “BMDCNV Hero” dog award in 2013 for alerting to a fire and getting everyone in the complex on the move to safety. Thank you to the Freeman’s for volunteering to lead this fundraising club activity. The Club would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Judy Hartman for her years of service with the W&M booth and fulfillment of your calendar orders. Judy and her faithful rescue “Bailey” did a great job of servicing your Paws and Shop orders! Good job Judy!

The Board of Directors of the BMDCNV has appointed the Nominating Committee for open Board positions: Chairperson: Heidi Henderson (snowpawpass@yahoo.com) Members: Ann Davis (annie@vermontel.com) Pam Eldredge (peldredge39@comcast.net) Alternates: Peter Estes (pmbds@myfairpoint.net) Mie Kingsley (mkingsley@cloud9.net) Open Positions: Vice Pres: Sue Mahan is seeking this position Secretary: Carol Jensen is seeking another term Director: Anya Wittenborg is seeking another term Director: Karlo Laforteza is seeking another term Director: Open If you are interested in running for an open position or would like to suggest a candidate, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee before October 17, 2016. If you contact by email, please include the word “Nomination” in the subject line.

Heidi Henderson

ANNUAL ELECTIONS

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5th Annual BMDCNV Fall Retreat Weekend

Rates: 3 nights, 7 meals: $250 per person

Oceanwood Camp & Conference Center • Ocean Park, MaineNovember 10-13, 2016 • oceanwood.org/facilities

is available at Yahoo Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BMDCNVmembers/files.

Reservation Form and check payable to BMDCNV: Melissa George 237 Rand Hill Rd Alton Bay, NH 03810.

http://www.bmdcnv.org/retreat.htmlREGISTER ON-LINE:

RESERVATION FORM:

REGISTER BY MAIL:

For those who have already made reservations and deposit:

Final payment is due October 1st . Your deposit will be

refunded if you need to cancel prior to October 1st . The club

will retain the deposit if you must cancel anytime thereafter.

Any outstanding balance not paid by October 15th, will

forfeit their reservation and deposit.

For reservations made after October 1st: entire payment is due at time of reservation.

Deposit: $80 per person will hold your reservation made before October 1st.

Includes all meals, lodging and events! Payment must be received before you can be listed for preferred housing.

Join us for BMDCNV Retreat Weekend! The Wilczek’s will be presenting their carting workshop on Friday, November 11, 2016. Throughout the weekend, we will also offer Rally, Camp Games, Crafts, and many more activities.

chairpeoplechairpeoplethethe BMDCNVThese dedicated chairpeople provide essential services to you, our membership. Please feel free to contact them with your questions, concerns, suggestions, requests for help or offers of help. Our mission is to provide the best for Berners and their families.

Berner Blatt EditorCarolyn Masseybernerblatt@bmdcnv.org

Breeder Referral ProgramMegan McTavishnorarose2@sbcglobal.net

Health Liaison Chair: Karen Foxhealth@bmdcnv.org

MembershipKarlo Lafortezamemberchair@bmdcnv.org E-List Help DeskJeff Nowakelisthelp@bmdcnv.org Members List ModeratorSharon Bradymoderator@bmdcnv.org

Public EducationMartha Phelpsand Diane Smitheducation@bmdcnv.org

Puppy ReferralLaurel Woodpuppychair@bmdcnv.org

Regional Club Rep (RCC)Karen Foxrcc@bmdcnv.org

RescueLinda DeCelles1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)rescue@bernerinc.org

Social Media Chair: Facebook & Twitter -Karlo Lafortezasocial@bmdcnv.orgInstagram -Nadine Thomas

Training ResourcesPaul Emerson508-243-3922training@bmdcnv.org

Trophy ChairDonna Bennetttrophychair@bmdcnv.org

Volunteer CoordinatorMartha Phelps802-368-7656volunteers@bmdcnv.orgWays & MeansBill & Stephanie Freemanshop@bmdcnv.org Web MasterMimi Englanderweb@bmdcnv.org

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!We need volunteers on both days

to help us run this event. No experience necessary.

FMI: Barbara Beck-Wilczek - barbie@wilczekwoodworks.com

FMI and Premium List: http://bmdcnv.org/events.html#draft

Event Chair: Susan Nowak

Secretary:Beth Atkinson

Judges (both days):Julie Bacon, Lovettsville, Virginia &

Jennifer Brightbill, Oregon City, Oregon

Entry deadline:Wednesday

October 5, 2016 • 6 pm

Saturday &

Sunday morning coffee & snacks

Saturday NightPost-trial Dinner All judges, entrants,

stewards, club members and their guests are

welcome.

