Pets

How To Train a Bernedoodle – Dogster

Bernedoodles, a popular hybrid dog breed of Bernese Mountain Dogs (aka Berners) and Poodles, are friendly, intelligent, easy-going dogs, who can make great family members. But some Bernedoodles can be stubborn; they’re not for everyone. The Bernedoodle’s temperament, size and appearance depend on their breeding.

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Are Bernedoodles family dogs?

Well-bred Bernedoodles generally are intelligent, social, fun and charming dogs that make great family pets as long as the family is willing to put the time into socializing their Bernedoodle puppy. Bernedoodles were bred to be an easygoing, gentle companion and aren’t a working breed. And, they can adapt to various lifestyles. They are a moderately active dog breed, who can even live in an apartment if given a sufficient amount of exercise, such as a few long walks every day. But, they can be headstrong especially as puppies. Depending on whether they take after the Berner or Poodle parent, they may take on certain characteristics.

Bernedoodle characteristics inherited from Poodles:

  • Playfulness
  • High intelligence and trainability
  • Love of swimming and retrieving
  • Friendliness
  • High-energy level
  • Low-shedding curly coat
  • Alert barkers

Bernedoodle characteristics inherited from Bernese Mountain Dogs:

  • Stubborn and headstrong
  • Aloof with strangers
  • Very loyal and bonded to his family
  • Gentle
  • Great with kids
  • Moderate activity level
  • Easy-going, laid-back and carefree
  • Straight or slightly wavy coat that sheds

How to train a Bernedoodle

From the Berner side, the puppy may be headstrong and wary of strangers, so socialization should begin from puppyhood and continue through the Bernedoodle’s life. Start exposing the Bernedoodle puppy in a positive way to all that he’ll face in everyday life: new people, dogs, sights, sounds and experiences. This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. And manners training should also begin at 8 weeks old and continue through the dog’s life to help avoid behavioral problems.