I just brought home my new puppy last week, and I just love him! I've never had a Berner before- I grew up with a whole string of Goldens. But he is such a good boy, and already not peeing in his crate at night, which makes me happy even though I have to take him out several times a night. I do have a few concerns, though, although I think the answer to all of them may be "he's just a puppy, give it time!"
Firstly, he's not a good leash-walker. I don't try to take him for long walks or anything, but he hates to leave the house. I have to carry him down the street a ways, and even then, he often just sits down and won't budge, until we turn around and then he's happy to trot right back home. He whines and cries, and just refuses to walk. He really hates his collar, which I think might be a part of the problem. It's still new to him of course, but I got a harness and put it on him today to try out. I got two, actually, and one was a halti harness, which is what I wanted, but I could only find a medium (I live in France) at the store nearby, and, well, maybe we'll try that again next week or so when I'm sure he'll have gained another 20 pounds! ha. Anyway, should I worry about trying to make him a better walker, or just figure that it will come with time?
Also, he's quite a little biter when he gets riled up, and I've not had a lot of success getting him to stop. I would like to try spraying him with water, but am afraid that will make him scared of water, and therefore more difficult to bathe?
Lastly, we've got three flights of stairs into our house. At this point, he weights only (only??) 21 pounds or so, at eight weeks. But of course, soon I won't be able to carry him. He can handle going up one flight of stairs already and so I'm sure that will be no problem. Should I try to find a small staircase for him to practice going down, or is it too dangerous for his joints at this age?
Thanks!