Bernese Mountain Dogs Training

Bernese Mountain Dog Training: Unlocking Your Dog’s Brilliant Potential

To build a well-mannered companion, you’ll want to focus on these key areas. The following guide shows the main commands, goals, and how to implement them effectively. At Bern Paws, we believe that proper training is the key to a harmonious relationship, transforming your Bernese’s natural energy and drive into focused obedience and an unbreakable bond. A well-trained Bernese is a happy and fulfilled companion.

The Foundation: Understanding the Bernese Mindset

Before you begin, understand what motivates your dog:

Pillar What It Means What It Looks Like in Training & Life
1. Purposeful Work Ethic They were bred as versatile farm dogs for drafting, droving, and guarding. They need a “job” to feel fulfilled, even if that job is a modern adaptation. Training is their “work.” They respond best to training that has a clear, useful purpose (like “heel” for nice walks, “place” for calmness). They excel at structured tasks like pulling a cart, carrying a backpack, or finding hidden objects (scent work).
2. Calm, Observant Patience Working alongside farmers required steady nerves, not frantic energy. They are watchers and thinkers, reacting to situations with considered calm. They are “slow” learners but deep thinkers. They may not instantly obey a new command; they process it. Patience from you is required. They thrive on calm, confident leadership, not loud, excitable energy.
3. Sensitive, Bond-Centric Loyalty Their role was closely tied to their human family and livestock. Their well-being depends on a secure, trusting bond. They are emotionally attuned. They are highly sensitive to your tone and mood. Harsh corrections shatter trust and make them shut down. Positive reinforcement builds confidence. Their “velcro” nature means they learn best from someone they trust deeply.
4. Gentle, Cooperative Strength Their power was used for cooperative tasks (pulling a cart with the farmer), not for confrontation or independent hunting. They are built to work with you. They do not respond to force. You cannot muscle a 100 lb dog into compliance. You must coach and persuade. Leash pulling is a major issue because of their strength; teaching polite walking is a critical early lesson.

Core Training Principles for Success

1. Start Early, Stay Consistent:
Begin training the day your Elysian Shepherd puppy comes home. Use consistent commands and rules from the start. Everyone in the household should be on the same page.

2. Positive Reinforcement is Everything:
Bernese Mountain Dog are sensitive and respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement.

High-Value Rewards: Use small, soft, smelly treats, their favorite toy, or enthusiastic praise.
Timing is Crucial: Reward the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior.
Keep it Positive: Never use harsh punishment. It breaks trust and can lead to fear-based behaviors.

3. Keep it Short & Fun:
Bernese puppies have short attention spans. Aim for multiple 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day rather than one long, tedious session. Always end on a positive note.

Essential Training Priorities

1. Socialization (The Most Critical “Training”):
This is about exposing your puppy to the world in a positive way to build a confident, stable adult dog.

When: The prime socialization window is from 3 to 16 weeks of age.
How: Introduce them to various people (children, men with hats/beards), other vaccinated and friendly dogs, different surfaces (grass, tile, gravel), sounds (vacuum, traffic, thunderstorms), and experiences (car rides, vet visits).

2. Housetraining & Crate Training:

Housetraining: Take your puppy out constantly—after waking up, after playing, after eating, and every hour. Praise and reward heavily for success outside. Supervise closely indoors.
Crate Training: The crate becomes your puppy’s safe den and a crucial management tool. Make it a positive space with treats and comfy bedding. It aids in housetraining and prevents destructive behavior when unsupervised.

3. Basic Obedience & Impulse Control:
These commands are the building blocks for all future training and for keeping your dog safe.

“Sit,” “Down,” “Stay”: The fundamentals of control.
“Come” (Recall): This is a non-negotiable, life-saving command. Practice in a safe, enclosed area with high-value rewards.
“Leave It”: Teaches them to ignore something on the ground or to drop an item.
Loose-Leash Walking: Teach them to walk without pulling, which makes walks enjoyable for both of you.

Advanced Training & Channeling Natural Instincts

Once the basics are mastered, channel their intelligence and energy into structured activities:

Advanced Obedience & Tricks: Teach complex sequences, fun tricks like “play dead” or “spin,” or formal obedience routines.
Agility: A perfect fit for the breed! It combines running, jumping, and obedience, providing a full-body and mental workout.
Herding: The ultimate “job” for an Aussie. Herding instincts are strong, and even introductory sessions with stock can be immensely satisfying.
Nose Work: Tap into their powerful sense of smell by having them search for hidden treats or a specific scent.

The Bern Paws Training Foundation

We don’t send you home with a blank slate. Our puppies are raised using Puppy Culture, a program that includes:

Early Neurological Stimulation: To build resilience.
Early Scent Introduction: To build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Foundation Skill Exposure: We introduce them to concepts like sitting for a food bowl, coming when called, and accepting handling.

Addressing Common Behavioral Challenges

Boredom & Destructiveness: The result of an under-stimulated Bernese. The cure is more exercise and mental challenges.
Nipping/Herding Children: A natural instinct directed at the wrong target. Redirect this behavior to an appropriate toy and teach children calm movement.
Excessive Barking: Often an alert or a sign of boredom. Teach a “quiet” command and ensure they have plenty of outlets.