FREE RV Sites Available After noon on 10/14.

RV hookups: Steve DiersFMI: Marge Bumen at

(207) 351-5988, or president@bmdcnv.org

46

Calling All Crafters & Artisans:

We are summoning all you creative spirits out there to share your handiwork to raise funds for the BMDCA National Specialty that our club will be hosting in Sturbridge, MA in 2018.

This year’s BMDCNV holiday gathering will be on December 11, 2016 at the Host Hotel in Sturbridge. Our first holiday gathering in 2015 featured great food, a cookie-exchange, holiday-themed raffle items, and holiday photography. It was so much fun for the canines and their companions that we’re doing it again!

For this year’s event, we are inviting all of you to share your special talents by creating unique handmade items for our Craft and Artisan Table. All of the proceeds from your donations will support the 2018 BMDCA National Specialty.

• You set the value based on your time, talents, and materials.• We will display your creations.• The party-goers can purchase your handcrafted items as holiday gifts for family or friends or take home a special treasure to call their own.

• hand-assembled first-aid kits for dogs• homemade wines and spirits• fresh-baked breads• homemade fudge, candy, or jam• knitted scarves, mittens, hats, sweaters, blankets• quilted items• hand-sewn doggie bandanas• handmade dog collars and leashes• embroidery• paintings• sculptures• wood-working• homemade greeting cards and bookmarks

• jewelry• hand-made pocket books and picture frames• basket-weaving• calligraphy• soap• candles• ceramics• felting• rug-hooking• pottery• stained glass• paper mache• origami• metalworking• clay figurines• etc.

Please consider “your specialty” (i.e., creating something with love that is uniquely you) and sharing the product of your talent and passion with your fellow BMDCNV members to help us create a 2018 specialty that our friends across the nation will remember for the rest of their lives.

To donate your item or get more information, please contact: Nancy and Linda Bates at lindmariebates@comcast.net or (508) 415-2535.

Stay tuned for additional updates on Facebook and the e-list.

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination:

Share your wares at the Holiday Gathering and Raise Funds for the 2018 National Specialty.

Holiday GatheringAll BMDCNV Club Members, their guests and their dogs are invited

to attend this gathering to celebrate the holidays together with our dogs.

Sunday, December 11 • 11am - 3 pmSturbridge Host Hotel – 366 Main St., Sturbridge MA

Please make your reservations EARLY!Reservations Deadline – December 1st. No Refunds.

Brunch Buffet ~ $25 pp • Cash Bar • Kids are FreeHoliday Fun & Games, Cookie Exchange, Swiss Holiday Traditions

Bring an unwrapped dog toy donation for Santa’s bag

FMI: Carolyn Massey - carolynmassey@gmail.com,Diane VanPelt - bernergal@comcast.net

Craft Questions: Nancy & Linda Bates - lindmariebates@comcast.net

ONLINE: Purchase your tickets online at: http://shop.bmdcnv.org/product/december-13-bmdcnv-holiday-event

MAIL: Indicate number of tickets with check made out to: BMDCNV by December 1st to: Diane VanPelt, PO Box 185,West Warren, MA 01092 (Please include your phone number or email address for confirmation.)

WORKSHOPAcquiring the

right BMD for you & your family.

HEALTHY BERNER

INFORMATION

CLEARANCE SALE

WAYS & MEANSBIG SAVINGS

BERNER, Inc.RAFFLE

& DRAFT CARTRAFFLE

BMDCADRAFT TEST

FMI...bmdcnv.org/events

FALL FUN DAYSunday, Oct. 16 • 10-3

Rain or Shine

THANKSGIVINGFOR

OUR BERNERS

4H FAIRGROUNDS – WESTFORD, MA~ Schedule ~

10am-1pm Welcome Coffee & Sign-up11am Puppy Corral11am Health & Education Topics12pm How to find the right BMD for you12:30pm Lunch & Group Picture1:30pm Berner Inc Raffle Drawing2pm Beginner Novice Obedience

WORKSHOPBeginner Novice OBEDIENCE

FALL GOODIES, CIDER,

PUMPKIN TREATS

7

board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BERNER INCPresident & Director - Alise BurbridgeTreasurer & Director – Tom McKinneyClerk & Director – Anya Wittenborg

