Bernedoodle Training Essentials: From Puppy to Adult

10 October, 2023 | by Arrow T Pets

The Bernedoodle, a lovable and intelligent crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, have become increasingly popular as family pets. With their friendly nature and striking appearance, Bernedoodles make fantastic companions.

Like all dogs, Bernedoodles require proper training to ensure they become well-behaved and well-adjusted family members. With the proper training essentials, you’ll be sure to raise a happy and obedient canine companion.

Understanding the Bernedoodle Breed

Before delving into training, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of the Bernedoodle breed. These dogs have unique characteristics that influence their training needs.

Size Variability

Bernedoodles come in various sizes, ranging from miniature to standard. Mini Bernedoodles are typically smaller, while standard Bernedoodles can be quite large.

Temperament

They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and gentle nature. Bernedoodles tend to be great with children and other pets.

Intelligence

Bernedoodles inherit the Poodle’s high intelligence, making them quick learners and suitable for various types of training.

Coat Characteristics

Their coats can range from wavy to curly, and they are often low-shedding, making them ideal for families with allergies.

What are the Training Fundamentals for Bernedoodle Puppies

Training your Bernedoodle starts from the moment you bring your puppy home. Early training is crucial to ensure that your puppy develops good habits and manners. Here are some fundamental training aspects for Bernedoodle puppies:

Socialization

Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to various experiences, people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental stages. This helps them become well-adjusted and confident adults. Here’s how to go about it:

Puppy Playdates: Arrange playdates with other puppies and friendly adult dogs to help your Bernedoodle learn appropriate social behavior.
Exposure to New Environments: Introduce your puppy to different places, such as parks, pet stores, and urban settings, to build their confidence.
Meet Different People: Encourage your puppy to interact with a wide range of people, including children, adults, and strangers.
Positive Experiences: Ensure that all socialization experiences are positive and stress-free for your puppy.

Basic Obedience Training

Basic obedience training is essential for teaching your Bernedoodle fundamental commands and manners. Here are some key commands to start with:

Sit: Teach your puppy to sit on command. This command is useful for controlling your puppy in various situations.
Stay: Train your puppy to stay in one place until given permission to move. This command is crucial for safety.
Come: Teach your puppy to come to you when called. This command is vital for recall and keeping your dog safe off-leash.
Down: Train your puppy to lie down on command. This command is useful for keeping your dog calm and controlled.
Leave It: Teach your puppy to leave objects or items when instructed. This command can prevent your dog from picking up dangerous objects.
Heel: Work on loose leash walking to ensure your puppy walks calmly on a leash without pulling.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a highly effective training method for Bernedoodles. It involves rewarding your puppy with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit desired behaviors. Here’s how to use positive reinforcement effectively:

Timing: Reward your puppy immediately after they perform the desired behavior. This helps them associate the action with the reward.
Consistency: Be consistent in your rewards and commands. Use the same cues and rewards every time.
Variety of Rewards: Use a variety of rewards, including treats, toys, and verbal praise, to keep training interesting and motivating for your puppy.

Crate Training

Crate training is an essential aspect of housebreaking and providing your puppy with a safe and comfortable space. Here are some crate training tips:

Start Early: Begin crate training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Make the crate a positive and inviting place.
Gradual Introduction: Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually, allowing them to explore it at their own pace.
Short Sessions: Initially, keep your puppy in the crate for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
Positive Associations: Use treats and toys to create positive associations with the crate. Never use the crate as a punishment.

Housetraining

Housetraining is a significant part of puppy training. Bernedoodle puppies can be prone to accidents, so patience and consistency are key. Here’s how to housetrain your puppy effectively:

Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside to eliminate at regular intervals, such as after eating, drinking, waking up, or playing.
Use a Cue Word: Use a specific cue word or phrase when your puppy eliminates. This helps them associate the action with the command.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with praise and treats when they eliminate outside. Avoid scolding for accidents indoors.

How to Train Your Bernedoodle Puppies as They Grow

As your Bernedoodle puppy matures into an adolescent and eventually an adult dog, training should continue to address their changing needs and behaviors.

Adolescent Training Your Bernedoodle

Adolescence in dogs is a period of transition where they may test boundaries and exhibit some challenging behaviors. Here’s how to navigate this stage:

Consistency: Stay consistent with training commands and expectations. Adolescents may need reminders of their training.
Patience: Be patient with your dog’s occasional lapses in behavior. Continue to reinforce good manners.
Advanced Training: Consider enrolling in more advanced obedience classes or agility training to engage your dog’s mind and energy.

Adult Training Your Bernedoodle

By the time your Bernedoodle reaches adulthood, they should have a strong foundation in obedience and manners. However, training should remain an ongoing process to keep your dog well-behaved and mentally stimulated. Here’s what to consider:

Regular Exercise: Maintain a consistent exercise routine to keep your adult Bernedoodle physically and mentally fit.
Advanced Commands: Teach advanced commands and tricks to challenge your dog’s intelligence and improve their obedience.
Socialization: Continue to expose your dog to new experiences, people, and environments to prevent behavioral issues.
Positive Reinforcement: Keep using positive reinforcement methods to motivate and reward good behavior.

What are the Common Training Challenges and Solutions When Working with Bernedoodle Puppies?

During the training journey with your Bernedoodle, you may encounter some common challenges. Here are a few and how to address them:

Leash Pulling

Many dogs, including Bernedoodles, can be prone to leash pulling. To address this issue:

Use a No-Pull Harness: Consider using a no-pull harness to reduce pulling while on walks.
Training Exercises: Practice loose leash walking with your dog using treats and rewards to reinforce the behavior.
Be Patient: Stay patient and consistent with leash training, as it may take some time for your Bernedoodle to learn.

Separation Anxiety

Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate nature, which can sometimes lead to separation anxiety. To help your dog cope with being alone:

Gradual Departures: Start with short departures and gradually increase the time your dog is left alone.
Create a Comfortable Space: Provide your dog with a cozy and safe space to retreat to when you’re not at home.
Desensitize Departures: Practice brief departures and returns multiple times a day to desensitize your dog to your comings and goings.
Consult a Professional: If separation anxiety persists, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.

Barking

Excessive barking can be a common issue for Bernedoodles. To manage and reduce barking:

Identify Triggers: Determine what triggers your dog’s barking and work on desensitizing them to those triggers.
Training Commands: Teach your dog commands like “quiet” or “enough” to control their barking.
Physical and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related barking.
Consult a Trainer: If barking remains a problem, consult a professional trainer for specialized guidance.
Identify Triggers: Determine what triggers your dog’s barking and work on desensitizing them to those triggers.
Training Commands: Teach your dog commands like “quiet” or “enough” to control their barking.
Physical and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related barking.
Consult a Trainer: If barking remains a problem, consult a professional trainer for specialized guidance.

Training your Bernedoodle from puppyhood to adulthood is a rewarding and essential part of responsible dog ownership. With patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and ongoing training, you can raise a well-behaved, happy, and well-adjusted Bernedoodle companion.

Remember that each dog is unique, and training methods may need to be tailored to your dog’s individual personality and needs. Whether you’re teaching basic obedience or addressing specific challenges, a well-trained Bernedoodle can be a delightful addition to your family, providing years of companionship and joy.

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