BERNER-L Digest 184
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996 12:53:38 -0500
From: mreho@outland.mitre.org (Marjorie E. Reho)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Hardwood Floors
For everyone with hardwood floors, a little something we learned from our
architect ........
Our last house had polyurethane-finished hardwood floors, which, over the
years, became scratched, distressed, and stained from Berner toenails and
wet sleeping dogs. Frankly, they looked like hell. I wondered if I'd be
able to sell the house. I decided on no more hardwood floors (the current
house has slate in the long hallways and foyer and linoleum in the kitchen
and puppy room (halfway up the walls too!)). My architect looked at the
nasty old distressed, stained floors in the old house as an opportunity,
not as a liability, as I viewed them. Once we applied his "magic", they
looked better than they did when they were new. So I'll pass it on to
those of you battling with your hardwood floors.
First, he had me remove the polyurethane finish, which was mostly gone in
most areas anyway. There are products out there to do this. These
products also thoroughly clean the wood and make it ready to soak up
anything you throw on them. Second, he had me get lots of Minwax Antique
Oil Finish, which I applied according to the label directions. WOW! The
distressing and stain spots made the floors look WONDERFUL!! The worst
worn spots looked the best when done. So much character of the wood was
brought out that people thought I had totally replaced my wood floors with
really expensive stuff. Third step was to wax the floors instead of
putting the polyurethane back on. This way, I could always touch up with
the Antique Oil whenever necessary, and I'd never have to worry about
toenail damage at all after that. Every toenail scratch would only improve
the look of the floor. I ended up oiling the floors every 6 months after
that (it took us 2 years to design and build the new house).
So, for anyone crying over their floors, instead refinish and PRAISE your
dogs for making them look better and better! Afterall, some people pay big
bucks to have their woodwork distressed. You get it for nothing!
-Margie and the Dallybeck girls (Virginia)
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 1996 09:59:35 -0500
From: mreho@outland.mitre.org (Marjorie E. Reho)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Carpets
I have a medium taupe which I like a lot. Good with dirt, neutral color
for decorating. But whichever color you decide on, I'll pass on the
absolute BEST thing we did when we built this house 7 years ago. Per the
architect's recommendation (I know, here's Margie's architect again
[actually guys, I really don't like the person, plus he was a pain in the
tail, but he did have some good ideas]), we looked into and bought
COMMERCIAL GRADE carpet for the house. We thought when he first said this
that it would make the house look cheap, while we were really into trying
to build a super nice home. But there are all sorts of commercial grade
carpets out there. It's much less expensive than an equivalent homeowners
grade, plus it wears MUCH better (designed for office traffic) and is more
stain-resistant. We got a very dense plush with the pile about 3/4". The
homeowners equivalent would have cost us almost twice as much. It looks
like extremely expensive carpet. I will admit, we put extra money into the
padding, which helps greatly on overall appearance. We went with pretty
much top of the line commercial grade horsehair padding, but had the carpet
layers put it down upside down, so the water barrier was right against the
carpet. That way, if one of the dogs pees, I can work it out of the
carpet, but it doesn't soak into the padding.
Suggestions from the carpet company as well: don't shampoo your carpets
unless you really, really have to -- it removes the stain-resistency, so
then you'll have to keep shampooing your carpets [I still haven't had to
after 7 years]. And absolutely never use those oder powders on the carpet
(dirt magnates as the carpet folks call it).
After 7 years with this carpet, we still have no wear marks on the stairs
and heavy-traffic areas; we still get compliments on the looks; the padding
has not and will not bunch in any areas; and we don't have smelly rooms.
I've been really pleased and would do it again.
> With all this discussion about vacums I would be interested in hearing
> what color carpets "blend" best with Bernerfur. My house is about due
> for new carpets in the bedroom and hallways.
-Margie and the Dallybeck girls (Virginia)
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 185
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 1996 12:31:38 -0500
From: JorKar@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Hardwood Floors
Some of us think that all wood floors are "hard" wood, when in fact some are
made of "soft" varieties of wood. I'm no expert, but when we bought our
house, we oohed and aahed over the wood floors throughout- then discovered
just two years later the difference between oak hardwood and soft yellow
pine! I can't blame our dog for all the distress marks on our floors, as
I've been known to pound dents by merely walking in high heels across the
floors! We thought we'd have to sand out all the dents someday, but perhaps
Margie's architect's clever oil "enhancement" solution will save us the
trouble! I'm definitely going to look into it. Thanks, Margie.
Karen G. Jordan (JorKar@aol.com) Westport CT USA
Abbey (The duster dog under the bed!)
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 96 13:36:58 PST
From: npixton@globalcom.net
To: berner-L@prairienet.org, jpixton@globalcom.net
Subject: RE: Flooring
You all are just in time with your advice on flooring and
carpeting. Jerry and I are thinking of building again as this
house is too big (5000 sq. ft.) and I would rather spend time
with Monk than clean house.
One of the great things about building and designing your own
home is you can attempt to correct things you did not like.
What you find though, is that you correct some and create
others. Jim Barrett, I think you were asking about flooring so
you might add the Summitville Tile to your research. We put in
Summitville tile in the kitchen, breakfast room, front entry,
the other entry and all the way out to and including the back
hall. We have discussed it and will do the same again. Even
though it was not put in with dogs in mind, it has been great
with Monk. I think it helps to keep his nails short, but I
find no scratches on it from the cats or him. The man who
installed it did not seal it though and this I have to do and
will have done the next time.
We have off-white Berber carpeting and this I will not do
again. So keep the advice on the carpeting coming. Margie,
your advice on wood flooring was great. I was thinking of some
of that in the next house. We'll see, but I can tell you that
it is going to be easier to clean than this one and smaller.
I will again choose the central vac. The one we have now is a
Hoover and I may not choose that brand, but I have found the
central vacs to be great. I had one in the last house and
really liked it better than this one, but I don't remember what
brand it was. Keep the suggestions coming as this is great and
just in time.
Nancy and Monk (Boy, is that tile ever cool; especially in
summer.)
-------------------------------------
Name: Nancy Pixton
E-mail: npixton@globalcom.net (Nancy Pixton)
Strasburg, Va
-------------------------------------
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 186
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 08:53:43 -0600
From: becktel@cris.com (Marianne Becktel)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: flooring
Has anyone looked into or even seen the flooring that is supposed to look
like hardwood, but is actually a composite that looks like it, but is
really hard - supposedly scratch and burn proof? I see it advertised in
magazines, but it isn't carried by anyone I can find up here (nor can I
afford to even seriously look for it right now!!) It looks like a good
compromise, but I will bet the bottom dollar it is quite expensive!
Marianne
Schatzhof Bernese...each a treasure! Bay City, Michigan
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 264
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 1996 00:11:40 -0500
From: BMtnDog@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Back to Carpet Discussion
A couple of months ago there was a long discussion on carpeting and other
floor coverings. List members debated hard-surface floors versus carpeted
floors, appropriate carpet colors, and even whether to install carpet
padding upside-down.
We didn't contribute an idea to that discussion at the time because we
were still running an experiment. However, we now have several more
months of this experiment behind us and we are ready to share the results
with you.
We've had berners since 1984, and over that time have saved many plastic
trash sacks of berner hair. Every time we've groomed or brushed one of
our dogs, we've saved the fur. Finally, after more than 10 years, we
saved enough to have it woven into a carpet. And, we've installed that
carpet in our house.
While our friends think we are somewhat macabre with mostly black
carpeting, it has plenty of benefits. The main benefit is that any hair
our dogs shed does not show. To clean the carpet we simply attached a
slicker brush to the end of a broom handle and "brush" the carpet.
Luckily, Colorado is flea-free and so we don't have to worry about fleas
in the carpet. Any food or wine dropped on the carpet doesn't show and
can be brushed out at the next regularly scheduled carpet grooming. The
carpet serves as a topic for conversation when we invite guests to our
house. Black goes with virtually any color, so we've been able to use all
of our old furniture regardless of its color or condition.
However, the cats don't like it. So, we've had to arrange the furniture
in such a way that the cats can get across the room by jumping from one
piece of furniture to the next.
And, if we track in some rain or snow the house smells a little like wet
dog.
