Being around Bernedoodles is an absolute joy. They’re also really easy to train! How do you get started with training the Bernedoodle, though? You might be tempted to hire a professional trainer, but you can actually train your dog yourself, too!
In this article, you’ll learn how to train a Bernedoodle. We’ve shared various techniques, which will help strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
Training a Bernedoodle, a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, requires a combination of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Due to their intelligence and desire to please, Bernedoodles are generally responsive to training, making it an enjoyable experience for both the owner and the dog.
How To Train A Bernedoodle?
Start training early in a Bernedoodle’s life to establish good behaviors and prevent unwanted habits from forming. Socialization is key, exposing your Bernedoodle to various environments, people, and other animals to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and friendly.
Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come are fundamental and can be taught using treats, praise, and consistent repetition. Bernedoodles also benefit from leash training to promote good behavior during walks. Since they are a larger breed, it’s crucial to discourage jumping from an early age.
Positive reinforcement techniques work well, rewarding the dog for keeping all four paws on the ground. Bernedoodles are known for their affectionate nature, and training should incorporate bonding activities to strengthen the human-dog relationship.
Crate training can be useful for both potty training and providing a safe space for the dog. Consistency in routine and positive reinforcement will help solidify training, ensuring a well-behaved and happy Bernedoodle companion. Regular mental stimulation, interactive play, and ongoing positive reinforcement throughout their life contribute to a well-adjusted and obedient Bernedoodle.
Can I Train My Dog on My Own?
Yes, you can absolutely train your dog on your own! Many online resources and training programs are designed exactly around this topic, providing you with all the guidance you’ll need to get your pup trained in no time.
There’s also the advantage of getting to spend quality time with your dog as you train it instead of having a trainer do all the work for you. If you’re still skeptical, you can follow these steps to get started with training any type of dog:
- Pick the Right Training Material: Find a training program that matches your dog’s type and needs.
- Be Consistent: Stick to the training method and practice regularly with your doggy.
- Be Patient and Kind: Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage your dog’s good behavior, and it would help to not be mean throughout this period.
- Know Your Dog’s Needs: Understand your dog’s personality and what they require for training.
- Start with Basic Commands: Teach simple things like sitting and staying before doing harder stuff.
- Let Your Dog Meet Others: Help your dog get along with other dogs and people, possibly at a dog park.
- Ask for Help: If things are tough, it’s okay to get help from a professional dog trainer. There’s definitely advantages to this approach, which we’ve discussed further below.
- Stay Calm: Training takes time, so be patient and don’t get mad.
- Short Lessons: Dogs can’t focus for long, so keep lessons short and do them often.
These steps will get you started, but we highly recommend that you get a personalized training plan online or follow along a YouTube tutorial if possible.
How Can I Train My Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles are known to be super intelligent and really friendly, so you’re in luck when it comes to training them! When it comes to training your Bernedoodle, you have two options: Train it yourself or pay a professional trainer to do it for you.
Note that if you’re training your Bernedoodle to become a therapy dog, you’ll want to focus on helping them be sociable, calm, and very well-behaved overall.
Training Your Bernedoodle on Your Own
- Begin with Basic Commands: Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down. These are essential for your dog’s safety and obedience.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Bernedoodle with treats, praise, and affection when they follow your commands correctly. Positive reinforcement motivates them to repeat good behavior.
- Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your commands and rewards. Use the same words for each command and maintain a predictable routine.
- Basic Training: If it’s leash training you want to do, for instance, then you’ll want to use treats and gentle corrections to guide them.
- Advanced Training: Once your dog masters basic commands, you can move on to more advanced training, such as tricks, agility, or obedience competitions.
Seeking a Professional Trainer to Train Your Bernedoodle
- Research Local Dog Trainers: Start by researching dog trainers in your local area. You can do this by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian. You can also search online or check with local pet stores or dog clubs for referrals.
- Visit Training Facilities or Attend Classes: If possible, visit the training facilities or attend a class to observe the trainer’s methods and interact with other clients. The classes can even be online if you go for a remote training program!
- Ask About Training Methods: Ensure that the trainer uses positive reinforcement-based methods, which are generally considered more effective than others.
- Be Patient and Positive: Just like before, you’ll need to remember that training can take a while with your doggy and you’ll have to wait to see the results.
Start Training Your Bernedoodle!
Training a Bernedoodle, like any other dog, involves a combination of positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. Bernedoodles are known for being intelligent and eager to please, which can make training an enjoyable experience. Here are some general tips for training a Bernedoodle:
- Start Early:
- Begin training as early as possible. Puppies are more receptive to learning new commands and behaviors at a young age.
- Positive Reinforcement:
- Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior. This helps your Bernedoodle associate positive experiences with following commands.
- Basic Commands:
- Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and lie down. These commands form the foundation for more advanced training.
- Socialization:
- Expose your Bernedoodle to various people, places, and situations from a young age. This helps prevent fear or aggression in different environments.
- Consistency:
- Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Use the same cues for specific behaviors, and ensure that all family members are on the same page with training.
- Patience:
- Bernedoodles may be a bit stubborn at times, so it’s important to be patient. Avoid becoming frustrated and remain calm during training sessions.
- Leash Training:
- Teach your Bernedoodle to walk nicely on a leash. This is important for both the dog’s safety and your enjoyment during walks.
- Obedience Classes:
- Consider enrolling your Bernedoodle in obedience classes. These classes provide structured training in a social setting and can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
- Interactive Play:
- Use interactive play as a reward for good behavior. Bernedoodles are often playful, and incorporating play into training sessions can make it more engaging for them.
- Avoid Negative Reinforcement:
- Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, as it can lead to fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on redirecting unwanted behaviors and rewarding positive ones.
- Training Sessions:
- Keep training sessions short and enjoyable. A few short, focused sessions per day are often more effective than one long session.
- Health and Exercise:
- Ensure that your Bernedoodle gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is often more receptive to training.
Remember that every dog is unique, and training methods may need to be adjusted based on your Bernedoodle’s personality and temperament. If you encounter challenges, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer for personalized guidance.
With that, you’re all set to train your Bernedoodle! These dogs are fairly easy to train and you can do it on your own. If, however, you feel you don’t have the time or the energy, you can hire a professional trainer.
Whichever option you choose, remember to be patient and understanding of your dog’s learning pace. It’s only with dedication and love that you’ll be able to build a strong and lasting bond with your Bernedoodle.