Education Archives - Berger Blanc Suisse Puppies for Sale

How to Introduce Your Berger Blanc Suisse to Other Dogs

Introducing your Berger Blanc Suisse aka White Swiss Shepherd to other dogs should be done thoughtfully. Doing it right can make all the difference by establishing a good pattern of interaction with other dogs and it will also prevent them from having a bad or dangerous experience.

3 Tips for Your White Swiss Shepherd

Let’s start with what to avoid.

The typical scenario we’ve all witnessed involves both dogs straining at their leashes, eager to meet. This approach is stressful for the dogs and often ends in misinterpretation and possible confrontation. If you’ve spent time around dogs and their owners, you’ve likely seen this scenario play out with less than ideal results.

#1 – Don’t Introduce Dogs at the End of a Leash

#2 – Take the Dogs on a Walk

So, what’s the right approach?

Each dog should walk beside their calm and assertive pack leader – that’s you. Initially, they should walk on opposite sides of their handlers to prevent direct contact. Owners should maintain a relaxed demeanor, focusing on the path ahead rather than fixating on their dogs. The duration of the walk is important; it allows the dogs to work off their adrenaline and excitement and to acclimate to each other’s scent and behavior, gradually lowering their energy levels and increasing comfort with the new pack dynamic. Essentially, they’re getting to know each other while getting their questions answered.

#3 – Initiate Calm Introductions

Once the dogs have walked together peacefully and seem at ease in each other’s presence, it’s time for them to greet each other calmly. Let them sniff each other and, if they seem comfortable, perhaps lie down near each other as the owners engage in conversation.

Set Your Dog Up for Success

By following this structured routine, you’re providing both dogs with the best chance to recognize you as their pack leader and to peacefully acquaint themselves with each other. This approach fosters a positive environment for learning and appropriate behavior in future encounters.

Check Out Our Available Berger Blanc Suisse Dogs and Puppies!

Should I Take My Berger Blanc Suisse Puppy to a Dog Park?

In theory, dog parks sound great! Who doesn’t like seeing their dog playing happily with other dogs and getting exercise? Unfortunately, as good as it sounds, the potential for a good experience outweighs the great risk of dog parks.

Risks of Dog Parks Worth Considering

#1 – Risk from an aggressive or poorly behaved dog: Sooner or later, most friendly dogs who go to a dog park will be attacked, bullied, or cornered by another dog, and this experience can affect them for the rest of their lives, especially if they are young. Dogs who have such experiences tend to have anxiety leash reactivity and can develop aggressive or antisocial behavior themselves.

#2 – Risk of disease and parasites: The other risk with dog parks is disease. Given how busy and active dog parks tend to be, there will be a high concentration of potential diseases (distemper, parvo, kennel cough) and parasites (worms, giardia, fleas). While vaccinations and treatments can prevent problems, we simply consider disease risk as another excellent reason to avoid dog parks.

You Can Still Socialize Your Puppy

If you want your dog to have healthy and safe playtime with other dogs, arrange to meet friends with well-socialized and friendly dogs. Start a playgroup and meet in an open space or park not reserved for a dog park.

Looking for a White Swiss Shepherd puppy to join your family?

Check Out Our Available Berger Blanc Suisse Dogs and Puppies!

Therapy Dog vs Service Dog – What Are the Differences?

Berger Blanc Suisse dogs are bred to have the perfect disposition to serve humans in many different capacities. Because so many of our puppies leave our home to become service or therapy dogs, we often get the question,

“What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?”

What is a Service Dog?

A service dog is specifically trained to serve one person, their owner. They are trained to be extremely in tune with the needs, mood, and health of the person they are serving. Because their focus is to aid just that one person, they are specifically disciplined to ignore other people and surroundings.

Most service dogs will (but legally do not have to) be wearing some sort of vest or collar to indicate that they are on duty and should not be petted or distracted from their job.

Service dogs can be trained for many different scenarios. Puppies from Dances With Wolves Ranch (DWWR) have gone on to aid people in wheelchairs, used as stability dogs, to warn owners of oncoming seizures, and as diabetes-alert dogs.

You may also hear the term “emotional support animal” which refers to a category of service dog that aids those with mental afflictions. DWWR dogs have helped owners with PTSD, anxiety, and even fear of flying on planes. A good service dog will silently do its job; focusing on the owner alone and ignoring all other people, animals, and distractions.

What Is A Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, undergo a different type of training. These dogs are certified with a handler as a pair and trained to serve others. They are supposed to be attentive and friendly, visiting and providing comfort and companionship for others (visiting schools, elderly homes, trauma centers etc).

Many DWWR dogs in our breeding program are registered therapy dogs and have served reassuring patients in hospitals and encouraging children to learn to read at the library. Unlike a service dog, anyone is welcome to pet and interact with a therapy dog. They are not usually specialized for one task but instead are simply bred and trained to be friendly, calm, and comforting to everyone they interact with.

While service and therapy dogs have different purposes and training, what they have in common is their calm, confident, and non-conflict disposition. Both service and therapy dogs need to love people, get along with other animals, be non-aggressive or dominant, and be sensitive to human emotions. This is why many Berger Blanc Suisse dogs make the perfect service and therapy dogs. They are highly intelligent, easy to train, thrive to please, and are gentle dogs who are very in tune with human moods and health cues. So, whether you’re looking for a service dog to serve you, or a therapy dog to serve everyone, Berger Blanc Suisse is the perfect choice.
Interested in adopting a Berger Blanc Suisse for service or therapy purposes? At DWWR, we take special care to set our puppies up for success!