WELCOME HOME

Bringing your adopted Bernese Mountain Dog home from Rooted Branch Farm is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter—one filled with gentle paws, loyal companionship, and heartwarming moments. Our Berners are raised with care, love, and early socialization to ease their transition into your family. As you settle in together, this page will guide you through those first days at home, offering tips and insights to help you and your pup build a strong, lasting bond. Welcome to the Rooted Branch family—we're so glad you're here!

SUPPLIES CHECKLIST

To help you survive—and thrive—we’ve rounded up the must-have supplies every new Berner family needs. From snuggly beds to chew toys that can handle those puppy teeth, our fun, foolproof list covers all the essentials to keep tails wagging and shoes safe. Let’s get your home puppy-ready the Rooted Branch way!

Safety

Collar/Harness | A soft, adjustable collar or harness is essential for your new Berner pup. Collars hold ID tags, while harnesses offer better control on walks. Choose a comfy, well-fitted option to support your growing puppy. For the collar, we like Coastal products and recommend ordering a medium and a large since your puppy will grow so quickly. For the harness, we like the Made to Roam brand. A size 3 harness is great for when they go home until they are about 40 lbs., and a size 6 will work from 40 lbs. until full grown.

Name Tag | A durable name tag is a small but vital item for your Berner pup. Include their name and your contact info to help ensure a safe return if they ever wander. We like this Handmade brand.

Leash | A sturdy, 4–6 foot leash is perfect for early training and daily walks. Choose one that's comfortable to hold and strong enough for your growing Berner's size and strength. We recommend Coastal K9 Explorer when they have their collar on and the Fida Slip Lead when they don't. It is smart to have each.

Nutrition/Hydration

Food Bowl | Choose a sturdy, non-slip food bowl that’s easy to clean and big enough for your growing Berner pup. Stainless steel or ceramic options are best for durability and hygiene. We recommend the Gorilla Grip 6-Cup.

Water Bowl | Keep fresh water available at all times with a stable, non-tip bowl. Stainless steel or ceramic works best—easy to clean and tough enough for a thirsty, growing Berner pup. We recommend the Rizzari Automatic 8 Liter Pet Waterer.

Dog Food | Start with a high-quality large-breed puppy food to support your Berner’s growth and development. Look for formulas with real protein, balanced nutrients, and no fillers. We recommend Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food.

Treats | Healthy, soft treats are great for training and bonding with your new Berner pup. Choose options made with natural ingredients and use them in moderation to support good habits and gentle tummies. We recommend Bocce's Brand.

Shelter

Home/Travel Crate | A sturdy, comfortable crate is essential for your Berner pup’s safety and training—whether at home or on the road. Pick one that’s spacious enough for your growing dog to move around comfortably and easy to clean. We recommend the Precision Pet Crate 43" x 29" - which will work until they are full grown.

Pillow Bed | A soft, supportive pillow bed gives your Berner pup a cozy spot to rest and feel secure. Look for durable, washable covers to keep their space fresh as they grow. We recommend the BFPetHome Dog Bed 45" x 35".

Hygiene

Chew Toys | Durable chew toys help satisfy your Berner pup’s natural urge to chew while keeping their teeth healthy. Choose safe, tough toys that can withstand their strong jaws and keep them happily entertained. We recommend Tough Dog Chew Toys, PawPular Chew Toys, and Benebone Chew Toys.

Slicker and Pin Brush | A slicker and pin brush combo is perfect for keeping your Bernese’s thick coat healthy and tangle-free. Use the rake to gently remove loose undercoat and the pin brush to smooth and finish, helping your pup stay comfortable and looking great. We recommend Chris Christensen Big G for the slicker brush and BioSilk for the pin brush.

Shampoo | Choose a gentle, puppy-safe shampoo specially formulated for sensitive skin and thick coats. It helps keep your Berner’s fur clean, soft, and healthy without drying out their skin. We recommend Best Shot Lemon-Aid Oatmeal Wash.

Nail Clippers | A good-quality, sharp nail clipper designed for large breeds is essential to keep your Berner’s nails trimmed and comfortable. Regular trimming helps prevent pain and injury as they grow. We recommend Miller's Forge Nail Clippers.

Cleaning Supplies | Keep a supply of pet-safe cleaners and odor neutralizers handy to quickly tackle messes and keep your home fresh. Choose gentle products safe for puppies and easy to use around your Berner’s living space. We recommend BrioTech Sanitizer and Rocco and Roxie Stain and Odor Remover.

TO DO'S

The first few weeks with your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from Rooted Branch Farm are a whirlwind of puppy kisses, clumsy paws, and heart-melting moments. It’s the start of a big adventure—and we’re here to help you kick it off right!

Professional Network

Vet Visit | Schedule a vet appointment within the first few days of bringing your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy home. It’s a great time to establish care, review vaccines, and ensure your pup is happy, healthy, and off to a strong start.

Micro Chip | Microchipping is a simple, safe way to help ensure your Berner finds their way home if ever lost. It’s a quick procedure that gives your puppy a permanent ID—ask your vet to scan and register it at your first visit.

AKC Registration | Your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy comes with the paperwork needed for AKC registration. Registering with the American Kennel Club gives you access to official records, helpful resources, and fun programs like AKC Reunite and puppy training classes. It's a great way to be part of the larger Berner community!

Stay Connected

Add Us To Contacts | We're always just a call or click away!
📞 (615) 483-4327
📧 info@rootedbranchfarm.com

Follow Us On Social | Stay up to date with farm life, puppy updates, and behind-the-scenes moments by following us on Instagram and Facebook! It’s the best way to watch your Berner’s siblings grow and stay connected to the Rooted Branch Farm family.

Development

Potty Training | We’ve already started this process from weeks 5 to 8 while they’re with us, so your puppy comes home with a great head start! Take them out often—especially after meals, naps, and play—and praise them when they go in the right spot. Accidents happen, but with patience and routine, your pup will catch on quickly!

Obedience Training | Early training builds a strong foundation for a well-mannered Berner. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, and come, using positive reinforcement and consistency. Consider hiring a local trainer or enrolling in a puppy class to support good habits and socialization from the start.

Memories

Photos | Take lots of pictures—your Berner pup will only be this small once! These early days go by fast, and you'll treasure the memories (and the floppy ears) for years to come. Consider booking a professional photo session to beautifully capture this special stage.

Walks | Daily walks are a great way to bond with your Berner pup and help them burn off energy. Start with short, gentle walks and gradually build up as they grow. Keep it fun, consistent, and be patient—every sniff is part of the adventure!

Quality Time | Spending one-on-one time with your Berner pup helps build trust and a strong lifelong bond. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch, playing in the yard, or just sitting together, your presence is their favorite thing. These simple moments mean everything to them—and to you, too.