Finally, it is sometimes hard to locate the dogs when they don't want to
be found. They just blend into the background.
Overall though, we are very happy with our new carpet and recommend this
to any other berner owners who are struggling with choosing an
appropriate floor or floor covering.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rick & Lynne Robinson
Indy, Heidi, Two-shoes, and Vincent
Fort Collins, Colorado
(970) 226-0901
bmtndog@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/bmtndog/bmtndog.html
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 296
Date: Thu, 2 May 96 18:04:42 PDT
From: npixton@shentel.net
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Flooring
I think it was Jim Barrett that asked the question about
flooring for his new addition. We have used Summit Tile
extensively in this house and it has been great with Monk. I
think it even keeps his toe nails short. We have the larger
squares and did pick out the uneven type so that you had a
courtyard effect, sort of Mexican. However, they have
different types and colors. Works well and I'll do it again.
Nancy
-------------------------------------
Name: Nancy Pixton
E-mail: npixton@shentel.net (Nancy Pixton)
Date: 05/02/96 Time: 18:04:43
Strasburg, Va
-------------------------------------
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 297
Date: Fri, 3 May 1996 11:41:42 -0400
From: KYRaven@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Genetic Predisposition, etc.
Sean's message about how there may be genetics at work in the background to
help pre-determine how our puppies will turn out reminded me of a small
segment I watched briefly on "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee" this a.m. They
had Diane Sawyer on there, talking about her program tonight "Turning Point",
where they will spend a day with those infamous Dilley sextuplets. Diane
said that a scientist type guy had taken a blood sample from each 3 year old
and from their DNA, had been able to determine which ones (I think there were
2 of them) were the "troublemakers" of the group.
Interesting food for thought, if nothing else. Like we've stated previously,
a lot goes into the making of a puppy/dog. And I'll stick with puppies over
babies any day.
Let me add my thanks for the Sierra West group for a fantastic specialty.
Your hard work was very much appreciated. I loved seeing old friends,
making new, seeing my dogs' relatives again (Raven's 10.5 yr. old mother,
Sarah's 10, 10.5 & 11 yr. old cousins - also Sarah seeing her breeder after 9
years). Dr. Ian Dunbar was great, Mrs. Diana Cochrane is a lovely woman &
fun to chat with, and I can't wait to receive my "Yoda afghan". :) I
shudder to think how much we spent on gasoline and put 2,700+ miles on my
van, but it was worth it!
One last thing, about flooring; we recently tore up the linoleum in the
kitchen and put down 8x8 ceramic tile. Previously we only had ceramic tile
in the front & rear entryways and one bathroom. These were always the highly
coveted sleeping spots, so now everyone can sprawl out in the kitchen. The
tile in the old places has a higher gloss/glaze, which is slippery when wet,
but the kitchen tile has a duller, rougher finish that is just fine for the
dogs. I highly recommend this and wish we had done this when we built the
house 4 years ago.
Kathryn Yost
on the hot, dry, sundrenched plains of Eastern New Mexico
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 298
Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 15:00:30 -0700
From: bartletm@Rt66.com (Melissa Bartlett)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re:flooring
Dear Berner Folks
a popular flooring in the southwest here is brick (red bricks
like you build a building out of). It's great for dogs, even when
sealed properly with a polyurothene matt finish it is not slippery,
easy to clean and dog hair won't stick to it. If the bricks are
set in a herringbone pattern it is very attractive and gives
the dogs even more traction. It's a little unforgiving if
you drop a plate on it but I highly recommend it.
yrs
melissa bartlett
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 302
Date: Wed, 8 May 1996 21:53:49 -0700
From: bartletm@Rt66.com (Melissa Bartlett)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Shyness???
Dear Berner Folks
a popular flooring in the southwest here is brick (red bricks
like you build a building out of). It's great for dogs, even when
sealed properly with a polyurothene matt finish it is not slippery,
easy to clean and dog hair won't stick to it. If the bricks are
set in a herringbone pattern it is very attractive and gives
the dogs even more traction. It's a little unforgiving if
you drop a plate on it but I highly recommend it.
also at one point I investigated a swedish flooring process
for wooden floor which made them look like wood but made them
impervious to ANYTHING. They sanded the floor and applied
a coupe of coats of terribly toxic plastic goop. It was expensive
and you have to move out while they did it but a friend of mine
had it done and it has lasted wonderfully with a houseful
of Clumbers and GSP.
yrs
melissa bartlett
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 372
Date: Thu, 18 Jul 1996 15:05:33 -0700
From: Pat Long
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Puppies and Stairs
The only caveat that I have about stairs and puppies, is beware the
hardwood uncarpeted stairs. Hannibal slipped going down at 4 months and
injured his front elbow, which took a long time to heal properly. Vesta
is as elegant as a gazelle and has never misplaced a paw. Well, there was
the time she chased Hannibal when she was 4 months - he leapt off a 1
foot wall and she ran along right behind him not knowing what a wall was.
She skidded on her chin, but did no other damage. She was rather annoyed
that he got away, so she got right back up and re-started the chase. And
Sam is extremely shaky on the hardwood stairs, so we velcroed some cheap
runner material down that we can take up and throw in the wash. It works
beautifully except when Maggie rushes down the stairs. Does the image of
a wounded bull moose help?
So, for a puppy, or even a klutz or ... well any dog, if you have slick
stairs, tack down some treads that are absolutely non-skid.
Pat Long, Vesta & Maggie, (Sam & Luther)
Philadelphia PA
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 539
Date: Wed, 1 Jan 1997 10:27:38 -0500
From: Solveg@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: hard wood floors
A year ago, I had my carpet pulled up in my first home and had a beautiful
white oak floor refinished in my living room. Two throw rugs later, I've gone
out and bought an ugly huge carpet remnant and placed it over the majority.
My lovely first home now looks like the rattiest college apartemnt I've ever
had. I can't bring myself to carpet* my newly done floors, but I can tell I'm
heading in that direction.
Reasons?
1. My dogs can't maintain a "sit" without slowly sliding to the floor. We
practice heeling in a 5' x 8' pattern.
2. When they wrestle, they leap up in the air, bound about, and do
somersaults...all on the tiny area of the floor rug. They magically never put
a foot on the hardwood. If they're smart enough to know that it's unsafe, I
guess I should be, too.
3. Can't play catch in the living room. Can't train, can't run to the door in
excitement, can't get up to look out the window without slipping. The rug is
too small.
4. Sometimes they slip just walking. They can't avoid* the hardwood.
5. In the next year I'm going to get a puppy, and would feel terrible if
anything happened to his hips.
Is it true that hardwood floors are primarily a danger for puppies and not
fully developed dogs?
So, anyway, think long and hard about hardwood floors. They were my dream,
but I'll end up choosing my dogs instead. Like the trips to Florida, and the
leisurely after-work get togethers. Sigh.
Solveg@AOL.com
Susan Bacig Mpls., MN
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 540
Date: Thu, 02 Jan 1997 09:43:53 -0500
From: Linda Mykietyn
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Screensaver with Robert Duncan Art
I just bought a screensaver for my computer called "Life in the
Country". This is a computer screensaver featuring paintings by artist
Robert Duncan. Three of the 20 paintings on the disk include his Bernese
Mountain Dog. I have placed a sampling of these on Shiloh's home page
(http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/7190) with instructions on how to
get it if anyone is interested.
I hate ending this on a sad note, but a word of caution on hardwood
floors. One of the worse sites I ever saw was a puppy sliding on
hardwood floors into the pot of a plant that was sitting on the floor.
We rushed her to the vet where she died within a few hours of a skull
fracture.
Have a happy new year and give those berners a new year hug!
Linda Mykietyn
mykie@mitretek.org
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/7190
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 545
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 1997 20:38:37 -0800
From: Kate Derie
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Dog food, hardwood floors
Here's our experience for what it's worth:
As a puppy, Busby had some digestive problems (perhaps due to giardia,
perhaps due to antibiotics taken for a typical puppy staph breakout). So
for a couple of months he ate cottage cheese and rice, and then when he
finally stabilized at four months we switched him to adult Nutro Lamb and
Rice. I think he did well on this, not growing too fast, as he never had
pano (growing pains) and eventually Xraying clear elbows and good hips.
However, he has always been an indifferent eater, in fact we let him free
feed as he never eats too much and I think the "grazing" helps prevent
bloat. He does like to "join" us at meals and eats pretty much when we do,
with occasional snacks. When he got his Xrays, we discovered he had lost
five pounds since his previous visit. I think part of this may have been
that my husband liked to give him sourdough bread crusts and he was eating
these instead of his regular fare.
Anyway, we wanted to put some weight on him. He is very active and really
burns calories, so first we tried the Nutro Lamb & Rice Puppy food.
However, within a month his skin turned flaky and his coat was dull and
harsh. The puppy formulation increases the protein without increasing fat.
We were already giving him 2 DermCaps ES plus some Linotone, so we switched
him to Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice which gives him increased protein
and fat both (26% and 15% instead of Nutro 21% and 12%). He has already
gained back his weight and after only three weeks his coat is noticeably
softer and shinier. I like that there is no corn or wheat in the Sensible
Choice.
I feel sure he would love fresh-cooked meals, but I barely manage to cook
for the family so I have not yet gotten around to cooking for the dog!
Maybe someday when I get organized ;-). Incidentally, he gets an occasional
big beef bone which keeps his teeth shiny clean.
One more thing while I'm thinking of it -- we have hardwood floors and
Busby does OK except when he sits and his front feet start to slide away
from him! He is very smart about it and does not run so he doesn't have
braking problems. He has been this way since a puppy. Personally, I am just
as happy he does not get sufficient traction to let him build up any speed
as he goes through the house. I don't notice any scratches but his nails
stay very short from daily walks and running up and down the concrete
driveway.
Regards,
Kate and Busby (How 'bout a nice fresh squirrel, Mom?)
Berkeley, CA
P.S. Cow Palace is the first weekend in Feb. When is Westminster?
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 649
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 97 09:05:48 PST
From: rmadigan@sourcecom.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: slipping & biting
Our first berner was an older rescue dog, and we had tile installed in
two large rooms because he was always so hot, and the tile was nice
and cool for him. Now we have an 8-month old puppy who slips and
slides all over the place when he's excited, but when he lies down on
the tile, he's cool. He won't lie down on carpeted areas for more than
a few minutes, even in our temperate winters. Wood floors are nice and
cool too. We don't yet know if there has been any impact on his hips
because of the floor, as he's still young. I guess we just have to
wait and see how it turns out before we have an opinion. For our
weather in Southern California, carpet is just too hot.
Rebecca Madigan
Simi Valley, CA
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 15:28:20 -0500 (EST)
From: BernerFolk@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: slipping & biting
In a message dated 97-03-27 13:32:17 EST, you write:
<< What to do if you have hardwood floors throughout your house? >>
For puppy, I picked up commercial 'rental' rugs from the company that
supplies my office. You know those medium gray, low pile, rubber-backed ones
that small companies put in high traffic areas? They are usually supplied by
companies that deliver fresh ones on a regular schedule. The company that
does my office gave me an assortment of runners & rugs which they considered
ready for "recycling" but weren't bad at all.
I think these rugs (buy new if you want good condition & choice of color) are
perfect, especially for puppies. They don't move, they don't curl, they
don't have fringe (for which Simca has never forgiven me), the pile is so
short it's not an attractive nibble, and they are completely waterproof!
Scatter rugs can be used if you're careful about a non-skid backing.
Orientals work wonderfully...I'm serious, mine has held up beautifully in
the highest traffic room in the house (read: two berners play here, sleep
here, and occassionally get sick here) Well made braided rugs with a
non-skid pad work if your inclination is traditional. In general, I've found
that even down to the rag rugs under the dog dishes-the better the quality,
the better they stand up to berner-buse.
I think it's important to provide traction where Ajax is going to be
hanging-out as a youngster (kitchen most likely), at top & bottom of stairs,
hallways ("hey a runway.. watch me flyyyyy!")-especially on "turns" (like you
usually make at the bottom of the stairs) , and areas where he'll play.
Let's see, what does that leave..... ;-)
Sherri Venditti
BernerFolk@aol.com
Ct
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 15:45:14 -0500
From: "Pamela A. McLaughlin"
To: james.garvey@ac.com
Cc: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Ajax - Hardwood Floors and Biting
Re Ajax,
1. I also have hardwood floors in most of house other than bedroom. It is my
opinion that ceramic tile gives even more problems than hardwood floors, in
terms of slipping. My 2 1/2 year old Berner has learned to navigate well
between throw rugs and orientals that I have scattered in spots around. If
you place such strategically (which to me is a great look anyway), they soon
learn how to how to travel from rug to rug, with very little slipping in
between. And in time, although this may not be good news to you depending on
how particular a housekeeper you and your fiance are, the floors will
develop a lovely patina of surface wear and become even less slick to
navigate - I never wax my floors - just keep them clean with normal cleaning
solutions for wood floors - and have just decided that a home is to live in
and although I may not have glossy perfect floors, my home is a LIVED IN
home - with lots of nice memories of berner dust bunnies and this scratch
was when .... and that scratch was from .... etc.
2. Re the biting, funny, but my husband and I have gone thru same thing -
Anka would not bite or nibble him, but would me (feeder and "Mom" in terms
of care, taking out, etc.) Obviously my husband Joe was identified as Alpha
Dog, and I was definitely Beta Broad!! However, after trying firm "no's" and
pushes away, low voice, etc. - I discovered that a very ANGUISHED Loud
"ACK!!" in a very hurt tone - and staring her down - then following up with
"You HURT me!!" in a very hurt tone - after doing this consistently for
several days - I got considerable improvement - and in fact, is rarely a
problem now. Now every dog is individual and every dog owner as well, but in
our case, this seemed to hit the right level of understanding with Anka.
Good Luck!!
Pam and Joe McLaughlin
Great Falls, Virginia - in the beautiful horse farm country outside
Washington, DC.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 12:56:35 -0800
From: greg.pimstone@lw.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Parks and floors
Leslie and Bopper wrote about the absence of good leash-free parks in
the LA area. There are two good parks in Brentwood populated by nice
dogs, if you don't mind leaving the valley. The best is on Hanley
Ave. (405 to Sunset [west] to Kenter [take a right] to Hanley [take a
right]. A far more popular but less beautiful park is on Barrington
Ave, just south of Sunset [on the baseball field south of the post
office]. Sorry, group, for this detailed message but I don't know
Leslie's email address.
James and Steph wrote about hardwood floors. We too have all hardwood
floors and did not wish to wall to wall carpet. Yes they were
slippery; yes I worried about hip issues; but we tried to keep
Bernie's inside running to a minimum and, so far, 8 months later, he
appears OK. We were told that hip problems are mostly genetic, so
hardwood floors alone, without excessive running and sliding, would
present no problem. Hope this helps.
Greg
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:19:57 -0800
From: Pat Long & Paul Dangel
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Hardwood Floors
James,
About the best thing I've found for hardwood floors are mats that I got
at a hardware store. They have rubber on the back so they did skid too
much, and you can take them outside and hose them down. I used to scrub
mine with some detergent and a brush, and use a little Nature's Miracle
before the final rinse (especially with a puppy there will be those minor
accidents). They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and you don't
feel too badly about throwing them out years from now when they're just
too nasty to keep. While Ajax is growing and racing around like a
lunatic, it's a good idea to keep something down to help his traction.
Teach him to go gently down the stairs, and tack some carpet down on each
tread for traction. The way some of these guys like to take stairs is
brutal on elbows (my Hannibal injured his elbow going down stairs at 4
months, and it was the devil to get healed!). Good luck with the puppy,
Pat Long, Vesta & Maggie, (Sam & Luther)
Philadelphia PA
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 16:27:48 -0000
From: "Ruth Reynolds"
To:
Subject: Berner slippers and slippery floors
My berners tend to grow fuzzy slippers. Keeping the hair trimmed even with
the pads, so they are walking on their pads and not on slippery hair, helps
them with traction on slippery floors.
Ruth Reynolds RAR@phonl.com
Pioneer Bernese
Greenwood FL
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 650
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 07:48:01 -0600
From: Mary Rogers
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Hardwood Floors
I have raised both my Berners on hardwood floors (both are certified
hips/elbows). The advise about not polishing is good, I sweep and mop.
Use commmon sense folks, don't let the dogs play and roughouse, my dogs
know the rules...outside with that stuff!
In the summer they love the cool floors and in winter they seek out the
area rugs. Carpeting, yeck!
-Mary Rogers, Kody and Judy
Springtime now in the Rockies, Colorado
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 722
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 09:24:40 -0400
From: Lori Hershey & Werner Uhl
To: Liz_Bradbury@compuserve.com, berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Yellow vomit.
Liz: We have a new product here in the U.S. called "The Equalizer"
which gets out those yellow bile stains. You just spray it on, and the
stains vanish before your eyes!!! Seriously, I'm on my 4th can now - I
LOVE this stuff!
It also "eats up" feces stains, urine stains and odors, other vomit
stains, and human "baby accidents". I think it has a combination of
enzymes and bacteria designed to "consume" these biological stains. Here
is the info:
The Equalizer - Carpet Stain and Odor Eliminator - 14 oz. (397 grams)
can
EVSCO Pharmaceuticals, Affiliate of IGI, Inc., Buena, NJ U.S.A. 08310
About $10 a can
Maybe you can write to them. Lori and my assortment of "rug stainers"
------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 818
Subject: Re: Introduction and Behavior Question (long)
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 21:28:51 -0600
From: Vickie Buchanan
To: HILL@mailgate.navsses.navy.mil
> We have had Icing for about 3 weeks now and she seemed to be settling
>in fine. When we first brought her home we were concerned about her
>house manners since she lived in a kennel/run a majority of the time,
>although she was in the house when she had her one and only litter of
>puppies. (she is now spayed) Icing was confined when we were not home
>and at nights, and I would come home at lunch to let her out. After
>about four days she was allowed to have more freedom without any
>problems. After the first week she would go all night and while we were
>at work without and accident, but, after a trip on Friday (7/25) to our
>vet to have her records established and a physical, she came home and
>urinated on the carpet in our family room. This has happened now
>everyday since then with the last incident this morning right after being
>outside and while Carol was watching her.
>
> Now the question: does anyone have any idea what could have triggered
>this and how to correct it. Icing hates being in the kitchen but this is
>the only large room without carpet. We would really like not have to use
>a crate if possible. Could this be spite? Please help.
>
> Jim Hill
> Glassboro, NJ
Jim,
Without more details, I'm not sure what triggered the wetting on the carpet
incident. My guess is that it was just a coincidence that it happened right
after her trip to the vet, but there may have been something about her
experiencing all the new doggy smells that triggered it. It isn't likely
that she is trying to get even with you for taking her to the vet. Most
doggy misbehaviors that people attribute to spite are just stress related
activities. In any case why it happened is less important than how to stop
it from recurring.
Did you neutralize the odor of her first puddle with an enzimatic cleaner
made especially for that purpose? If not, I can make a good guess at what's
probably been going through her mind since then. (Normal cleaning with
amonia, vinegar, carpet cleaner, bleach, etc... will not remove the oder
enough to be effective. )
Dogs will tend to eliminate in a place that they can smell has been used as
a bathroom before. If she was primarily a kennel dog before you got her she
may not have ever learned that OUTSIDE is the proper place to go. You may
have got lucky when you first got her. Your carpets didn't smell like doggy
puddles, and since you have an older dog, your yard probably DOES. So
naturally, she would "go" outside if possible, since she knows that's where
other dogs have gone.
Once she used the carpet once for a toilet, it now smells like the proper
place to "go". She will continue to use that spot until you:
1. clean the spot with enzyme cleaner that will eliminate the urine smell
there, and
2. Teach her that outside is the proper place to "go".
If you want to take a chance on the easy way out, just clean up the spot
she went, (ALL the spots she went) with enzyme cleaner and keep as close an
eye on her as you can and hope for the best. You may need a LOT of cleaner
if you're no longer sure which parts of the rug she's soiled. I've heard
about a product that allows you to SEE places where your dog has soiled a
carpet, but I don't remember much about it. I THINK it was a special light
that you shine on the carpet that shows up invisible stained areas which
your dog can still smell. Seems like a good idea if it works, but I've
never had any feedback from anyone who tried it. Maybe there's someone on
the list who has some feedback to offer.
One other tip that might help: Try tying Icing on a short leash at night
right in the middle of the place on the carpet she's been using as a
bathroom. Make her sleep there for a few nights. If she thinks of that spot
as her bed, she probably won't want to soil it.
However, if you want to do a thorough job:
A crate is the easiest way, but not necessary. What IS necessary is for her
to be confined to very small area when you can't watch her for about a week
or two. When you can't watch her, confine her in a small enough area so she
will be unable to move away from any mess she might make. She will probably
not soil that area. Most dogs are pretty clean that way, unless they've
been forced to lie in their own excrement by being crated too long. This
means that if you don't want to crate her she should be tied on a SHORT
leash, about the length of her body, so she can lie down comfortably, but
not go anywhere.
Then when you're there to watch, and I mean WATCH EVERY MOVE, she can be
free in the house, AFTER she's had a walk outside to give her the
opportunity to use the great outdoors as her bathroom. Let her go the
problem carpeted area if she wants, and if she tries to piddle there, catch
her in the act, startle her by yelling, and wisk her outside to finish.
Then lots of praise is in order when she goes outside. It shouldn't take
more than two weeks to get her reliable. ANYTIME she urinates outside
praise her profusely. Always take her to the same spot to use for a
bathroom and always use the same door to go out. Make up a command word
that means "Go potty now". I've heard people use "Do it", Hurry up",
"Potty", etc... It really doesn't matter. Just use that word whenevery you
take her out to go. By the way, you have to go out with her until she's
totally trained, so you can tell her what to do and so you can praise her
when she does it. When you take her out to potty, don't let her get caught
up goofing around. No playing, chasing chipmunks, or walks, until after
she's done toileting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
I'm going to include the section from my puppy manual on housebreaking.
It's geared mostly toward puppies, but it holds true for adult dogs pretty
well with a few minor adjustments. The housebreaking text follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
HOUSEBREAKING
Dogs have two natural instincts which we can use to make housebreaking a
fairly straightforward process.
* The scent of urine or feces will automatically trigger a dog to eliminate
in the same area when smelled later.
* As den animals, they will avoid soiling their sleeping area.
In order for us to capitalize on the "den" instinct, the puppy needs a den.
The easiest way to provide this is for you to get a crate. The crate
should be small enough so that the pup can't eliminate in one area and lay
down in another. If you get a crate big enough to use when your dog is
full grown, partition it off.
An alternative to buying a crate is to tie your pup on a very short tether
in one corner of a room. The leash should be slightly longer than the dog,
so he can turn around and lay down comfortably, but not move very far.
General guidelines
* Crate or confine your pup whenever you are not supervising him closely.
He should not have the run of the house, or even the kitchen, unless you
are watching him. It is much easier to start him off right than it is to
break him of bad habits.
He can have the freedom of the house immediately after he has relieved
himself outside, for 10-20 minutes under your supervision.
* Establish a schedule for feeding and eliminating. This will help you
know when your dog needs to go out. Below is a sample schedule for a
young puppy.
6:30 am-get up and walk pup
7 am-feed and water pup, walk pup, play time, crate pup
midmorning-walk pup, pup stays w/owner 15 minutes, crate pup
noon-feed and water pup, walk pup
1 pm-walk pup, play time, crate pup
midafternoon-water pup, walk pup, crate pup
5 pm-feed and water pup, walk pup, allow pup 15 min. w/owner in kitchen
while dinner is being prepared
7 pm-walk pup, play time, crate pup
before bed-walk pup, pup sleeps in crate or on a tether in your bedroom
* Use one outside area for your pup's "bathroom". Always taking your pup
to the same place will encourage him to eliminate in that area. This
"bathroom" should be about 15 x 15 feet. Keep it clean of old stools
except for one or two to give him the idea.
* Take your pup out to his "bathroom" after eating, drinking, sleeping
(even a short nap), and playing hard. Don't send him out alone. Stay with
him. You need to know if he went, and you need to be there to praise him
when he does. Always use the same door to go out.
Use a command to tell him what you want. HURRY UP, or DO IT. Use the same
words each time. Encourage him to smell the ground. Don't let him get
involved playing or amusing himself. Keep reminding him what he is there
for.
