How to Train Bernese Mountain Dogs

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog takes time, commitment, and plenty of patience. This breed is very large, so it's very important to give your dog proper training from puppyhood to make sure it is a good canine citizen and a pleasure to be around. Before you even get your Bernese Mountain Dog, you will want to make sure you have the time to care for it and train it. Your puppy or dog wants to please you, so your job is to train it to understand you and your directions.

Best Tips to Train a Bernese Mountain Dog or Puppy

  • Teach your dog what to do through positive reinforcement, like praise, petting, and rewarding them with treats.
  • Use simple commands like “stop” or “leave it” to halt bad behavior, then immediately follow up with a corrective action.
  • Keep your training session less than 5 minutes long, and practice 3-5 times a day until your dog learns commands, lease etiquette, and house and crate training.
Part 1
Part 1 of 6:

Understanding the Fundamentals

PDF download Download Article
  1. Never strike or yell at a puppy if it disobeys you. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be very mild-tempered and obedient, but like all dogs, will take some time to train. [1] Hitting it will only make the puppy fear you and confuse it — never strike your dog. If you are in the middle of a training session and it doesn't fully understand, do not become impatient and scold it. After all, the puppy or dog is only learning.
    • If you find that you are losing your patience, step away from the dog and try again later.
    • Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely affectionate and want to please — scolding or punishing may have an extremely detrimental effect on your Bernese. Focus on positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
  2. This could be with a tiny tasty treat or just praise as the dog develops. If the dog knows it gets a treat for good behavior, and bad behavior is ignored, then it is likely to reproduce the good behavior it was rewarded for. [2]
    • When you catch your dog or puppy chewing or destroying something it shouldn’t, remove either the dog or the object from the dog and distract it with something it can “destroy” or chew on, like a toy. Then praise it for chewing on the right thing — the toy.
    • Keep a bag of treats in a Ziploc bag in your pocket or in a “fanny” type bag at your waist. This means you will always have a treat handy. You never know when an opportunity to train will pop up during the day!
    Advertisement
  3. During the first few weeks of training a puppy’s attention span is short, usually less than five minutes. As your puppy gets older and starts to associate training times with pleasant interaction with you, the training time can be increased.
    • You will know the dog's attention span is increasing when the puppy focuses more on the training sessions than on wandering off and playing.
  4. You can teach your puppy commands from the moment it arrives home. Keep training sessions short (less than five minutes) and practice three to five times a day. [3]
    • Your Bernese Mountain Dog should be able to learn a variety of commands. Start with leash etiquette and commands that limit bad behavior, and move on to more specific commands.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 6:

Teaching Commands to Your Bernese

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's essential that you train your dog a command for when you want it to stop doing something. "Stop" or "leave it" are common commands — whichever you choose, make sure that you are consistent and that everyone in the household uses the same command. When you see your dog doing the unwanted behavior, first give the command, then immediately follow with action (taking away the item or moving your dog away from it). By giving the command first, then doing the corrective action, you will allow your dog to do what you want when it hears you say "leave it" and avoid an unpleasant consequence. [4]
  2. Puppies explore their environment by mouthing everything in sight. While these are natural behaviors for a puppy, you also don't want it to think it's okay to bite people or chew on your shoes. Your dog will not know what is appropriate for it to chew unless you teach it.
    • Keep anything you don't want your puppy to destroy up and out of its reach (this includes trash, books, shoes, remote controls, glasses, dirty underwear, etc.). Have plenty of toys for it to play with and chew on, but make sure they are not indistinguishable from household items (your dog will not know the difference between an old sock you offer it to play with and a new sock it is not supposed to chew).
    • Allow your puppy to mouth you, so long as it is gentle. When your puppy gives you a hard bite, give a high-pitched yelp, as though it's really hurt you, and let your hand go limp (don't jerk it away). Your dog should stop biting, at which point you should praise it for stopping. If it bites you hard again, repeat these steps. Do this no more than three times in a 15-minute time period. [5]
    • Give your dog a chew toy when it wants to chew on fingers.
    • If you find your puppy chewing on something it shouldn't be, take it away and give it a toy to chew instead. As you take the item away, say “leave it” and give it a toy to chew on. [6]
    • Do not punish your dog after the fact. If you find an item that your dog destroyed while you were away, don't wave it in it face while yelling at it. This won't teach it not to chew — it will not get the connection that you are angry about something it did two hours ago. Unless you catch it in the act, do not scold your dog. [7]
  3. Most dogs can learn this command quickly with little trouble. Start out by observing your dog — when you see that it is in the process of sitting on its own, say "sit" clearly and in a firm voice. [8] As soon as its butt touches the ground, praise it, pet it, and give it a treat. Do this every time you spy your dog about to sit. [9]
    • Another method is to stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand. Hold the treat centimeters above your dog's nose, then move the treat backward, over its head, leading its nose. It should follow the treat with its nose and should sit down as it does this. Again, as soon as its butt hits the floor, give it the treat and praise it. [10]
    • Once your dog has the motion down, say "sit" just before you begin to lead its nose back with the treat. [11]
  4. Puppies jump to your attention while playing. This may be cute when your Bernese is little, but they grow into huge dogs, and it may injure or scare people if it jumps when it is fully grown. Teach it not to jump when it is a puppy to avoid problems later on. If your dog has already mastered "sit," this can make teaching it not to jump a lot easier. When it's in a situation in which it is likely to jump — meeting a new person, for instance, tell it instead to sit and reward it with your attention. [12]
    • When you see your dog is going to jump up on you, turn your body away, deflecting it, avoiding eye contact, and saying nothing. It will get the message that, when it jumps on you, it gets no reward or attention. Once it stops jumping and calms down, praise it with lots of petting, attention, and scratching. [13]
  5. Once your Bernese knows how to sit, you can teach it the "down" command. Ask your dog to sit, then hold the treat in front of its nose. Lower the treat to the ground — it should follow with its nose, lowering its body; you can praise it as it moves toward the down position. When its belly touches the ground and it is lying down, reward it with the treat and more praise. Once it is familiar with the movement, add the verbal command. "Down," "lay," or "drop" are common commands. Say it just before you begin bringing the treat down. [14]
    • Eventually, with practice, your dog will make the association between the action and the word "down."
  6. This can be a difficult command to train, as your dog will naturally want to follow you around. Teach this command to your dog once it has learned to sit and lie down. Begin teaching your dog to stay when it is calm (try after a walk), in a familiar environment, and with few distractions. Keep these sessions short at first, as it will be a challenge for it to stay in the beginning.
    • Stand in front of your dog and ask it to sit or lie down. If it remains in the position for a few seconds, quickly reward it with a treat. This signals that it is released from the position and may do something else.
    • Repeat the process and wait a few seconds longer before rewarding your dog. If it breaks the stay before you have released it (by rewarding it with the treat), say "ah-ah!" And start over.
    • Add the verbal command. When your dog is sitting or lying down, say "stay" and put one hand out like a stop sign. Wait a few seconds, then reward it with the treat. Gradually increase the length of the stay. Do this slowly, and don't make these training sessions too long or your dog may get frustrated.
    • When your dog seems to be grasping stay, you'll need to complicate things a bit more. Because you want it to stay in position even when you are out of sight (if you ask it to sit and stay while you go in a store, for instance), begin taking a few steps back from your dog after commanding it to stay. If it breaks the stay, it does not get the treat.
    • Some argue that this is not a necessary command — your dog should know that when you tell it to sit or stay, it should remain in that position until you release it.
  7. The stay command is an important command for your dog's safety — it can stop it from dashing into a busy street or another dangerous situation. Never let your dog off the leash outside (in an unfenced area) until it knows the "come" and "stay" commands and does them consistently. [15] To practice this command, leash your dog and have some treats handy.
    • Holding the end of the leash, say "come" in a very welcoming voice, then quickly take a few steps backward. Continue to back up until your dog reaches you. Reward it by saying "Yes!," and then give it a treat. You can also practice this off-leash. Crouch or kneel and call your dog over to you throughout the day, rewarding it greatly when it comes to you.
    • Never punish your dog when it comes to you. This could mean giving it a bath or shouting at it for not coming when you called, or even just ending its fun by snapping its leash back on every single time it obeys. Coming to you when you call needs to be the most appealing option your dog knows — more appealing than chasing that rabbit or running across the street to say hi to the neighbor. [16]
    • Your dog must understand that it must come every single time you call it. When you are training, don't put it in a situation in which you know it won't obey you and then try the come command. [17]
    8. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 6:

Leash Training Your Bernese

PDF download Download Article
  1. Teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog proper leash etiquette is very important — a big dog like a Bernese could easily drag you down the street if it isn't trained. Start out by letting it get comfortable with its collar. Put it on when it's likely to be distracted, like when it's playing or eating food. [18]
    • If it tries to scratch it off or remove the collar, do not allow it to do so. Do not remove the collar until it's forgotten about it. [19]
    • Once your Bernese is used to wearing its collar, clip on a lightweight leash. Don't try to lead it or do anything with it — let it just drag it around the house (under your supervision) and sniff it. [20]
  2. Once your dog feels comfortable with its collar and leash, take the leash and begin walking around the house with it. If it walks beside you and/or lets the leash be loose or slack, give lots of praise, pats, and treats. If it begins to pull, stop in your tracks. Do not pull it back to you and do not proceed — allow it to come back to you. When the leash is loose again, praise it and begin walking again. [21]
    • Never allow your puppy to pull you on the leash, as this teaches it that this is acceptable. By stopping the walk, it learns that pulling and straining will get it nowhere. If it wants to walk, it must do so without pulling. [22]
    • If your puppy does the opposite and sits down, do not yank on the leash to get it to keep moving. Instead, call it over to you, offering treats and rewards when it comes. [23]
    3. Advertisement


Part 4
Part 4 of 6:

Potty Training Your Bernese

PDF download Download Article
  1. Potty training, or house training, starts the moment your Bernese Mountain Dog sets foot in your house. When you first arrive at your home, let it sniff around the yard until it goes to the bathroom. [24]
    • When the dog does urinate or defecate, give it lots of praise so it associates going to the bathroom outside with being praised.
  2. Take your puppy outside regularly. Puppies, in particular, need to go to the bathroom quite frequently. They will not always give you a clear sign that they need to relieve themselves, so taking the dog outside regularly will give the dog the chance to go to the bathroom when it needs to. [25]
    • If you can really set a routine, your dog's digestive system will get used to the schedule and it will go to the bathroom like clockwork.
  3. Have it go to the bathroom in one specific spot every time. This will solidify the fact that the dog needs to go to the bathroom outside if it has one spot that is its own spot.
  4. When you’re inside your house with your puppy, watch it carefully for signs that it needs to go potty. Panting, pacing, sniffing around, or barking are all signs it needs to go outside to potty.
    • Immediately rush your puppy outside and let it go to the bathroom. When it does, lavish it with praise as soon as it relieves itself.
  5. If you fail to catch the dog's signal, and a potty accident occurs, don’t scold or hit the dog—it won't make the association that you are angry because it went to the bathroom in the wrong place. Instead, quietly clean up the mess and try again.
    • Scolding the dog will only make the dog fearful and secretive when it goes to the bathroom. Your dog will go to the bathroom in places that are hard to spot.
    6. Advertisement
Part 5
Part 5 of 6:

Crate Training Your Bernese

PDF download Download Article
  1. You will need to confine your puppy to a small space (bathroom, mud room, laundry room) with an easily cleaned floor if you can’t be with it or when it isn’t under your constant eyesight. Crate or kennel training your puppy is one of the best ways to potty train a dog. As an added bonus, it also gives the puppy a safe retreat when it needs a break from life in general.
  2. You will need to purchase a crate that is appropriately sized to fit the size your dog will be as an adult. [26] Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, so you will need to purchase a large crate. A crate that is about 60"x36" or 72"x36" should be large enough for your dog. If your Bernese is hunched over or can't turn around comfortably in the crate, then you need to buy a bigger crate for it..
  3. The dog should have access to the crate at all times, as the goal is to make it a place the dog goes to when it needs a break. Put the crate in your living room or kitchen with the door open and a crate pad or a blanket inside.
  4. Encourage the puppy to go into the crate on its own by tossing a treat or toy inside. Do this throughout the day for a few days, always leaving the door open. Once it is comfortable inside the crate, close the door after it goes in. Allow it to come out of the crate only after it has been quiet for 10 minutes — do not let it out if it is whining or pawing at the door.
    • Increase the amount of time the puppy spends in the crate until it can stay quietly in the crate for up to two hours. When it is older than four months, it can stay in the crate for up to four hours.
    • Never leave your dog in a crate for longer than four hours (or two hours if it is under four months old).
    • Never use the crate as punishment. The crate is meant to be your puppy's safe haven, not somewhere it goes when it's been bad.
    5. Advertisement
Part 6
Part 6 of 6:

Socializing Your Bernese

PDF download Download Article
  1. Dog socialization means learning to be a part of human and dog society in a healthy manner. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be a little aloof, so socializing in the first year of life is especially important. While it’s an important part of any puppy’s training, for a giant breed of dog it’s imperative.
    • Begin by introducing the dog to normal household noises and activity in a non-threatening manner. Don’t tease your puppy by chasing it with a broom or vacuum. This will only make it fear these things and maybe even you. [27]
  2. Take your puppy for car rides to get it used to riding in vehicles and to introduce them to street sights and sounds through the windows. Dog parks (with your puppy safely leashed) are another good way to interact with other dogs and humans.
    • Puppies can be brought to these places after they have had their first two distemper vaccines. Do not let your puppy off leash unless you are certain it will get along with other dogs and humans. [28]
  3. One of the most productive ways to introduce a puppy to other puppies, humans, and normal sights and sounds is to take them to puppy socialization or obedience classes (for older dogs). These classes are held by community education, 4-H clubs, or pet shops and give the dogs and owners a safe place to learn together.
    • Look through your local newspaper or online to find classes near you. Your veterinarian’s office may also know of any classes available. [29]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can Bernese Mountain Dogs live outside?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Bernese Mountain Dogs originate in the snowy Swiss Alps. You would think this equips them for life outdoors. However, few modern dogs have seen the Alps and may not be naturally attuned to outdoor life. With care, you could acclimatize this breed to living outside, but they may struggle in extreme heat or cold.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Are Bernese Mountain Dogs easy to train?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Originally a working breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog is moderately easy to train. However, they do need a knowledgeable owner who is familiar with reward-based training methods, and who can give them plenty of time and attention.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Train a Belgian Malinois
      The 12 Zodiac Signs as Dog Breeds: Which Is Your Perfect Match?
      How to
      Groom a Goldendoodle
      When & How Much to Feed an American Bully Puppy
      An Easy Guide to Grooming a Goldendoodle Face
      How to
      Groom a Miniature Schnauzer
      How to
      Groom a Maltipoo
      How to
      Groom an Australian Shepherd
      How to
      Train a Bichon Frise
      12 Tips for Training Your Australian Shepherd
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/care/
      2. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/18/the-science-behind-giving-dogs-treats-positive-reinforcement/
      3. ↑ https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/training-tips-for-dogs
      4. ↑ https://www.training-your-dog-and-you.com/no-command.html
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
      6. ↑ Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Edited by Julie Shaw and Debbie Martin. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2015
      7. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/stop-your-dogs-chewing
      8. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-your-dog-to-sit.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-your-dog-to-sit.html
      1. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-your-dog-to-sit.html
      2. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-your-dog-to-sit.html
      3. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/jumping-up.html
      4. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/jumping-up.html
      5. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      6. ↑ Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Procedures and Protocols. Volume 3. Steven R. Lindsay. Blackwell Publishing. 2005
      7. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/dog-training-come.html
      8. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/dog-training-come.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      11. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      13. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      14. ↑ https://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html
      15. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/housebreaking-issues/housebreaking
      16. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/housebreaking-issues/housebreaking
      17. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
      18. ↑ Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult. Lowell Ackerman. John Wiley & Sons. 2006
      19. ↑ Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult. Lowell Ackerman. John Wiley & Sons. 2006
      20. ↑ Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult. Lowell Ackerman. John Wiley & Sons. 2006

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To train a Bernese Mountain Dog, work with it in short, 5 minute training sessions before gradually increasing the time you spend teaching it commands. In the beginning, try to keep a few treats in your pocket so that you can reward your dog when it does something good. If it does something naughty, like chewing on furniture or jumping up on you, say “Stop,” firmly and remove it from the situation. You should avoid yelling at your dog so that it doesn't become afraid of you. For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to crate train your Bernese Mountain Dog, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 102,115 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement