Puppy Basics: Nurturing Your Bernese Mountain Dog's Early Days

Known for their gentle disposition, tricolor coats, and majestic stature, Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD) are a beloved breed . Their undeniable charm is matched with a diligent work ethic and loyalty, typical of their Alpine herding and drafting heritage. Training a BMD puppy at the right age ensures they grow into well-rounded, obedient, and friendly adults. This article will guide you on the perfect age to commence training, potential behavioral issues from neglecting early training , and the benefits of online dog training for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Deciding on the Best Age to Initiate Training for a Bernese Mountain Dog 1. The Golden Window: Starting from 7-8 weeks of age is generally advised for training Bernese Mountain Dog puppies . This stage is when they are most impressionable and capable of grasping basic commands and foundational behaviors. 2. Socialization: The window from 3 to 14 weeks is considered the socialization period. During this time, exposing your BMD to varied ...

Have you ever come across the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog? Known not just for their stunning appearance but also for their gentle nature and incredible work ethic, there’s a depth to Berners that many aren’t aware of. Imagine having a loyal companion with a rich history, fascinating traits, and unique needs. Understanding their background, health considerations, and care requirements can create a lasting bond. Before making the decision to bring this wonderful breed into your life, dive in to uncover all there is to know about the Bernese Mountain Dog . Table of Contents     At a Glance     Overview of the Bernese Mountain Dog     Bernese Mountain Dog Breed History     Appearance     Temperament     Training and Exercise Needs     Groom Requirements         Dental Hygiene     How Much Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Cost?     Bernese Mountain Dogs Health       ...

Bounding through snowy Swiss Alps, one can imagine a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy having the time of their lives in a cooler climate. With a beautiful dark coat and distinctive facial markings, these mountain dogs were historically seen on the pastures of Switzerland, helping farmers tend to their cattle.  Historically, these large dogs made their keep by guarding farms against predators, herding cattle, and famously pulling carts many times their own weight. In the agricultural region of Berne, Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs helped farmers with the two main exports of that region: chocolate and cheese.  Dipping in popularity in the late 1800s, Professor Albert Heim created a Swiss breed dog club in 1907, and soon enough Bernese Mountain Dogs made their way to America to become an instant hit. In 1937, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered this dog breed, and they’re now popular in many types of households around the US and beyond. Berners have a sweet and affectionate ...

 Introduction Temperament and Personality Traits Health and Care Training and Obedience Activity Needs Living Conditions Breeding and Reproduction Conclusion     Introduction to Bernese Mountain Dog   The Bernese Mountain Dog is a remarkable breed that has captured the hearts of many dog enthusiasts. With its striking appearance and gentle nature, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved companion and working dog. This article will provide an overview of the breed, including its physical characteristics, history, and origins.   Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and robust dogs known for their impressive physical attributes. They have a muscular body, a broad chest, and a strong build. With a characteristic tri-color coat of black, white, and rust, Bernese Mountain Dogs are easily recognizable. Their friendly and gentle expression adds to their charm, making them a striking and appealing breed. This breed is known for its calm and intelligent temperament, making it an...

Raising puppies is a labor of love, and we do so with the goal of producing puppies that we’d want to have living in our homes, on our couches, on our beds, and embedded into our hearts. Our litters are born in my home office, and they get to attend conference calls on a regular basis. We are equipped with state of the art neonatal care equipment to ensure that we are able to manage surprises. Visit our other training articles here:     House Training     Separation Anxiety     The Off Switch     See some of our families here. We use the Puppy Culture protocol to teach puppies to regulate their own emotions, recover quickly after startling, enter new situations with confidence, communicate with their owners, and learn how to learn. These are key qualities that put our puppies in the best position possible for service work, performance sports, and great family pets. While the first 8 weeks of life with us do not dictate the final outcome as adults...

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog to be obedient requires patience and dedication, but it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Therefore, it is important to establish a strong and respectful bond with your dog and use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. In this article, we will discuss 12 secrets for teaching a Bernese Mountain Dog obedience, including tips on training methods, exercise, and socialization to help your dog become a well-behaved member of your family. ⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you on your way, they are not a substitute for a professional puppy training course. Consider researching an online training program (we like SpiritDog’s Perfect Obedience course and K9 Institute’s Masterclass) 1. Start Your Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Early One of the most important secrets to successful puppy training is to ...

Caring for Your Faithful Companion Bernese Mountain Dogs: What a Unique Breed! Your dog is special! She’s your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. Chances are that you chose her because you like Berners and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle:     An excellent family dog that loves human companionship     Good with children and other pets     Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable     Loyal and loving companion     Good watchdog with a loud bark     Intelligent and easy to train However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics:     Sheds quite a bit and needs to be brushed regularly     Prone to a number of health problems     Needs regular exercise to prevent chewing, digging, and other problems stemming from boredom     Sensitive, matures slowly     Standoffish toward strangers     Doe...

Large and sturdy, Bernese Mountain Dogs are as beautiful as they are affectionate. Berners, as they’re also called, live to please their owners. Their intelligence and gentle temperament make them easy to train. But Berners can be sensitive to harsh correction and don’t do well with being left alone. That’s why it’s important to consider specific training and milestones so you can best cater to their needs. For advice, we talked to Julie Jackson, the owner of RavenRidge Bernese Mountain Dog with over 20 years of experience breeding and raising Bernese Mountain Dogs. Jackson is a member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and is active in obedience, agility, and confirmation. Key Milestones: 3-12 weeks Puppies need to be eight weeks old before going to their new home. However, there are a few things you can do to get you and your home ready for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy before they arrive. 1. Preparing for a Puppy Research the breed by talking to breeders and owners and atten...

 A common question new Berner owners ask: "Is my puppy the 'right' size for how old he/she is? The answer is: size of adult Berners varies; so naturally the size of Berner pups at any given point in their development will vary. If your puppy looks smaller or larger, is taller or shorter, has heavier or lighter bones or a slighter or bulkier build, a longer or shorter coat than a Berner puppy of the same age you met somewhere - DON'T WORRY. Focus on keeping your puppy happy, healthy, work on training and on providing a nurturing, supportive environment. Your pup will grow up. Genes your pup inherited from his mother and father and ancestors control how your dog will look as an adult. Make the most of the genetic potential your pup inherited. Provide your pup with adequate nutrition and physical conditioning (exercise) during development. This photo shows the same Berner as a young adult and a mature adult. Bernese are SLOW MATURING DOGS. Most Berners do not reach their ...