It’s summer! As if you didn’t have enough things to do to keep your Berner cool, here’s a summer reading list! When I got my first Berner, my breeder gave me a list of books to consider. I’ve loved having those books as a resource. Many of the books on that list are now on […]
First-time show jitters: Worst fear … don’t fall in the ring
WRIGHTSTOWN, Pa. — The time drew near for Diane Pachella Nelson and Bentley, her 14-month old Bernese Mountain Dog, to enter the show ring. Bentley, Diane’s first show dog, was keeping cool under a ringside tent at the Burlington County Kennel Club dog show. He was the picture of calm … not his first rodeo. […]
6 fool-proof ways to shoot great dog show photos
So you want to make some nice pictures at a dog show, but you’re not sure how. You don’t have professional equipment like the dog show photographer, and besides you don’t really want to be the dog show photographer. That’s really hard work. (In fact, you SHOULD BE SUPPORTING your dog show photographer. But more of […]
Before you click: This rule will get you great pictures
Want to make your photographs stand out, be more striking? Want to transform those happy snaps of your Berner from blah to beautiful? Why the Rule of Thirds makes a difference A very simple technique can make a world of difference in the way you see and compose your photographs. It’s called the Rule of […]
5 must-have grooming tools every Berner owner needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs – they’re big, hairy beasts. Add extra emphasis on the word “hairy.” Walk into a pet store and you’ll find a myriad of grooming tools, but little information about which ones are best for your dog. So, how do you take better care of your Berner’s coat between visits to a professional […]
Helping one of their own: Berners search for Trixie (video)
If you ever doubted Bernese Mountain Dog owners were as special as their dogs, that thought was put that to rest Sunday afternoon (2/8/15). “Trixie”, a one-year old being fostered by the McHugh family of Westtown, PA, bolted out the front door on Friday. Since then the family and friends have searched high and low […]
‘Lowdown’ from a photo pro: Get great dog pics every time
So, you want to make better pictures of your Bernese Mountain Dog. It’s hard to mess up when you have a beautiful subject right there in front of you. But you can always make your pictures better by changing the way you look at things. And don’t feel you need a big fancy camera to do this. […]
A Dog’s Day Out: Teddy Go(es)Pro (Video)
Thought I’d do something a little different and let Teddy, my Bernese Mountain Dog, tell the story this time, so I strapped a GoPro camera on him when we visited the Canine Learning Experience in Allentown, PA, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. It was our first time using the GoPro dog harness called “Fetch” that hubby John […]
The great Berner hair clog: How we averted a pricey home repair
It was a hum, like a constant musical note. I thought it might be an A, maybe a B flat. Years of musical training make me think that, but I digress. I searched the house for the source of the sound, living room, dining room, basement. I was getting warmer. The sound got louder […]
Teddy was doing great in the ring, and then he saw … TOYS!
Ringside Ramblings from a Rally trial: FRIDAY, JAN. 9, 2015 7:01 p.m. – The countdown checklist Teddy groomed… check! Crate, pads and blanket in car… check! Armband holder, water, bowl, treats (gotta have treats)… check! Rally sign book, training leash, collar… check! Entry paperwork… check! Ringside chair… check! Breath mints, snacks, water… check! Phone/charger/poop bags… check! […]