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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

We have inherited a St Bernard dog, help!

54 replies

makingdoo · 17/12/2014 23:45

I've never owned a dog. We now have a 2 year old St Bernard female to look after. Tomorrow I need to go and purchase the basics. She's gorgeous and very friendly and calm. I think I'm more nervous than the dog!

I'd be really grateful for any tips on looking after this breed.

OP posts:
fatherpeeweestairmaster · 19/12/2014 18:22

She's beautiful! It's making me a bit tearful to think of her getting what every dog hopes for Christmas - a home with people who want her, so she can finally be a family dog.

I'd strongly second the suggestion about making contact with the UK breed club, so they can 'mentor' you if needs be; big dogs often come with their own quirks and issues, and having someone on hand to guide you through the initial new owner freak-outs will make life much easier for her as well a you. We've got a basset hound, and luckily our local dog sitter is an experienced hound owner - she talked me down from some panicky 'OMG is it bloat?!?!' moments in the early days.

And good luck! Nothing fills up your heart like a big dog putting her head in your lap and just sighing with happiness. Drool or no drool... Grin

Taz1212 · 19/12/2014 22:45

I'm glad to see she's come inside! I was going to post to not worry about it if she remained an outdoor dog. I grew up in the country and all of our dogs were outdoor dogs. They would refuse to come inside at night (would have a wander in during the day and then wander back out) even in the middle of the winter. I remember my father having to drag them in during snowstorms. They would just look at him as though he were mad, saying, "But we've dug a comfy snowhole, we're fine where we are". Sometimes one would escape under the porch and they would just have to stay there all night.

KiwiJude · 20/12/2014 02:10

She's lovely and seems to have settled right in. Fab that you have taken her in, she got a family for Christmas! :)

stareatthetvscreen · 20/12/2014 03:02

she's a beauty x lovely xmas story

msrisotto · 20/12/2014 12:53

Lovely story, congratulations op!

nellieellie · 21/12/2014 08:15

All the very best of luck, sound like she's a lovely lucky girl!

SugarPlumTree · 21/12/2014 08:34

Oh she is lovely, we'll done OP. My friend is the most house proud person I know and cope well with a hairy golden retriever who can sniff out mud on a dry day.

Things that might make your life easier if you don't have them are a cordless vacuum ( Bisch Athlet excellent but expensive, Morphy Richards supervac much cheaper snd surprisingly good at removing pet hair for the price.) Turtle mats and runners and a Hozelock portable shower.

catsdogsandbabies · 21/12/2014 09:23

Sorry if mentioned already - do you have a vaccination certificate and has she been wormed and flea treated? You need to register at a vets and ensure all this is up to date.

catsdogsandbabies · 21/12/2014 09:27

And yes to insurance ASAP. A course of antibiotics can be over 100 quid plus they are probe to various health issues. When you take it out there is a 14 day period when you are not covered so sooner the better. A sure it has a high max payout £5000 per condition at least prefer £7500 and life long cover. This will be expensive but they are not the healthiest of dogs so worth it. I would check they cover behaviourist fees too as that is a difficult background to overcome. You also need a poo system I.e dealing with in your garden. Those will be some big poos! At Bernard breed clubs should be helpful.

catsdogsandbabies · 21/12/2014 09:30

I echo what has been said before on this thread. No one would recommend this breed with that background as a first dog. If it doesn't work you shouldn't feel back as I expect the st Bernard rescue clubs could easily home her with experienced Bernard owners.
To give you an idea of vet fees we had one in recently for knee surgery (not uncommon in this breed) and bill £3500.

Original poster
makingdoo · 26/12/2014 17:06

Thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. It is really appreciated as I really want to do my very best for this gorgeous dog.

She has completely settled in with us and seems to be loving it as far as I can tell. She loves being indoors with us and has been very obedient. She has enriched our lives so much in the very short time we've had her and I can't imagine her not being with us.

Our extended family have fallen in love with her. Even my mum who is terrified of dogs was seen giving her a little cuddle yesterday Grin

For those who asked she is wormed and flead up to date. The owner is to send us the papers next week and we've registered with a local vet. Next on our list is sorting out insurance.

I appreciate everyone who has voiced their concern for Tara as it had disaster written all over it at the beginning but I honestly feel it's all working out and the 3 of us make a lovely wee family Xmas Wink

OP posts:
kilmuir · 26/12/2014 17:09

Gorgeous pic. Thank you for caring

CalamityKate1 · 26/12/2014 17:13

Can I just address something said earlier.....

It's often said that using an elevated feeding bowl is better for dogs as it makes bloat less likely. However latest findings seem to suggest that using an elevated bowl makes bloat quite a lot MORE likely.

Original poster
makingdoo · 26/12/2014 17:17

Thanks kilamuir Smile

Kate I read a bit about elevated feeding after I read that post and we decided against it as I'd read it makes bloat more likely. It's hard to know what to do with all the contrasting advice!

OP posts:
CalamityKate1 · 26/12/2014 17:36

I know!! It's a minefield!

Original poster
makingdoo · 04/02/2015 13:16

Hi All I thought I'd give an update on how Tara is getting on for those that may be interested.

She is like a different dog and has settled so well. We have worked out a routine and she h as responded well. She loves being inside with us but also seems happy to be out in the yard.
Getting her to eat properly was our biggest issue but she is now thriving. She's a big softie and loves getting lots of attention.

I am so happy that we took her on. It's hard work at times but I wouldn't be without her now. And I still manage to keep a clean house!

Thanks to everyone who gave advice Smile

OP posts:
pinkbraces · 04/02/2015 14:53

Hi making,

thanks for updating, I didn't offer any advice as you had more experienced people than me offering it. Im so pleased its working out for you all, nothing beats a family with a dog.

You cant however update without letting us have another pic of your gorgeous Tara :)

Original poster
makingdoo · 04/02/2015 15:09

Well ok Pink if you insist!

We have inherited a St Bernard dog, help!
We have inherited a St Bernard dog, help!
OP posts:
picklesanne · 04/02/2015 19:04

So pleased she's settled with you.

MarytheContrary · 04/02/2015 19:30

She's a very beautiful dog and very lucky to have found her way to such a lovely owner Smile

pinkbraces · 04/02/2015 23:33

She is gorgeous

ArabellaStrange · 04/02/2015 23:40

Thank you for the update, glad to see she has landed on her feet!

kippersmum · 05/02/2015 21:19

Thank you for updating, Tara is gorgeous :)

KiwiJude · 06/02/2015 06:00

Fab update, thanks :)

nellieellie · 06/02/2015 11:44

She's a real credit to you!

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