The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed that thrives when properly trained and socialized. While Berners are typically gentle and affectionate dogs, without proper guidance as a pup they can become rambunctious and difficult to handle due to their large size and high energy levels. The good news is that with time, patience, and consistency, you can train your Bernese Mountain Dog to be a calm and obedient companion. In this article we talk about How to Train Your Bernese Mountain Dog to Be a Calm Companion.
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Establish Yourself as the Leader
One of the most important things you can do when training a Bernese Mountain Dog is to establish yourself as the calm, confident leader of the pack. Puppies and adolescent Berners will naturally test boundaries, so you must be firm, fair, and consistent when it comes to rules and expectations. Make sure the whole family is on the same page when it comes to commands, rules about jumping up or mouthing, and schedules for feeding, walks, training sessions, etc. Consistency and gentle leadership will help your Bernese learn the structure he needs to feel secure.
Start Training Early
Early socialization and obedience training are key for raising a calm, well-adjusted Bernese Mountain Dog. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of sounds, people, animals, places, and situations in a positive, controlled way during the critical socialization period between 7 weeks and 4 months old. Attend puppy kindergarten classes, invite friends over, play sound CDs on low volume, reward calm behavior around new stimuli, and make training sessions fun by using praise, play, and treats to motivate your pup. Starting training early makes it easier to curb problematic behaviors like jumping up, mouthing, or barking later on.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
As a large, athletic breed originally developed to herd cattle in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and calm companions. Long daily walks, hiking, playing games like fetch, or activities like agility or carting work their bodies and minds. Aim for at least an hour per day of exercise once your Berner is full grown. Meeting their high exercise needs will prevent problem behaviors caused by pent-up energy, like destructive chewing, hyperactivity, or excessive barking.
Use Positive Reinforcement
The most effective and humane way to train a Bernese Mountain Dog is through positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, playtime, or anything else your dog finds rewarding. For example, when teaching a “sit” command, say the word “sit,” guide your dog into a sitting position with a treat held above his nose, then give him the treat and verbal praise as soon as his bottom touches the ground. Over many repetitions he will learn to associate the cue “sit” with the action and reward. Always set your Bernese up for success by keeping training sessions short and fun before your dog gets bored or frustrated. End on a positive note with a behavior he can accomplish.
Be Patient
While Bernese Mountain Dogs are very intelligent and eager to please, house training and general obedience training require much patience, especially during their “teenage” stage between 6 months and 2 years old. During this gangly, gawky phase, their attention spans shrink while their energy and independence grow. Remain calm and consistent through this trying time, stick to a schedule, reinforce potty training, ask for simple behaviors before giving affection or meals, and provide plenty of outlets for their energy. This too shall pass, and your mature Berner will be an exceptionally devoted, well-mannered companion for years to come.
Use the “Nothing in Life is Free” Method
The “Nothing in Life is Free” training method is very effective for instilling good manners and calmness in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Essentially, your dog must “work” for everything he wants by obeying at least one cue. Before you give your Berner a meal, treat, walk, toy, or affection, ask him for a simple behavior first, like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” or “shake.” This reinforces your leadership role while strengthening his obedience skills. Over time, your Bernese will remain composed and look to you for guidance if he wants or needs something instead of demanding.
Prevent Rehearsal of Problem Behaviors
Make sure your training approach avoids inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviors in your Bernese Mountain Dog. For example, if your Berner tends to jump up on you when you come home, turning your back or pushing him away seems like punishment, but it can actually reward him by giving attention. Instead, completely ignore him until he sits calmly with all four paws on the floor, then reward that by giving him attention. This trains an incompatible behavior by reinforcing what you want him to do instead of what you don’t want. This principle applies to barking, digging, chewing, pulling on leash and more.
Consider Advanced Obedience Training
For the dedicated Berner owner who wants the very best behaved dog, consider advanced obedience classes like Canine Good Citizen or therapy dog training once your dog masters basic commands. The mental stimulation and socialization will help form an unshakeable bond while polishing your Bernese’s manners and impulse control. With their affectionate nature and desire to please, Bernese Mountain Dogs can make wonderful therapy dogs visiting schools, hospitals and nursing homes. A “job” or purpose is very fulfilling for this working breed.
Be Realistic
While proper training and exercise will help any Bernese Mountain Dog become a tolerable housemate, it’s important to be realistic about their fundamental nature as large working dogs bred for demanding jobs requiring strength and endurance. They may never be as obedient and tranquil as a smaller companion breed, for example. Berners are exuberant, high-energy dogs designed by nature to be active outdoors in all weather conditions, not sedentary couch potatoes. If properly raised, trained and stimulated, however, your Bernese can learn to settle down and be a gentle giant in the home.
Conclusion
From establishing yourself as a strong leader to utilizing positive reinforcement training techniques, following these tips will help you train your Bernese Mountain Dog to become a calm, obedient companion. Raising a Berner is very rewarding, but also a big commitment. While their mature temperament is laidback and affectionate, getting through the energetic puppy and teenage years requires much patience and consistency. The effort is well worth it, though, to end up with an exceptionally loyal best friend who accompanies you on adventures outdoors but can also settle nicely indoors after exercise. With their sweet nature, intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, Bernese Mountain Dogs have tremendous potential. I sincerely hope you find this “How to Train Your Bernese Mountain Dog to Be a Calm Companion” article helpful.
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Dr. Kate Bruce is a highly experienced veterinarian with a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine and over a decade of expertise in animal behavior and holistic pet care. She combines traditional and modern practices to offer exceptional advice on pet health and wellness. Explore more at petsconsultancy.com and follow her on Instagram for expert tips.
