The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed that loves to work hard and is built for it too! They are great companion dogs that love their pet parents, but to benefit the most from these lovable, intelligent and hard-working dogs, they must be trained.
Training not only helps you keep your dog in control, but taking them through these rituals can help to build confidence, strengthen your bond with your dog and provides them with mental stimulation.
Training your Bernese Mountain Dog is essential, and here is why and how!
Bernese Mountain dogs need structure and should be trained very early on. This dog breed was initially bred to be working dogs, and with this innate characteristic, they need to have an established pack leader that will create an environment where they have tasks and duties.
Even if they are just companion dogs within your household, you will want to instil a level of discipline within them. They are large, and by training Bernese Mountain dogs, they will be easier to keep in check.
These dogs thrive in environments where they are mentally and physically stimulated, and training them gives them this stimulation.
The critical thing to remember when training these large dogs is to be kind and make training a positive experience. They may be large, but deep down, they are big softies. Bernese Mountain dogs love to please and will do anything to keep their pet parents happy. They do not respond well to harsh corrections, making training an unpleasant experience for you and them.
Like all dogs, the Bernese Mountain dog needs training as early as possible! Here are the different kinds of training your Bernese would most benefit from:
Starting with basic commands or obedience classes as puppies will be great in teaching pups not to do naughty things or misbehave towards strangers and other animals.
Many pet owners find crate training an excellent tool to housebreak their little puppy.
Toilet training for any dog is essential; it will save all owners from doing the yucky job of cleaning up wee and poop in unwanted areas.
Keep training sessions short so that your pup stays engaged and interested. Training is not only to make sure that they have good behaviour but is also an opportunity to bond with your four-legged friend!
If there’s one thing your Bernese puppies need to be taught, it’s when and where to go potty. But when is the best time to start toilet training?
Pet owners should start toilet training their Bernese Mountain puppies when they are at least eight to twelve weeks old because this is when they are the most impressionable.
This will probably be the most crucial step when toilet training your puppy. Enforcing that there is only one place to relieve themselves will make your job easier as your puppy will eventually learn not to go on the carpets and floors!
Creating a toilet schedule will make it clear to your pup that they should go at certain times. Start introducing it as soon as they wake up or before bed. Add before and after they go for a walk and after eating and drinking.
Using a crate is not only for them to establish their personal space in the home. It can also potty train Bernese Mountain dog puppies. The crate is used as a way for them to understand they should not relieve themselves in the same place that they “live”.
Keep an eye out for what their habits are before they need to relieve themselves. Dogs often sniff and start circling. As soon as you see this pick them up to go outside or to their toilet area. Puppies may not have great control over their bladder just yet, so eyeing these signs before doing anything is vital for toilet training.
While at face value, it seems cruel to train your dog to spend time in a small, confined space, Bernese Mountain dogs benefit a lot from this training. But why should you consider crate-training your puppy?
Many pet owners do not like using a crate, but the fundamental importance of crate training your puppy is that it enforces safety. It also allows your Bernese puppy to have its own space, away from everyone, especially when they may be feeling stressed.
Crate training is also a great way to get them used to being confined when travelling long distances. Bernese Mountain dogs tend to be relatively reserved around strangers, and the crate acts as a comfortable buffer for them to retreat to.
As soon as possible is always best. The best age to start crate training your Bernese puppy is when they are eight weeks old.
Introduce the crate very gently to your puppy. Puppies are naturally curious and want to sniff around the crate first. Let them walk around it, see it and eventually build up the nerve to want to get in it.
Use treats or their favourite chew toy as a reward for entering the crate. Be gentle with this process stage, as crates can be scary for little pups. Consistently reinforce them for their obedience and to excel in this next step.
Never force them at this stage!
Make the crate as comfortable as possible for your puppy. Make sure that it is not too big or too small. Add a bed, blankets and their favourite toys. Make the crate a safe and comfortable space.
Let them spend time in the crate with it closed. Try this after eating; leave them inside with their favourite toys, and they will not even notice that you are gone. Let them spend at least 30 minutes in there at a time at first.
The final step is to leave your pup in the crate while you are not home. Do not make a big deal about leaving or when you come back. Stop interacting with your dog at least 5 minutes before leaving, and do not make a big deal when you return.
The last step should only start once your dog is entirely comfortable with the previous actions. Please do not rush the process, be patient and make it fun.
Yes! Bernese Mountain Dogs can do some fun tricks if you teach them to. Teach them to shake your hand, lift their two front paws and more.
Consistency is key. Repeat each process as often as you need to, and keep them the same. The more you do, the quicker they will learn.
This breed thrives with positive reinforcement. They love to please and will do anything to see their owners happy with what they are doing. Use treats, lots of hugs and even “good job” every time they do good.
Spoiling them with a treat occasionally is better than giving it to them every time they do good. Use other forms of reward as well.
A clicker is an excellent tool to use instead of using treats. Use the clicker every time they do good.
There are multiple training methods to use for various reasons. Training a Bernese Mountain dog will be easy and should be done with patience and kindness.
Give your pet many rewards for excellent behaviour, whether a puppy or an adult dog!
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