Bernedoodles are a popular crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. They have the gorgeous coat of a Bernese, with a poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. They have also become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason — they are intelligent, friendly, and make great family pets. Like all dogs, Bernedoodles require training to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved members of the family. Here are some tips on how to train your Bernedoodle puppy:
Train the Dog to Your Lifestyle
Every family is different, and every Bernedoodle will be a little bit different too. The best way to train your dog is to integrate them into your lifestyle and daily routine. For example, if you have small children, you’ll want to train your dog not to jump up on people or to bark excessively. If you live in an apartment, you’ll want to make sure your dog is trained to use the restroom where and when you want them to, whether indoors on a puppy pad or outside at certain time intervals. No matter your lifestyle, there are ways to train your Bernedoodle to fit in seamlessly.
Get Started Early
The earlier you start training your Bernedoodle, the better. Puppies are easier to train than adult dogs, and starting early will help your puppy develop good habits that will last a lifetime. You can begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home or as early as eight weeks old. As the puppy grows older, you can add more challenging commands to their repertoire.
Train Your Bernedoodle Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement to train a Bernedoodle is one of the most effective ways to train a Bernedoodle. This means rewarding them for good behavior instead of punishing them for bad behavior. There are several ways to provide positive reinforcement, but one of the most common is using treats. When training your Bernedoodle, be sure to have a supply of small, tasty treats on hand. As your dog completes the desired behavior, offer them a treat and praise them enthusiastically.
On the other hand, if your Bernedoodle exhibits undesirable behavior, simply withhold the treat and avoid giving them any attention. Over time, your Bernedoodle will learn that they are more likely to get what they want by behaving in the way that you want them to.
Leash Training Tips
Leash training is an important part of training any dog, but it can be especially challenging with a Bernedoodle. This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred as working dogs and have a strong instinct to pull on the leash. To leash train your Bernedoodle, choose the right collar or harness for your dog and start with short walks around the block. As your dog gets more used to walking on a leash, you can gradually increase the length of the walks as your dog gets used to walking on a leash. It might take some time and patience, but eventually, your Bernedoodle will learn to walk calmly on a leash.
Biting/Teething
Puppies go through a biting and teething phase, just like babies. It’s important not to scold your Bernedoodle for biting, as this can make them fear you and become anxious. Instead, provide them with plenty of chew toys and bones to gnaw on. Redirect their biting onto these objects whenever they try to bite you or your clothing. They will start to understand that it’s okay to bite chew toys but not people or clothes. They’ll eventually outgrow this phase.
Socialize Your Dog With Other People and Animals as Much as Possible
Bernedoodles are social animals, and it is essential to expose them to as many different people and animals as possible. The goal is to help your dog become comfortable and confident around others so that they can learn to trust and follow your commands. Start by taking them on walks in busy areas like parks or downtown streets. Then, slowly introduce them to other pets and people in a neutral environment, making sure to praise them for good behavior. With time and patience, your Bernedoodle will learn to socialize with others positively.
Crate Train Your Dog So That They Can Learn To Relax in a Confined Space
Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to relax and feel comfortable in a crate or cage. This is important because you will likely need to confine your dog at some point in their life, such as during car rides or when guests come over. The key to crate training is to make the experience positive and comfortable for your dog. Start by placing their food or a favorite toy in the crate, and then praise them when they enter. As the time they spend in the crate gradually increases, they will learn to remain calm for long periods. With crate training, your Bernedoodle will learn that being in a confined space is not a bad thing, and they will be more likely to behave when they need to be crated.
Be Consistent With Your Training Methods and Rewards
When it comes to training a Bernedoodle, consistency is key. This means using the same commands, looking for the same behaviors, and rewarding good behavior in the same way each time. When your dog knows that they will always receive the same type of reward for behaving well, they will be more motivated to listen to your commands. It can also be helpful to document your training methods and rewards so that everyone who works with your dog is on the same page.
Establish Yourself as the Alpha
Bernedoodles are pack animals and will naturally look to an alpha for guidance. This means that you need to be the one in charge and that you should be the one giving the commands. Be firm and consistent in your commands, and provide positive reinforcement when the dog follows your instructions. Make sure everyone in the family reinforces your alpha status. If the dog perceives weakness, it will try to take over as alpha, which can lead to behavioral problems.
Be Patient
Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs but can also be stubborn and sometimes independent. This means that training may take some time and patience. Be prepared to put in the work, and don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t seem to be progressing as quickly as you’d like. With time, patience, and gentle training, your Bernedoodles will learn the commands and behaviors that you’re teaching them. All dogs learn at their own pace so make sure you tailor your training methods to your dog’s individual personality and needs.
Some dogs learn best with short, frequent sessions, while others prefer longer periods of focus. And while some dogs respond well to treats, others are motivated more by praise or playtime. You can set your dog up for success by figuring out what works best for them.
Conclusion
Training a Bernedoodle can seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that all dogs are different. Some learn quickly, while others may need more time and patience. The key is to find what works best for your dog and to be consistent with your commands and rewards. With love and patience, your Bernedoodle will become an important part of the family!
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