To be honest, I'd have to question whether breeders who don't walk their puppies until they are 6 months old, don't walk them on hard surfaces and don't let them play really do know what is best. There is a difference between playing it safe and mollycoddling.

There seems to be this massive myth that walking a puppy too much will cause joint problems but this is NOT true. Exercise can't CAUSE joint problems directly if the dog doesn't already have a joint problem, be it a known one or an underlying one. The cause of these diseases is genetic and not environmental, although the severity of them can be influenced by the environment.

Genuinely interested - do you know of any links that back this position up?

The only response I am giving is have you ever owned a Bernese or researched the breed and its needs ? As I pointed out I am bowing out you clearly have your own ideas and beliefs and thats fine I have mine and am sticking with what I know through research on my chosen breed.


You are totally missing the point of what I am trying to say or gunning for an argument which I am in no mood to oblige you with.

I'm not gunning for an argument Lynn, far from it. Passionate debate is perhaps more apt? There is a lot of misinformation on the subject of exercise and how it correlates to joint disease. The statement that too much exercise alone can cause joint disease directly is thrown around a lot and is false.

Have I ever owned a Bernese? no. Have I researched them directly? no. But what I will ask you is, is the physiology of a Bernese vastly different from that of other dogs to the point were proven scientific information on the subject (hereditary joint diseases) does not apply to them?

Ok here is a paragraph from the Diana Cochrane book The Bernese Mountain Dog. She is the lady who introduced the breed into GB in the 70's and got them recognised by the kennel club. She did many years of research and use to breed Collies rough I think. She founded the Bernese club of GB and was a much respected judge of the breed.

They are prone to Osteochondritis disease.
Complaint of the younger dog and occurs chiefly between 4-8 months. Lameness usually in one leg only and the foreleg and is chiefly though not necessarily preceeded by injury that the owner is often unaware of. It can also occur in other breeds. So in her mind it is essential that with breeds as active as Bernese (when young) and some when older precautions are taken during the vital growing periods to hopefully avoid this condition.

She does go on to say there is no proof at the time of her writing this book whether it is hereditary or not although she believes not. This is why I will err on the side of caution and take the information from this book and apply it.

I hope that has answered your question.




Se also housed many other breeds through her lifetime. Cairn Terriers, Griffons, Shelties and Whippets.

The paragraph about exercise.

Bernese do not need much organised exercise until they are several months old. Puppies quickly become tired and if he can get his exercise whilst playing in the house or garden he can easli flop down and rest when he feels like it. If on the other hand you take him out for walks, he cannot do this, but must keep up with you.

We do not walk our puppies till 4-6months old and then only short walks on the lead. Nor do we allow them to play rough games with older dogs . Here again they can easily injure themselves.
But do not think you must leave him at home. No take him with you wherever and whenever you can to accustom him to the hazards of the world.

Dillon is ready for home after 15 mins and slows to a slow walk on the way back and I often stop to wait for him to catch up.

Genuine question, how does this work? If they don't walk their pups until around 6 months old how do they take them places? I can't imagine anyone carrying a 5 month old Bernese pup!

i presume they drive them somewhere and then sit with them in different places.

Yeah that makes sense, that's what I get for driving everywhere!

Lynn, I'm just having a wee discussion not saying you are wrong in any way at all

I think we are crossing wires - I agree with this part I think you are talking about lead walking and forcing the dog to walk, which I wouldn't do, but I'm talking about just letting the pups be outside then back in without having to walk anywhere.

Mine didn't do any lead walking until about 5 months - although they were unimpressed at having to walk rather than zoom about everywhere

Thats what I was saying I do for 15 mins. He has a harness and long line to get us from the front garden to the field a space of 15 seconds then he has free exercise till we come home after the 15 minute rule.

He will not be road walked for a month or two yet and then not everyday and again limited time.

Yes I think the Author means put them in the car then sit outside supermarkets, schools etc., so they have that vital socialisation period. Berger on here use to put Ivan in a pushchair or trolley I think and take him out because of course same problems with Leonbergers restricted exercise while young but need to get to know about the outside world.

Labradork I forgot to say physiologically I do not think there is any difference except that Bernese and most of the mountian dogs and Newfies are heavier framed and boned and that is the reason they need more care re: exercise while young and keeping weight down.