If he doesn't go, take him back in and crate him for 10 or 15 minutes, then
try again.
When he does go, praise him. As soon as he starts, praise him quietly, so
you don't distract him. When he is finished, you can give him a treat.
Let him know he's just done something wonderful.
* If he has an accident in the house, try to stop him by shouting NO, or
AAH! Scoop him up, and rush him out to his bathroom. Hopefully, he will
still have to go. If he then finishes outside, praise him. Don't continue
to reprimand him when he is outside. You want him to associate that place
with good things.
If you find a mess but don't catch him in the act, consider it your fault
for not watching him closely enough. It is up to you to anticipate his
needs and get him outside in time. Don't punish a pup that is still
learning unless you catch him in the act.
Keep in mind that just because your pup can "hold it" for several hours in
his crate doesn't mean he can last that long when he is moving around.
* Neutralize the odor of any accident scenes in your house. It is the
scent that will encourage him to use the same area again. There are
chemical deodorizer/cleansers just for this purpose available from pet
shops. Nature's Miracle is one good one. Vinegar or ammonia cannot
neutralize the odor enough to hide it from a dog.
* Watch for signals from your pup that he needs to go out. This is a very
difficult task for your puppy. He has no way of knowing how to get what he
needs from you, that is, for you to open the door and take him out. It is
up to you to watch him closely for whatever signal he tries.
Most puppies will start to sniff the floor, (remember he's looking for
those telltale odors), or run in circles, pace, pant or just act restless.
Once he has the idea that he needs to get outside he may go to the door and
whine, scratch, or just sit there. Some dogs will come and sit in front of
you, waiting expectantly for you to read their minds. What choice do they
have?
Teaching your pup to signal his need:
An alternative to making your puppy figure this out for himself is to teach
him a way to signal his need. You can hang a bell from the doorknob and
teach the pup to ring the bell to go out.
To teach this you should first teach the pup to ring the bell for a treat.
Do whatever you can to get the pup to ring the bell. Point at it and try
to get him to follow your fingers with his nose, or put the food behind the
bell so he has to nuzzle it to get at the food. As soon as he gets a sound
from the bell, praise him and give him the treat. When he will ring the
bell for a treat, get him to ring it each time before you take him outside.
This should start to give him the idea that the bell is a means to get out.
After that, rub a bit of strong smelling food on the bell when he isn't
looking, wait for him to sniff it out on his own, and when he rings the
bell to see where the delicious smell is coming from, praise him and whisk
him outside. He should soon make the connection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 846
Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 09:18:06 -0400
From: Joshua Adler
To: maxemily@igs1.Lnd.com
CC: berner-l@prairienet.org
We had a tile floor, but have taken carpet and used double faced tape to
temporarily apply it to the kitchen area until Sadie is fully grown and
less inclined to empty the water bowl.
Josh
maxemily@igs1.Lnd.com wrote:
>
> It is opinion time again.
>
> What would you put down for kitchen flooring with Berners in mind. Cost is
> no object.
>
> Konrad
>
> maxemily@lnd.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Kitchen flooring ??brick??
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 08:25:17 -0500
From: Goffstein & Lindman
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Recently I reviewed the archives regarding flooring. From this review it
sounded that brick flooring might be the best. We are going to be building
a house on our 128 acre farm so the dogs can be there all the time not just
once a day for an hour. Anyway my husband wonders if a coat of
polyurethane will keep out the dirt in the crevices ie are these brick
floors easy to keep clean??
Thanks for taking the time to reply,
Barb Lindman and Berners Kari and Anja of Iowa City at
dlgof@earthlink.net
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Brick flooring
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 11:40:52 -0400
From: Ingrid Hubbard
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Hi all --
There are different kinds of sealers made especially for bricks. Check
them out first at your local hardware store. They might perform better
than polyurethane and be cheaper and easier to apply.
They also make sealers for all kinds of tiles, hardwood floors, etc.
Are you going to add the cost of this new kitchen floor to the "hidden
costs of owning a Berner?"
--
Ingrid Hubbard
Columbus, Ohio, USA
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Brick flooring
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 15:41:38 -0500
From: Goffstein & Lindman
To: ingrid.hubbard@postoffice.worldnet.att.net
CC: berner-l@prairienet.org
Ingrid:
Do you have a brick floor? Do they tend to be dirt collectors?
Regarding the hidden costs of Berner owenership: 128 acres of land, pond
built 10-96 , and house to live in with dog amenities.
Well, there will also be a dog shower, large dog porch - need one to dry
out after dips in their pond or way station to dog shower after muddy
spring and fall hikes. Also there is a dog den, three possible routes of
circles to chase each other around,& our newly purchased 1994 4 wheel drive
truck with dog camper. Not to mention that my husband promised me a third
Berner after we move to the country.
Barb Lindman of Iowa City with the pampered Berners Kari and Anja
P.S. Any advice welcome on a house designed for multiple dogs - I've let
my husband know that ultimately we may have four or five. I think adding
one to the family every two years sounds ideal!
>Hi all
>There are different kinds of sealers made especially for bricks. Check
>them out first at your local hardware store. They might perform better
>than polyurethane and be cheaper and easier to apply.
>
>They also make sealers for all kinds of tiles, hardwood floors, etc.
>
>Are you going to add the cost of this new kitchen floor to the "hidden
>costs of owning a Berner?"
>
>--
>Ingrid Hubbard
>Columbus, Ohio, USA
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Berne$e
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 16:37:26 -0500
From: KARL & TARI HAFNER
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Just my $.02 worth on the subject. Make that about $20,000 actually.
I'm in the process of building a new barn for my guys with new kennels.
Next year off the back of the new barn we are planning on leveling 100'
X 100', fencing it in and adding agility equipment. I figure I have a
couple thou in lessons, might as well have the equip also. My current
kennels have an automatic watering system with heated water in the
winter, and so will the new one.
I also just tore out the carpeting in the entry room (23 X 14 feet) to
my old farmhouse and am having tile put in. It will be so much cooler to
lay on and much easier to keep clean. Lots of dogs on carpeting can
smell bad after a while (especially those little Papillons who have a
hard time getting housebroken). That's the Berners favorite room since
it's cooler there and it's also where the food is. We all know how
Berners love their food.
I added a new room in the basement for the dogs, too. Great place for
whelping, grooming, or whatever. The room has a raised tub, too.
Add the cost of vet bills (if I quit going to my vet, he'd have to fire
one employee), food, fencing, the van, the motorhome, the traveling to
dog shows (especially the Specs) and everything else and I sure am glad
I'm married to a physician! Even better is the fact that he's my vet's
physician!
After all this, I still hear the puppy people who say, "You must be
getting rich off these dogs." I just do a slow boil and pretend to
smile. They go elsewhere for pups.
I blame all of this on my dearly departed Liesl who taught me to love
Bernese. She must be looking down on me from the Rainbow Bridge and
laughing.
Tari Hafner
Fulton, NY
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: What floor?
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 17:37:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: CASEARAMA@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
The only floor our rambunctious year-old Berner cannot destroy--or even
scratch--is the ceramic tile floor in our kitchen and Florida room.
Linoleum--HA! Carpets? They laugh at carpets! Hardwoods? Fuggetaboutit. Go
with the ceramic tiles and you and yours will be happy. Plus, the tiles stay
cool and make great resting spots. Cheers.
Steve Tuttle
Arlinton, Va.
owned by Casey
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 847
Subject: Re: hidden costs
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 10:02:56 -0500
From: jleist@excel.net (Kathy Leist)
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
>Besides buying the RV (so the dogs could always come on vacation), we got
>rid of Mark's car and bought a
>cargo van so we can get all 4 dogs in, with crates, planted 3 good size
>trees in the back yard, so they would
>have shade, planted grass in the back yard so they didn't have to do their
>business on dirt, installed a mister
>system around the back patio so they would have somewhere cool to lay on
>hot days, not to mention all their
>crates, the x-pens, ground covers for x-pens, collars leashes and the food
>bill for their BARF diet!
>
>Now we're saving the meger amount of $$$ we have left over so we can
>install satillo tile (complete with anti-
>slick sealer so it won't be slippery) so they'll always have a cool place
>to lay!
>
>Sue G., Shelby, Strykker, Garth and Star
>Gilbert, AZ
>Berner owner since '93
>sueg@ix.netcom.com
****Loved this. Had to chuckle. Cute, thanks for the post. What is
satillo tile? and what is a slick sealer- does it go on the tile? In the
house?
Kathy Leist
Kameridge Acres
Plymouth, WI
jleist@excel.net
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 848
Subject: Satillo Tile
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 09:50:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: FXWDFARM@aol.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
In a message dated 97-08-24 03:18:53 EDT, you write:
<< Loved this. Had to chuckle. Cute, thanks for the post. What is
satillo tile? and what is a slick sealer- does it go on the tile? In the
house? >>
I, also, am interested in what this tile is all about. We live with ceramic
tile in the kitchen and mudroom. It is good most of the time but we have to
be so careful when it gets wet or puppies have wet feet. It does become
slippery and I have to monitor the dogs until they are dry.
Could somebody give Kathy and me more information on this tile?
Kay Schramm
Foxwood Farm
Rockton, Illinois
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Fwd: Re: Saltillo tile
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 13:50:45 -0500 (CDT)
From: sueg@ix.netcom.com
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
------Begin forward message-------------------------
From: sueg
To: FXWDFARM@aol.com
Date: 08/24/97 11:58:54
Message-Id: <1997824115854115724@>
Subject: Re: Saltillo tile
X-Mailer: NETCOMplete v3.25, from NETCOM On-Line Communications, Inc.
For Kay and Kathy all those interested:
Saltillo tile is a porous tile, it reminds me somewhat of terracotta tile. I
think it is a baked
tile, and around here it is sometimes called Mexican tile. I like this
surface of this tile
better than ceramic which has a smoother surface and can is slippery when
wet.
There are several different kinds of sealer from hi-sheen to no sheen
depending on the
look you want. We are getting a special sealer that is an "anti-slick"
sealer so the tile will
not be slick or slippery even when wet.
One of the places you can find this tile and sealer is Home Depot.
Hope this helps,
------End forward message---------------------------
Sue G., Shelby, Strykker, Garth and Star
Gilbert, AZ
Berner owner since '93
sueg@ix.netcom.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 849
Subject: Re: FIXABLE HARDWOOD FLOORS???????
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 17:05:04 -0400
From: Margie Reho
To: charactr@juno.com (RHONA WEINER), berner-l@prairienet.org
At the advice of our architect, we did the following for our hardwood
floors. The situation was that we had oak board flooring, stained and
polyurethaned. Doggie toe nails had gouged out areas, and water and wet
mouths while sleeping had turned the rich golden color of the floor to dull,
dark, dirty brown no matter whether they were clean or not. Some areas were
particularly bad. My architect told me to first strip off the polyurethane
and keep it off. What the dogs had added, he said, was what antiquers pay
big bucks for, so I was supposed to be happy! OK, so we had "distressed"
floors with the toe nail marks, but they still looked bad. But I followed
his guidance and removed the polyurethane (products available to do this).
I then thoroughly cleaned the floors and let them dry. Then, a section at a
time (we still had to walk in our hallways!), I applied Minwax Antique Oil
Finish according to the directions on the can. WOW, the miracle occurred!!!
Those floors were so dry and nasty from all the dog traffic, and the wood
was in such poor shape, that it soaked up the oil finish and all of a sudden
the character of the wood absolutely jumped out. The worst area, the most
distressed and water stained, became the best. The wood zebra striped there
with unbelievable rich tones. I followed the Minwax Antique Oil Finish with
a good paste wax and just kept the floors waxed after that. I washed them
with Murphy's Oil Soap. If they went dull and lifeless again, I just got
out the can of Antique Oil Finish and dumped some more on. Those floors
were a real selling point (not a detriment) when we moved. Good luck!
-Margie and the Dallybeck girls (Virginia, USA)
mreho@mitre.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 939
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 23:42:32 -0800
From: Edith Williams
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: [Fwd: Pergo Flooring]
Message-ID: <34583A68.5E8EDFF6@gorge.net>
Rose
I installed Pergo flooring in my home in June, and I love it. I to gave
up on the carpeting. This is much easier to keep clean and is very
durable. Initially my dogs were not comfortable on the new surface.
They all tried to use their claws to get a grip. I was concerned about
them slipping on the floor at first, especially the puppies. However,
they are now used to the floor and realize they don't get anywhere by
using their claws and walk on their pads.
I use a commerical dustmop on the floor. It makes quick cleanup of
Berner-fur. I use a hardwood floor cleaner. You should know that water
and commerical cleaners should not be used on the floor and the floor
should not be installed in wet areas (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, etc).
I have ceramic tile in the kitchen and bath with a dark grey grout that
works quite well for the dogs. I have textured tile so it is not slick.
Back to the Pergo. The funniest incident on the new floor was when my 6
month puppy (Rhais) stood up under my 8 year old, Echo. Rhais began
going for a walk with Echo stuck to the top of her. Echo tried to grab
hold with her front claws and just froze in that position while Rhais
walked in circles taking Echo around with her. Echo's look was
priceless. She was definately concerned but, waited patiently until
Rhais worked herself out from under her. Where was I? Just rolling in
stitches!!
Good luck with your new floor.
Edith and the CASCADE ECHO kids
Echo, Sundae, Art, Lacy, Rhais and Squiggers
in Cascade Locks, Oregon
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 941
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 1997 22:53:13 -0500
From: Pecans
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Floored by Bernerfolk!
Message-ID: <345BF929.7733@ix.netcom.com>
I am going to have Pergo installed quite soon. For those who wish to
learn more about this flooring, consult www.pergo.com The fellow
who does all the work on my home brought me a brochure today. Plus,
there is a HUGE amount of information on the Web, including a service
whereby you can locate the Pergo dealer closest to your home.
Lisa Allen
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BERNER-L Digest 1004
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 06:16:55 -0500 (EST)
From: Susan
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Pergo Flooring
Hi All,
My husband is a carpenter and has had some experience with different
materials, so I'd like to give you a caution on Pergo flooring. It is
beautiful, and virtually indestructible, but be *very* careful with
moisture. Unlike wood, the inner material will soak up water and swell.
This will only happen with large amount of water, and only where water can
get in (ie around the edges, seams, around leaky doors or windows, etc).
We decided to go with hardwood in our new addition (well, new 5 years ago, I
was getting tired of plywood floors!) mostly because of cost. Please note
that this is exclusive of labour costs, since my husband can do the hardwood
himself, and it was not prefinished. If we had to hire a contractor, the
costs would have been much different. (Also exclusive of MY labour costs -
I'll be spending my weekend cleaning dust from EVERYWHERE in the house).
Anyway, enjoy your new floor, but check with the manufacturer and follow
their instructions for cleaning. No great buckets full of hot soapy water!
Susan
shaking dust out of my walmart Berner & sending the other wiggly dogs out to
play
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 16:40:32 EST
From: MotownYoda
To: carling@cancom.net
Cc: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Pergo Flooring
The Pergo Company does not try to hide this fact and does not recommend their
flooring in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Lisa Allen
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 20:30:17 -0500 (EST)
From: Susan
To: MotownYoda
Cc: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Pergo Flooring
Hi Lisa,
I hope I didn't sound like I thought I was an expert, because I'm certainly
not. A neighbour of ours had Pergo installed in her kitchen, and went at it
with *lots* of hot soapy water *contrary* to the instructions of the
contractor, who had told her to only use a damp mop. She did damage to the
flooring. Obviously she hadn't read the instructions either.
Pergo is a *great* product. I didn't mean to indicate otherwise.
Susan
At 04:40 PM 12/13/97 EST, MotownYoda wrote:
>The Pergo Company does not try to hide this fact and does not recommend their
>flooring in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
>Lisa Allen
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Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 23:36:02 -0500
From: Kathy & Jim Copeland
To: pecans@ix.netcom.com, carling@cancom.net
Cc: berner-l
Subject: Re: Pergo Flooring
Mime-version: 1.0
Lisa Allen wrote:
Pergo was a pleasure with which to do business as they were forthright
and prompt.
