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.
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.
If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom. Here are some basic training cues to teach your Bernedoodle: In 2003, the first Bernedoodles were deliberately bred by Sherry Rupke, the owner of SwissRidge Kennels in Canada. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored (black, brown and white). Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament. For more information, visit the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.Bernedoodle training cues
Interesting facts about the Bernedoodle
There are three sizes of Bernedoodles
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