Bernese Mountain Dog Training
Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, fluffy dog breed that anyone will fall in love at a first glance. It was originated in Switzerland as a working dog in the farmland. Due to its high level of energy and working ability, it cannot be owned by any individual.
The large-sized Bernese Mountain Dog is not for any dog owner. They need an active family that can meet their energy and lives in the countryside. As long as you are an experienced dog owner, there is not much problem while training this gentle giant.
When to Start Training Bernese Mountain Dog?
Training should be started when they are still young and very eager to please their owner. This is the perfect time to establish leadership on them as they tend to follow one person in the family and if you fail to do so, they become your master.
Start from basic obedience training from a very early age which is at 8 weeks of their birth. Continue the basics for some weeks till they master it.
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Bernese Moutain dog advance training should be started when they get 3 years old. Start from some small physical exercise and slowly move to more vigorous training as they get 6-7 months old. They enjoy being active and involved in both physical and mental exercise.
Where to Start Training Bernese Mountain Dog?
The training place depends on what you are training your dog. When they are learning basic obedience training, the house or the yard is the perfect place for training. They cannot learn in a crowded place and can get easily distracted by moving things in the surrounding.
When it is time for agility, take them out in an open place like a park. They need open space to perform their regular physical activities. Since they are a very active dog breed, you can take your Bernese Mountain Dog for hiking, running, and jogging with you.
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How to Define Task For Bernese Mountain Dog?
Defining tasks to your Bernese Mountain dog can be done in various ways. use hand gestures, body language, mirroring, and demonstration to make them understand what you want them to do. use your hand gesture for certain tasks like if you want them to sit, waving your hand down along with the word ‘sit’ helps them to understand them better.
Mirroring means your dog will learn by seeing what you do. If you demonstrate a few of the tricks to them, they will soon understand what you are trying to make them do. So, a demonstration and body gesture is important for defining tasks to your dog along with the words: sit, come, stop, rollover, etc.
Training Process
Bernese Mountain Dog is a big dog with a loving, gentle, and smart temperament. They need a firm and consistent master who can train them with patience and steadiness.
Image Source: American Kennel Club
Leadership: When the Bernese Mountain Dog is still a puppy, establish a leadership upon them. They need to know that you are alpha and follow your command. This should be done when they are still young, otherwise, an adult will not obey you.
Positive Reinforcement: The positive method of training is the best method for any dog. They tend to respond well to the reward-based training where you provide your dog with treats after they complete a certain task. Praise them and gently pat their back if they do the task right to motivate them.
Socialization: Socialization is an important part of the training which should be done when the Bernese Mountain dog is still a puppy. Take them out for interacting with people when they are 8-10 weeks old. Introduce them to a variety of people so they get friendly with them instead of terrified and shy.
Agility: Since the Bernese Mountain dog is a working-group breed, they need a good amount of physical exercise regularly. They need physical activities and mental stimulation in order to remain content and healthy. So, enroll them in advance training and involve them in regular physical activities.
Visit Doglime for more dog breeds information and their training methods.
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