********************************************************
Lisa,
I have to second that as I went to their web site: http/www.pergo.com
(great site and loaded with information) Sent them e-mail to ask them
if I could install it in our Motor Home and they answered within a
couple of days. (the answer was no they do not recommend it for
Motor Homes). I also asked them to send a catolog which I received
rather quickly. They are a wonderful company...our friends who had
it installed really like the company as well as there new floor.
Lisa, are the berner-folk getting used to the new Pergo?
Kathy & Jim Copeland 1-800-560-8207
Clean & GERM FREE Hands w/out water just in 15 seconds!
e-mail: GermFree@detailmagic.com
Web page: http:/www.detailmagic.com
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Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 23:59:33 -0500
From: Pecans
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Pergo
My carpet was about 18 years old. It was pale and tired from the
pitter-patter of not-so-little paws. Repairing and installing new parts
in my Electrolux was making my vacuum repair person a wealthy man and
its frequent hospitalizations were not covered by my Blue Cross.
The Bernerboys have no trouble with the Pergo. My elderly Bernergirl is
arthritic and I anticipated that she might have some difficulty so as
soon as the installation began, I went to a local department store and
bought all sorts of throw rugs for her ease and comfort.
To sweep or mop, all I need do is move the rugs, clean, and then move
them back.
Before Pergo, I would vacuum and then, sometimes in a matter of minutes,
12 paws (3 Berners) would race wildly across the carpet and it would
once again be a hairy, muddy mess. I really don't mind the mess as long
as the furryfolk are happy!
So, I suppose one might say the Bernerkids and I have reached a
compromise. I finally get a nice floor that is not difficult to keep
tidy and they get a house full of lovely new throw rugs, rugs that can
be replaced at a reasonable price if they get muddy,hairy, or drooly.
So drool, shed, and dig with joyful abandon (not that you did not always
engage in these activities) my sweet furryfolk, for I now have my Pergo!
I wonder if Walmart and Pergo are aware of the business that we are
sending their ways!
Lisa Allen
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BERNER-L Digest 1005
Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 10:33:59 -0800
From: Lorraine Shelton
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Subject: Pergo Flooring
We had Pergo installed last year in one room as a "test-run". We like it
so much we had it installed in most of the rest of the house, including
my cattery. It has survived male cat spray, feces, oil based paint,
dropped things, etc.
For homes with animals, like mine, make sure you seal the baseboards
where they meet the Pergo with color matched caulk that you can buy from
Pergo. This will prevent the damage folks have referred to with water
seeping through.
Our Berner girl had a few slip and slide encounters with the floor, but
now she is used to it! And it is much easier to throw away a throw rug
than to clean carpet when those inevitable critter "ooopses" occur!
--Lorraine
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BERNER-L Digest 1107
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 08:35:57 -0800
From: Lorraine Shelton
To: "Susan Todhunter - (JWT)" ,
berner list
Subject: Re: Pergo
Susan,
Funny you should ask about my experiences with Pergo now that it has
been in while. I was thinking of posting something to the list.
First of all, it is indestructable. Dog accidents are VERY easy to
clean up. I have it in my cat nursery and the litter doesn't scratch it
and it is perfect for that application.
Frankie, my berner (Ebnet's Featherland Frangelica) is scared of it.
When she was a puppy, she was great on it. now that she is a year
old, she won't go on it unless she absolutely has to, staying on the
kitchen/entry tile and carpeted livingroom.
I've put down rugs and now she feels more secure.
I'd stil recommend it, but invest n a bunch of cheap rugs. Much
easier to replace those than to replace carpet.
--Lorraine and Frankie "slip, sliding away..." o/~
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BERNER-L Digest 2248
Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 09:47:07 +0100
From: wendy.beard@philips.com
To: ,
We had Pergo flooring laid two years ago. So far it has withstood heavy traffic from two dogs and two children including the puppy stages of both dogs.
What it hasn't stood up to is Le Creuset pans being dropped onto it by clumsy spouses and counter-surfing dogs!
I think we made the right decision when we chose it, having had other flooring such as cork tiles, ceramic tiles, wood and carpet in our various houses. If we were to move house, I'd definitely choose it again.
Wendy
***********
Message-Id: <199912142225.OAA18673@scaup.prod.itd.earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 14:18:40 -0800
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List
From: John Sorenson
Subject: Flooring
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
This topic has probably been discussed before, but I need some input for
fellow listers. We are still waiting for our first puppy (over two and a
half years now) but we are moving to a new house here in So. Calif. next
spring and have to make some flooring decisions.
We have had tile and carpeting in the past but we are curious what other
Berner families have and how the dogs are affected (as well as the floor).
We are somewhat considering wood instead of tile in the entry, hall, and
kitchen areas but everyone keeps telling us with kids and dogs that the
wood is a mistake (the floors would be scratched and destroyed).
Thanks
John, Michelle, and Dylan Sorenson
So. Cal.
----
Wendy Beard, Senior Library Engineer
Philips Semiconductors - Library Technology Group
Room FB2.071, Gerstweg 2, 6534 AE Nijmegen
Tel: +31 24 3533747
Fax: +31 24 3534048
mailto:wendy.beard@philips.com
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BERNER-L Digest 2936
Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 10:25:04 -0500 (EST)
From: "Jordan S. Dill"
To: berner-l@prairienet.org
Hesse and I have pine, wide planked foors that I "varathaned." I
believe that is the name...this is the stuff they use on bowling
alleys. Is expensive but worth the trouble.
On Fri, 26 Jan 2001, Maria Crifasi wrote:
> I have to say my wide plank pine floors are officially ruined (the house
> came with this floor) regardless of the 5-9 layers of polyurethane and
> keeping Daisy's nails trimmed. So, is there anyone out there who has wood
> floors, ceramic tiles, linoleum that has survived well? If so, what brand,
> what type.
>
> Thanks,
> Maria & Daisy (those are NOT gouges, Mom. It's artwork!!)
>
Jordan S. Dill
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Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 16:30:32 -0500
From: Val
To: mcrifasi@erols.com, berner-l@prairienet.org
Hi Maria and Daisy,
We recently moved into a new house which we had built to our specifications.
One of my major concerns was flooring. Our previous house was almost entirely
slippery ceramic tile and slippery, scratchable wood. Our first Berner, Emma,
had a hard time getting up off the floor as she got older and the younger dogs
also slipped quite a lot if they were racing around.
The new house has rough ceramic tile in the laundry/dog room, front hall and
the bathrooms. It's a taupe colour which really hides any mud or hair. The
kitchen has Cushionfloor vinyl (also taupe) which seems to be standing up to
wear and tear quite well. The rest of the house has Berber carpet. I chose this
type of carpet because it wears well. People warned me that it is easily pulled
by puppy claws. The only pulls we've had so far have been from jagged bits on
nylon bones (now restricted to the tiled areas). I mended the pulls with a
curved upholstery needle and thread and because of the texture of the carpet
you can't see any damage at all.
Cheers!
Val Whiteford with Marlee and Tonka in Greely, ON, Canada
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BERNER-L Digest 2937
Subject: floors, etc.
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 06:39:15 -0800
From: "Jane Heggen"
To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List"
Hello, Like Maria and Jordon I have some wide, pine plank flooring in my
house as well as mostly oak flooring. This past spring I had them all
stripped, sanded, and urethaned. I debated what type of finish to use on
them and decided to go with the satin. It is the softest finish and I knew
it would scratch and mark easily.
I have 4 very large, very playful dogs and the floors have taken a beating,
especially to my eyes. To my guests one of the first things they say is
"what beautiful floors!" The thing is the house was built in 1910. So
perfect floors were really a mismatch. And with the flat, satin finish I
can easily go over them once a year with a very light coat of finish and the
scratches cover up. Yes, there are deeper ones but you still don't see them
unless you get to floor level and look across. I clean the floors with
water and white vinegar, nothing more. You can do spot touchup with finish
if you get a really nasty mark.
Also, as Jordon said, you can use a heavy duty finish. Gymcoat is also one
that works well, especially on pine. It is, obviously, for gym floors...
We had a light snow yesterday to cover all the dirty, old stuff. There is
nothing more beautiful than to watch the boys on free run in fresh snow.
What athletes they are! And so different-Bingo the Pyr lumbering
along-barely visible white on white. And then Cowboy the Leonberger-looking
more like a deer or gazelle than dog. Then the two Berner boys-running so
fast and low to the ground in their effort. Faces white-grins huge. Very,
very cool....
