Training my Bernese Mountain Dog is a much different experience than what I've had before. I'm usually the one who helps my family or people I know train their dogs. So I can say that while it's not my job I am also not completely inexperienced. However, I've always been in situations with breeds that require very strict training or breeds that don't require much at all. I don't think I understood the advice I got on my puppy until I really started working with him.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are stubborn and do not react well to typical punishment methods. Further, while having surpassed milestones in socialization, travel and relaxing at home he is behind on biting, potty training and begging. Now, he is a puppy so of course I do not expect perfection. Especially, since Bernese Mountain Dogs actually don't get full bladder control until 6 months. Considering how big he's going to get I do need to make sure though I am on top of his training.
What I've noticed that seems effective are:
- Praising As Much As Possible Correct Behavior
- Spacing Out His Food Through Out The Day Vs. Standard Meals
- Having His Normal Food As Treats On Hand
- Trying To Keep A Schedule As Much As Possible
- Keeping Training Periods Short
- Taking More Breaks In-Between Work To Just Give Him A Minute Of Attention
- Cleaning Up Any Messes Or Mistakes IMMEDIATELY
- Distract, Distract, DISTRACT
I admit. The distract and redirect part of his training has been the hardest for me. It tests my patience to continuously fight the urge to scold and just change his focus to another toy to praise him. It's the biggest part of training a Bernese Mountain Dog that I feel is different and specific to them.
I've come to understand that you really need to have patience and love for your Bernese to train them. However, if you are able to provide that I have seen a loyal and affectionate puppy begin to grow. He wants to be my best friend and I don't want to say no to being his.
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