How To Train My Puppy

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog requires consistency, patience, positive reinforcement, and early socialization. At Brenalee, we believe early training lays the foundation for a calm, confident, and well-mannered Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs, often called Berners, are intelligent, gentle, and eager to please, but they can also be sensitive and slow to mature. Responsible Bernese Mountain Dog breeders like Brenalee understand that thoughtful, structured training supports lifelong success.

This guide outlines proven training methods used at Brenalee and recommended by experienced Bernese Mountain Dog breeders to help puppies grow into stable, confident companions.

Start Training Early During the Puppy Stage

Early training is essential for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. The critical socialization period between eight and sixteen weeks of age is the ideal time to introduce new experiences. At Brenalee, puppies are gently exposed to different people, animals, environments, surfaces, and everyday sounds to build confidence from the start.

Gentle handling is equally important. Regularly touching paws, ears, and mouths helps Bernese Mountain Dog puppies become comfortable with grooming, veterinary visits, and routine care. Early handling builds trust and reduces stress later in life.

Focus on Basic Obedience Training

Bernese Mountain Dog training should begin with foundational obedience skills such as sit, stay, come, down, leave it, and heel. These commands create structure, improve communication, and support safety in everyday life.

Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of training at Brenalee. Treats, praise, toys, and affection motivate learning while preserving trust. Harsh corrections are not recommended, as Bernese Mountain Dogs respond best to calm, consistent guidance.

Keep Training Sessions Short and Consistent

Bernese Mountain Dog puppies learn best in short, focused sessions. Training periods of five to fifteen minutes, two to three times per day, prevent mental fatigue and maintain engagement.

Ending each session on a positive note builds confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Consistency across all family members reinforces expectations and prevents confusion.

Introduce Crate Training Early

Crate training is an important part of raising a well-adjusted Bernese Mountain Dog. At Brenalee, crate training is introduced positively to support house training and provide a safe, quiet place for rest.

Crates should never be used as punishment. When introduced gradually and with positive reinforcement, the crate becomes a trusted space for relaxation and security.

Establish a Reliable Housebreaking Routine

House training a Bernese Mountain Dog requires patience and routine. Puppies should be taken outside frequently, especially after meals, playtime, naps, and waking in the morning. Immediate praise reinforces correct behavior.

Because Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, they may take longer to develop full bladder control. Calm consistency is key to success.

Begin Leash Training Before They Grow Strong

Leash training should begin early, before Bernese Mountain Dog puppies gain significant strength. Teaching calm walking and the heel command improves safety and prevents pulling behaviors.

Rewarding good leash manners reinforces polite walking. Pulling should never lead to forward movement, as this can unintentionally reinforce bad habits.

Encourage Healthy Socialization

Positive socialization helps Bernese Mountain Dogs develop emotional balance and confidence. Controlled interactions with people, dogs, and new environments are encouraged at Brenalee to support healthy development.

Puppies should be allowed to explore at their own pace. Avoid overwhelming experiences, especially during early developmental stages.

Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental enrichment is essential for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Puzzle toys, scent games, obedience exercises, and trick training keep their minds engaged. Berners thrive when they have a purpose and enjoy learning new skills.

Many Bernese Mountain Dogs excel in therapy work, obedience, and cart pulling, activities that reflect the breed’s working heritage.

Address Undesirable BehavioUr Early

Undesirable behaviours should be addressed calmly and early. Jumping can be redirected by rewarding sitting. Chewing should be guided toward appropriate toys. Barking should be addressed by identifying the cause and redirecting behaviour when appropriate.

Early intervention prevents small challenges from becoming long-term habits.

Consider Puppy Training Classes

Puppy training classes offer structured learning, socialization, and professional guidance. Brenalee encourages families to choose trainers who use positive reinforcement and understand large-breed development.

Additional Training Considerations

Bernese Mountain Dogs are deeply loyal but can be shy in unfamiliar situations. Confidence-building exercises support emotional growth. Harsh discipline should always be avoided, as it can damage trust.

Berners are slow to mature both physically and emotionally. Training requires patience and repetition, but the result is a devoted, well-mannered companion.

Edited by Shae Lebold – Brenalee