I stopped to visit friends at former work office. "What's in your van?"
The boys, we are going running. "Oh, you have the livestock with you..."
hehehehe
jane & the boys of iowa
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Subject: Re: flooring
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 13:40:21 +0100
From: Wendy Beard
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List , mcrifasi@erols.com
Dear Maria and Daisy,
We have pergo (laminate) flooring throughout the ground floor of our house.
Boris keeps trying to dig it up, but has not yet succeeded. The only real
marks on the pergo are from when Boris decided to flip a cast-iron le
Creuset fying pan off the cooker onto the floor in order to lessen the
amount of stretching he would have to do to be able to thoroughly clean the
pan.
Our carpeting didn't fare so well. We were having work done in the upstairs
bathroom and the edge of the carpet had been lifted away from the doorway
to fit a new door lintel. Boris saw a nice little thread sticking up - and
pulled!! To give him his due, he didn't unravel all the carpet......
So - If a flooring can survive in our house, it can survive anywhere!
Wendy, Boris and Tanja too.
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Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 13:27:08 -0600
From: "Gail Miller"
To: "Berner List"
Maria....I just replaced linoleum kitchen flooring last summer with
urethaned hardwood. It is much too slippery for dogs and the kitchen is
covered with 3 large (6' x 8') rugs that last about 3 months and then have
to be pitched and new ones bought (I buy cheap ones, $20 each). One small
section of the floor, that has a small rug that frequently gets displaced,
is already ruined as far as the (20 year warranty) finish goes. I'm of the
opinion that for optimum skeletal health, my dogs need some kind of sturdy
(non-slip) rug flooring. I've never had rough tile or brick though.
Gail Miller
Cynosure Bernese in Arkansas
gail.miller@conwaycorp.net
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BERNER-L Digest 2938
Subject: RE: Flooring
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 23:05:21 -0800
From: "Nancy Melone"
To: "Berner List"
Maria:
I had hardwood flooring (not lamiinate) placed in my living/family room
areas about two years ago. The skilled craftsman who installed it advised
me to have 4 coats of poly put on them initially -- because I had dogs. He
also told me that to keep the floors nice, I would probably need to have
them re-coated about every 5 years. I do not keep my hardwoods bare, but
rather have several Turkish tobans (large rugs) placed around on the floors.
The dogs gravitate to those rugs when they do their whirling dervishes (no
pun intented). I also have ceramic tile in my kitchen/morning room and
marble tile in my formal dining room and entry way. The cermaic tile is
"textured" to prevent slipping on them when they are wet. The dogs have no
problem with the textured ceramic. For some reason, the dogs do not play on
the marble tile -- rather they prefer to sleep on it because it is very cool
and centrally located to facilitate keeping an eye on their people. Fearing
that they would damage themselves on these hard surfaces, I spent more than
I want to think about on dog beds. My dogs being dogs pushed the beds aside
in favor of the cool, hard marble and ceramic tiles. Go figure! The
bottomline is that there are some scratches in my flooring, but most people
don't notice it.
Nancy Melone, Ph.D. in Mars, PA
Mt Tops Hannah Anna, TDI/CGC (b. 9/98)
Lionhearts Caruso v Pioneer, CGC (b/ 1/00)
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BERNER-L Digest 2942
Subject: Re: Flooring
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 15:27:14 -0800
From: "Emily Hill"
To: "Maria Crifasi" , "Berner List"
Dear Maria and List~
We have a wood floor that is vynle covered five inch planks (7/8 oak),
beautiful to look at, it is distressed and beveled (the manufacturers take a
wire brush and ruff it up) it shows no dirt, no scratches. It works out
very well with animals and kids! The company that makes it is "Junkers".
Good luck ~ em.
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BERNER-L Digest 3424
Subject: RE: Wood Floors
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 15:25:01 -0500
From: "Scott & Betsy"
To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List"
Some one on the list many years ago used
the phrase 'antiquing' the floors. She suggested
putting lemon oil on the floor. It works great.
When ever I have company, I just put some lemon oil
on the scratches and the floor looks like an old hard
wood floor.
Good luck
Betsy, Pete, Amanda and Remy
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BERNER-L Digest 3624
Subject: Re: pet urine and laminate flooring
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 14:47:44 -0500
From: Ingrid Hubbard
To:
I've done my whole house in Formica brand flooring (like Pergo, but they say
it is heavier and thicker to last longer). I can verify that these floors
are great.
Be careful of what you choose. Armstrong has a snap lock system that doesn't
need glue. It's probably a great system, but milk, urine, orange juice, etc.
will soak through the cracks. Now how in the world would you get the smell
out without taking up the whole floor?
Glue makes the floor waterproof and seals everything.
Just a word of caution.
--
Ingrid Hubbard
Studio H
973 Cole Road
Galloway, Ohio 43119
(614) 878-9017
> From: "Rose Tierney"
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 16:11:19 -0500
> To:
> Subject: RE: pet urine and laminate flooring
>
> Hi Lori,
> I'm probably one of the best experts on urine on laminate flooring:-))
>
> I replaced my carpets with Pergo floor just over four years ago and since
> then have raised quite a number of litters who have had the run of the
> living room hallways and kitchen area hence lots of little piddles. Also I
> have raised a number of individuals who have had lake size accidents on the
> Pergo. It cleans up easily and doesn't retain any odour. If water is
> allowed to sit on the floor for extended periods it can dissolve the glue
> between the boards. I have discovered accidents hours after the crime and
> the floor is standing up well to the abuse. We also have bone throwing
> contests and the floor has survived that too. There are different makes of
> laminate flooring and Pergo is the original one designed in Sweden. There
> are some good US brands now as well but beware of the cheaper ones as they
> can be more easily damaged. I do use washable rubber backed mats to provide
> better traction on the Pergo but there is plenty exposed to the "elements"
> so to speak. I would install it again if I move.
>
> The downside to a wet laminate floor is that you hone your skills as a
> speed skater!!
>
> Rose
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Subject: Pergo Floors
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 15:39:45 EST
From: Montanabernese@aol.com
To:
I'm with Rose on the Pergo floor idea. We went Pergo a few years ago with great success (in our home's high traffic areas). We have three dogs, four cats and the occasional visiting homeless cat I'm fostering. Our Pergo floors have definately withstood major pet abuse as well as lots of human traffic. I'd choose Pergo again and again - and I plan to install it in our new home.
My two pennies,
Esther Wilson
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BERNER-L Digest 3626
Subject: Re: Pergo Floors
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 08:47:09 -0500
From: Molly Bass
To: wendy@beard-redfern.com
CC: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List
when I built my house I put in brick tile floors - same depth as ceramic tile -
about 1/2", does not need the reinforced floor underneath, can be laid as
regular tile, but no care at all!! I vacuum weekly and mop about once every 6
weeks. I love them - also they are not slick like linoleum, pergo, and other
floors than can cause hip and elbow problems. Do not show dirt, footprints,
drool, you name it - just when they start getting "dirty" do I mop them - then I
use Murphy's oil soap which leaves a nice sheen and smell to the floor. Love
them and wish I had done my entire downstairs in brick!
Molly and the gang
Charlottesville, VA
--------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Pergo Floors
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 08:46:44 -0600
From: "jane heggen"
To: ,
CC: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List"
I have a creative friend in the country that actually redid his kitchen
floor in his farm house with paver bricks! It's wonderful, he put numerous
layers of urethane on it so it is smooth, easy to clean, and pretty
indestructible.
jane heggen
--------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Pergo Floors
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 13:54:51 -0500
From: stmaybe
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List
i've got brick throughout the whole first floor - but they're full size
regular old bricks (our house is passive solar). they're absolutely
wonderful for easy puppy cleanup! & they're always naturally cool so
baka always has a place to cool down when she wants (which is good cause
she destroyed her cool bed).
the downside of bricks is when you drop a dish or glass - it not only
breaks, it shatters into thousands of teeny tiny pieces. we have to be
careful what we leave around so there's no breakage while we're at work
or at night & not there to clean it up.
laura & baka (who also likes to lick & chew on the bricks??!!??)
chapel hill, nc
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