Saint Bernard Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Saint Bernard puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Saint Bernard puppies arrive small relative to what they become — a 15-lb puppy that will be 150 lbs in 18 months requires infrastructure decisions made in advance. Giant-breed puppy food must be selected before arrival. Drool management supplies need to be in place from day one. And the gastropexy conversation needs to happen at the first vet visit — not reactively, but proactively.

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Essential Gear Checklist

• Giant crate (42–48 inch with divider panel for growth)
• Orthopedic dog bed — joint support from puppyhood is appropriate for giant breeds
  One option: Bedsure Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed (XXL, 46 x 36 in) on Amazon. A bolstered bed with egg-crate foam, a low entry, and a removable machine-washable cover with a waterproof layer. Check the size chart (this is the XXL, 46 x 36 in size); it's egg-crate foam rather than memory foam.
• Stainless steel food and water bowls, oversized
• Elevated feeding station (reduces awkward neck angles; also helps reduce speed eating, a GDV risk factor)
• Flat collar and ID tag (engrave on arrival day)
• 4–6 ft leash and front-clip harness
  One option: Joytale Double-Handle Leash (6 ft) on Amazon. A 6-foot nylon leash with a padded second handle near the clip for close control, plus reflective stitching for dark walks. The 1-inch webbing suits medium and large dogs; it can feel heavy on a young puppy.
• Slicker brush and undercoat rake — begin grooming desensitization from day one
  One option: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush on Amazon. The Big G has long, angled pins set in a flexible cushioned pad, built for working through double, long and curly coats. Use light strokes; slicker pins can scratch skin if pressed hard.
• Many microfiber cloths — drool arrives before the puppy is even fully grown
• Slow-feeder bowl — reduces rapid eating, which is a GDV risk factor
• High-value training treats
  One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Enzymatic cleaner
  One option: Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzymatic stain and odor cleaner that keeps breaking down urine and other organic messes after you apply it. Spot-test on carpet or upholstery first.
• Giant-breed puppy food selected and on hand (see food section below)
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (34 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's large-breed puppy formula, with chicken as the first ingredient and growth-rate nutrition for breeds that finish over 50 pounds. Check that the bag's AAFCO statement covers growth including large-size dogs, and ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.

Giant Breed Puppy Food: Select Before Arrival

Giant breed puppy formulas (not just "large breed") have controlled calcium, phosphorus, and calorie levels designed to support slow, healthy growth in giant breeds. Rapid growth in giant breed puppies increases orthopedic risk — specifically the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Choose a giant-breed puppy formula; confirm the choice with your vet at the first visit. Transition from the breeder's food gradually over 7–10 days.

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Saint Bernard puppy look like?

First Vet Visit: The Gastropexy Conversation

The single most important conversation at your first vet visit is about prophylactic gastropexy. Bloat/GDV is the leading acute cause of death in Saint Bernards and giant breeds generally. Ask your vet directly: should we schedule a gastropexy at spay/neuter? Most giant-breed veterinarians will say yes. Schedule the spay/neuter appointment and gastropexy discussion early — ideally planned before 6 months of age so you're ready to schedule appropriately.

First Vet Visit Checklist

• Full physical exam and health assessment
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention setup
• Microchip if not already placed
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — most giant-breed vets recommend waiting until 18–24 months for full skeletal development
• Gastropexy discussion and planning
• Giant-breed puppy food confirmation
• Get pet insurance before this appointment or same week

Drool Management Setup

The drool begins when the puppy arrives and increases as the dog grows. Set up management from day one:

• Microfiber cloths placed in every main room where the dog will spend time
• Waterproof mat under the water bowl area
• Wipe the face and jowls after every drink and meal — this is when drool output is highest
• Clean facial skin folds 2–3 times weekly from the beginning — establishing this as a normal grooming routine is easier when the puppy is young and still forming habits about being handled

Training and Exercise

Training a Giant Breed Early and Exercise Limits

Train Before Size Becomes the Problem

A Saint Bernard that hasn't learned basic obedience as a puppy is a 150-lb management challenge as an adult. Train while the dog is at manageable size. Every command established at 12 weeks doesn't need to be fought for at 12 months and 120 lbs. Key priorities:

• Loose-leash walking — start from the first walk with consistent positive reinforcement; a pulling giant breed is unsafe
• Sit, down, stay — achievable and essential
• No jumping — establish the rule from day one; a 160-lb Saint launching at a person causes real injuries
• Come — build a strong recall in safe, fenced areas
• Door manners — sit and wait before going through doors

Use positive reinforcement consistently. Saint Bernards are receptive to positive training and are more willing than many giant breeds. Harsh corrections are unnecessary and counterproductive.

Exercise Limits: Critical for Giant Breed Puppies

Saint Bernard puppies have growth plates that close at 18–24 months — later than smaller breeds. Before growth plates close:

• No forced running — short, gentle walks only
• No repetitive jumping — jumping on/off furniture, stairs, out of vehicles
• No long hikes or runs
• Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age rule for structured exercise (e.g., 3-month-old gets 15 minutes)
• Free play in a yard is appropriate — let the puppy self-regulate
• Overexercising a giant breed puppy directly increases the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia

Socialization

The 8–16 week window matters for Saint Bernards just as for any breed. Expose to diverse people, environments, sounds, and friendly dogs during this period. Puppy classes using positive reinforcement provide both socialization and early obedience work. Saint Bernards are generally social and tolerant by nature, but proper early socialization ensures that natural tolerance is well-rounded and reliable.