Director – Dawn FlahertyDirector – Linda DeCellesDirector – Beth Atkinson

Rescue NotebookRescue Notebook

WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE

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In 2008, the BMDCNV membership established a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to address the needs of the ever-increasing number of Berners being relinquished by their owners and to educate the public in the responsible care of this

wonderful breed. The work of BERNER, Inc. is supported by the generous

donations of people like YOU! Please consider honoring the achievements or the life of your dog (or of a friend or family member) with a tax-deductible

donation either by Paypal on the website: http://bernerinc.org/donate or by mail to: BERNER, Inc. P.O. Box 1221, Arlington, MA 02474

BERNER INC NEEDS YOU...to Get Donations from retailers you shop with on-line! When you register with igive.com and designate Berner, Inc as the cause you’d like to support, ALL your on-line purchases will automatically generate a donation from the retailer to Berner, Inc.... at NO cost to you!

It’s quick... It’s easy... and FREE!Learn more at http://igive.com//Q6w2UJmt

iGive.com®

Change online shopping for good.

$1,344earned to date!

Foster Homes Always Needed!by Linda DeCelles, Berner Inc. Rescue Chair

Most of the Berners in Berner Inc.’s rescue program are placed in foster homes before they’re available for adoption. We do this so that we can get the fullest picture of each Berner—his or her temperament, behavior, and training levels. This is critical information that helps us make the best possible placement for each Berner.

Many of our Berners come into rescue with little or no training. Fosters work on teaching good manners and basic training cues. They also identify issues that will

need more work in the adopters’ homes, such as walking properly on leash. The information fosters give us about each dog’s success with training helps us match the dog with adopters who have experience compatible with the dog’s training and behavior needs.

Then we have rescued Berners with more complicated and serious behavior issues. These dogs are usually under-socialized and have not had enough experience with strangers and the outside world. They may be merely shy, or they may be very fearful.

Our fosters’ goal is to help these dogs overcome their fears—to bring out the friendly Bernese spirit within. We need people who have experience with fearful dogs to foster these Berners. This is the toughest foster situation. Rehabilitation of fearful Berners can take a long time. But the personal satisfaction is great when you see your once-fearful foster go out into the world as a happy, sociable Berner.

Some of our Berners become “failed fosters.” This is a benefit of fostering. You work long and closely with your foster; you bond with your foster. Then you realize that the best possible home for your foster is yours! But great satisfaction also comes from seeing your foster thrive in a new home with the ideal adopter. Our fosters and adopters often keep in close contact after the adoption. Happy reunions take place at BMDCNV events. As a foster, you’ll have the heartwarming experience of knowing how happy you have made the people who adopted your foster Berner.

Please consider becoming a Berner, Inc. foster home. We especially need fosters with experience with fearful and under-socialized dogs. For more information about fostering, please contact: Linda DeCelles, ldecelles@verizon.net

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New Members

Showcase

Are you a new Member? Tell us about yourself in our New Member Showcase. Click on this link... http://bmdcnv.org/newmember.htmlComplete the quick summary, hit submit, email your pic and you’re done! Please complete your submission by the 20th to be included in the next issue of the Berner Blatt.

We look forward to meeting you!

New Members

Share photos & videos of your Berners! Join the Facebook group at

fb.com/groups/BMDCNVMembers

Rachel LeungWilton, CT

David & Suzanne CamirePrinceton, MA

Donna DavidsHigh Falls, NY

https://www.instagram.com/bmdcnv

Congrats @mollysearcy!!!

Instagram Photo of the Month New Members

Showcase

Andre & Christine Navez; Hopkinton, MAHow Many Dogs = OneLoves = long walks on our old farm, watching the sheep and hens, playing with other puppies, swimming in Lake Whitehall

We were glad to welcome Agnes (now 4 months) to our home in late June. We had missed having a Berner under foot since losing our beloved Leili (our second Berner) to cancer in late December. Agnes is proving yet again that every Berner has a distinct personality. She is curious, intelligent and very affectionate. We are in the midst of puppy training and hope that eventually she will graduate to being a therapy dog. Agnes is one of the large litter from Buffy and Dan Bell’s Moriah and we enjoy keeping up with news of the other littermates.

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Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...

Trinity, disguised as Olaf from “Frozen”, and “Elsa” (aka her mom, Nancy Bates) spent the dog days of August dancing to the song “In Summer.” The kids at the Easton Children’s Museum Dog Days of Summer event and the Feast of Saint Susanna celebration in Dedham thought the duo was super cool and Trinity loved all the “warm hugs” even in the 90 degree heat. Trinity has also started melting (and healing) hearts with her therapy dog visits through DOG B.O.N.E.S. this summer. “Winter’s a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I’ll be a happy BMD!”

The Dancing Dog Days of Summer

Happy Birthday!! Maglod-Falvi Lilu

09.28.2013Happy Birthday to my blueberry picking, sheep herding and queen of Summitview

Farm “Miss Lilu Lady”. — Owned and loved to the moon and back,

by Melanie Morgan Lainey; Sherman, ME

Happy 10th Birthday Bobby!Bobby is the most improbable of Berners to reach 10. So we are especially ecstatic to celebrate this

milestone. When people ask how old he is and we say 10, they think he’s 10 months old. Every day

from the beginning was a gift, and we pray for many more. We love you Bobby!

— Mimi Englander, Dave Morrell and the terrier twosome Jesse and Sophie

Happy Birthday Eiger! 09.12.2009

Eiger (CH Iron vom Graenzweg) is now a veteran! Happy 7th Birthday.

—Karlo & Tina Laforteza; Milford, MA

“Revolving Door” Positive Training: Food for Thought

by: Margot Burwood; New Hartford, CT

Although I am not a certified trainer, I’d like to share some thoughts based on my own dog training experience and observations I have made while watching others train. I recognize that there are multiple ways and reasons for using positive reinforcement with treats and that there is not just one appropriate way. My title of this article is pointed at one manner of positive reinforcement, that of giving treats continuously, or nearly continuously, during a training session. While this approach has a place for some aspects of training, I would like to share why I think it should be kept to a minimum. Weaning off frequent/continuous doling out of treats is not a new principle, but I think that many folks, especially those with limited experience, may not realize that they may be taking longer than necessary or advantageous to start the process. What I have noted is that, too often, the treats become the objective for the dog, rather than the task at hand. Most dogs, and most Berners are no exception, are chow hounds and do not hesitate to take advantage of any offer of food, such that the food becomes the priority. I have found that, if a dog gets more focused on the food than on the objective for the training session, then it is very easy for him/her to forget – or not understand - what is being asked or expected. This tends to lead to the dog moving out of the stance, for example, or to rotate the head or body inappropriately instead of standing straight or moving forward in a straight line. I have observed this with my own dogs, as well as with others when I have assisted them in their training. My preference is to ask the dog to perform, using my voice, body language, and hands on assistance if needed. Then, after the task is performed to an acceptable level of quality, a break is taken and out come the treats. On occasion, it may be appropriate to go by middle ground and briefly use a treat as a lure if that is likely to help the dog with his/her understanding of the task. I know that many trainers say

it is important to reinforce a behavior immediately or the dog won’t associate the treat with the intended behavior. I don’t dispute this; however, I haven’t found this to necessarily be true in all situations with my dogs. If I want the dog to stand still, such as in the breed ring or for being harnessed, and the dog gets distracted and moves, and I then give a treat to regain attention, I feel that I am also giving the dog permission – and reinforcement – for moving and doing the opposite

...continued on page 9

Monthly Health Tip for keeping our Berners in tip-top shape!It’s a good Thing!It’s a good Thing!

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KEEP YOUR PET SAFEBe sure to keep you dog in a safe area or room of your home away from the front door so there isn’t a chance he accidentally gets out when the front door is opened. Not only does this protect your pet, it also makes kids who aren’t used to dogs feel more comfortable. As always, make sure that your pets are wearing collars with current identification information.

INTRODUCE NOISESYour dog has probably heard plenty of doorbells and knocks throughout his life, but likely not in the huge batch that occurs on Halloween. Training your dog to become familiar with the increase of sounds can be helpful. Consider ringing your own doorbell or knocking the door when you get back every day. You can also have your roommate, spouse or kids do the same. By the time Halloween arrives, your dog will, hopefully, be accustomed to the increased noise level.

KEEP YOUR DOG INDOORS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLEIf you need to take your dog for a walk or to bring him outside, keep him on a short leash and be sure he is wearing visible and up-to-date ID tags. Halloween brings tons of strangers outside who could frighten your pet. Even if your dog is normally behaved around strangers, the unusual costumes and elevated noise levels could cause stress for your pet. Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless.

PAY ATTENTION TO BEHAVIORWatch your pet carefully to be sure he’s acting normal. You know your dog better than anyone else, so you’ll be able to see when something’s wrong. Pay attention to you dog’s demeanor. If he seems overstressed or excited, you may want to find a quiet spot in the house for him. If your dog feels threatened, he’s more likely to act out. Here are some warning signs that could indicate your dog may be experiencing stress:• Turning his head away• You can see the whites of his eyes• Tail between his legs• Body tensing up• Raised fur on the back

BEWARE OF CANDYYou may know that a candy bar will make your pet sick, but he doesn’t. Keep a close eye on your dog to make sure he’s not eating something he shouldn’t. If you see him nibbling, try to get the food out of his mouth. You should contact your veterinarian right away if you have any health concerns. In your own home, keep the candy bowl high up and out of your dog’s reach. Be sure to throw away wrappers so your pet won’t be tempted by the lingering scent of treats.

MAKE A HAVEN

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets: How to prepare for Trick-or-TreatersYour dog likely already has a favorite spot in your home. When Halloween comes around, you may want to instruct your dog to spend his time there. The spot is comfortable, so it could help your pet stay calm. You can also give him a treat or favorite chew toy, as chewing helps dogs relieve stress. Plus, chewing on an appropriate toy will keep him preoccupied while trick-or-treaters occupy your welcome mat.

DOG COSTUMESIf you do decide your Berner needs a costume,

make sure it isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark. If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior, consider letting them go in their “birthday suit”. Festive bandanas usually work for party poopers, too. Do not remove your dog’s collar and ID tags. Keep them on under or over their costume. Put reflective leashes or clothing on your dog or a light up collar and leash.

Borrowed and edited from: https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/10/how-to-prep-your-dog-for-trick-or-treaters/

of what I want – the quiet stance and body alignment. Whereas, if I give the treats as a reward during a break, I feel I am reinforcing the dog for working with me and for the fun of problem solving. If it is not fun for the dog, then the task is probably too difficult and needs to be broken down. Remember, your voice and words can be used instead of treats for reinforcing behaviors. If the task is not accomplished and learned, then I have to consider if I have asked too much of my dog. If so, then I must back off and either go to a simpler/already known task, or break the new one down into two or more steps. I guess this is where my task analysis class in graduate school comes in handy! On the other hand, if the dog is successful, that may be enough for the session. Repetition can sometimes make a dog wonder if he/she “goofed” the first time. Or, the dog may be ready for repetition and reinforcement, or to go on to another familiar task. Know your dog! What I want to suggest here is be aware of what you want the dog to learn: to be dependent on treats in an automatic reflexive revolving door manner, or to use his/her brain in more of a problem solving manner, knowing that there will still be a treat at some point. I think this is in keeping with Pavlov’s findings about behavioral reinforcement that inconsistency of reward timing is more reinforcing than continuous rewards. When I was growing up, my parents instilled in me the idea that doing well in school was reward enough in itself (I am not implying that a dog can get this concept). Today there is a very different mindset regarding the use of rewards for children to be successful at school and at home – a huge topic for another time and place. I only mention it to highlight the principle I am trying to promote here: don’t overdo it with the M & Ms! Just my 2 cents.

Positive Training...continued on page 9

Fall Fun Day!Sunday,

October 16, 201610am - 3pm

Westford 4H FairgroundsWestford, MA

Fall Draft TestSee Bernese Mountain Dogs at the Draft Test

Puppy WorkshopAcquiring the right BMD for you and your family

Clearance Sale!Giant Savings on all Paws & Shop merchandise.

Health InformationLeaflets & pamphlets to support berner health

Training WorkshopBeginner Obedience Training

Education and Beginner Obedience Training,

Puppy Play Corral, Raffles and more!

Great Family Fun with your Bernese Mountain Dog!

SAVE THE

DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!FALL FUN DAY

Sunday, October 16thFall Draft Test, Beginner

Obedience Training, & more!

BMDCNV19 Lantern Ln.Milford, MA 01757-3709

Contact Memberchair@bmdcnv.orgto receive an electronic color issue of the Berner-Blatt

BMDCNV

BERNER Inc.

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