Meet Henri

What a little gem! We have an 11 month Bernedoodle named Ruby and she is such a good pup. It’s a great breed and he will bring you endless joy!

SO.CUTE.
Puppy advice (I’ve learned the hard way in some cases and wished I hadn’t had to):
1. Buy some kind of stroller or bag for the puppy, since he shouldn’t be walking outside until he is vaccinated. Dogs pick up diseases through their paws.
2. Don’t skip those regular vet appointments when they’re little. They require regular vaccinations and deworming for the first few months.
3. Neuter the dog at 6 months. Don’t agonize over it. It’s better for them and for you, unless you want to become a breeder.
4. Ugggh potty training! Dogs do better with a firm set of rules and a routine. If they have multiple places to go to the bathroom (like pee pads and outside), it gets really confusing for them. Make going out a regular thing, like every three hours, until they get the message (and he will pretty quickly as long as you’re consistent). If he really needs to go, you’ll notice him getting frantic and pacing and sniffing, so observation is important.
5. Have a space for him where he can just be a dog and you can walk away for a bit when you need to work (or sleep!) or run an errand. The crate is a great idea, but maybe also get some fencing for an indoor pen so that he can have a place with his toys and water bowl (with a large, washable pad on the floor in case of accidents) and he can run around while you can’t supervise him. It takes a while for dogs to be “trustworthy” in the house, what with the need to potty train and get through the chewing phase. It will set him up for success. All he wants in life is to please you, but he’s got these puppy instincts. He’s not trying to be bad by having a pee inside or chewing on something he shouldn’t. He’s just a dog, and he will love you and be more loyal to you than any human; just don’t lose it with him. A firm “no” works wonders, and giving him a special space will help both of you keep your sanity.
6. Groom that doodle! Doodles need to be groomed regularly (like ever 4-6 weeks) unfortunately, and you should probably start brushing him ASAP so he gets used to it. My dog had to be shaved due to mats when the groomer closed during the pandemic for a couple months. Even my regular brushing couldn’t save her floof. 🙁
7. Socialize the dog. This doesn’t come naturally to a lot of people, since we’re socialized at school and work. We don’t think that dogs need exposure to, to all kinds of dogs and people. It’s hard during a pandemic, but dogs have a small window of time that they can be socialized, so try to I introduce him to different kinds of people, kids, and look into a puppy class or puppy play dates where he can socialize with dogs of different sizes and breeds (but who have had the same vaccinations as him!). It’s better to have him socialize in an environment where a trainer is supervising, so they can monitor any aggression. Dog parks are for later, like after he’s neutered! Big dogs who haven’t been socialized can do great harm to puppies, and not everyone at the dog park has trained and socialized their dog. Better to start off in a controlled environment where all owners, pups, and staff are in the same page.

Hope this helps!

Congratulations! Your smile says it all.

Henri is absolutely lovely! and I know you’ll have lots of happy times with him. You’re doing all the right things so he’s lucky to come to live with you. In a short while when he’s had his injections it is very important to socialise him with other people and dogs. This will ensure that he had an amicable temperament. Happy days ahead…

So exciting! Henri is adorable. He reminds me a bit of my labradoodle Seamus. I know Henri will bring you so much joy. What a love bug!

Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you! Henri is adorable. I look forward to hearing about your adventures. Vas-tu lui apprendre les commandes en français?

The sweetest companion. He is so handsome! Congratulations’

Congrats! We also got a pandemic pup and it has changed my life! He came pee-pad trained so that helped us not have to run outside in the middle of the night the first few weeks. We also live in Chicago and in an apartment so running outside multiple times per night was not ideal. It’s important to set up a routine as soon as you can. I started taking mine out every 3 hours during the day so he would get used to going outside and knowing the signs. He’ll be teething for the first couple of months, so lots of chewy toys and treats are a must! Lots of options for toys are a must to keep him busy and not bothering you all the time 🙂

For cute accessories, we like- Chicago Dog Co (https://chicagodogco.com) and for a local store (Lake View neighborhood) we enjoy Bark by the Park (https://www.barkbythepark.com).

He is adorable! I have a Maltese/unknown mix that is a rescue. He adds so much to my life. It takes a bit of planning and adjustment, and the nighttime bathroom breaks can be a bit brutal when they are young, but it is so worth it. I don’t know if you have heard of Stella & Chewy freeze dried beef dog bits, but I give them to my dog as treats, as they are so good for him. They are actually a food supplement, but I use them as treats, Best of luck with your new love!

Three years ago we brought home our Sproodle (Springer spaniel/poodle) puppy – Zoey – and it was the best decision we have ever made. She is the sweetest girl and has been a life saver throughout this pandemic. We love her so much.

The first puppy days were challenging, but through consistent training and a lot of patience, she is now a well behaved girl. You and Henri will have so much fun together. So happy for you. He is absolutely the most adorable ball of fluff!

Bienvenue, Henri! He’s quite a handsome little fella and that name is perfect! <3 I have a deposit on a Bernese Mountain Dog and I can hardly wait – although soon-to-be mother isn’t even bred yet! Puppies are just the best and I have never in my life been without at least one dog. Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds have always been my favorites, but I’ve wanted a BMD for MANY years, but haven’t strayed from my 2 favorites. We just lost our golden last August, so it is time to try a BMD!

Enjoy Henri, as I know you will! So glad that you’re investing in him (and ultimately YOU) by taking him to puppy classes and crate training him. It’s definitely best for both of you. <3

Congratulations Rebecca on henri he’s so beautiful and I can tell his going for in quite nicely with you pretty soon he’ll be sharing the bed with you !!!! They really do complete our lives and the love they give is like no other kind it’s a love unconditionally enjoy that sweet boy he’s a lucky little guy to have you as his doggie 🐶 mom enjoy life you two !!! Congratulations

Congratulations! He is adorable.

Ahh! He’s so cute! Puppy kisses are the best. I’m so glad you were able to get him because having someone around during this time is definitely needed! Can’t wait to see more of your adventures with him!