The Ultimate Guide to Bernedoodle Puppy Training: Expert Tips and Tricks

If you decide to own the lovable Bernedoodle breed, better to teach them tips and tricks at a young age. This allows you to enjoy the companionship of each other early on. Start your Bernedoodle puppy training from the moment you bring it home. Remember that each dog has its unique traits. No dog is the same. Same with us humans. Even identical twins have their unique characteristics which makes them different from each other. Thus, personalized training should be done under its owner’s lifestyle. Bernedoodle are loyal companion dogs that require moderate activity. Train them to complement your way of life. 

Bernedoodles are the cross-breed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Both parents are also excellent breeds - intelligent, friendly, and easy-to-train dogs. Just like other pets, no matter how smart they are, they would still require training and guidance.

As a pet owner, we collated this guide that would significantly benefit you. Once you’ve learned the ways how to train your pet on various tricks, it would be easier to take care of it. Imagine how wonderful would it be to have such an obedient and well-mannered dog right? Learn on! 

Understanding the Bernedoodle Breed

In any kind of relationship, there’s that ‘getting to know stage’ first. This is an important stage in honing a happy and meaningful relationship with your pet. How can you train something you can’t understand and you know nothing about right? The best way to jumpstart your Bernedoodle puppy training program is to research your puppy. 

  • Know things about your pet such as its line of breed

  • Understand its temperament and characteristics 

  • Research various training tips and tricks which you can apply to your pet 

  • Learn the ways how to stimulate their intelligence through training 

  • Familiarize yourself with the Dos and Don’ts of puppy training 

  • Set personal goals that you want to achieve at the end of the training

  • Schedule a timeline of your training plan to keep track of your progress 

Importance of Early Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

Ever heard the famous adage, ‘It’s difficult to teach old dogs new tricks.’ For some people, this might be true. Training old dogs requires a different set of tricks and a level of patience. Learning would only be different.

For example, you are trying to teach a puppy to fetch a ball for about an hour. You won’t be able to do this with an old dog. It won't have the stamina to learn how to fetch a ball for 60 minutes. But, you can still teach them less rigorous tricks such as shaking hands or retrieving their toys. 

Having to train the puppies at such a young age helps them develop that muscle and mental memory to be able to do the trick. It provides them with the strong foundation that they would be needing growing up. The young age of these puppies is a critical learning period. Their minds are like a sponge, always eager to learn. For those owning Bernedoodle, take advantage of their intelligence and willingness to be trained. 

Some research suggests that the learning stage for puppies is between 0 to 16 weeks old. It is the most crucial stage in their development. This is also considered the period where they learn to socialize with other canines. The first two weeks are when they still rely largely on their moms. 

Basic Obedience Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

One important thing to remember during Bernedoodle puppy training is to know when to praise them and give them treats and when not to. When it comes to basic obedience training, this is where these canines learn how to sit, stay, come, fetch, walk, and other simple instructions you tell them to. Believe us when we say that your life will be so much easier if your dogs learn how to follow basic obedience instructions.

Although Bernedoodles are known to be smart dogs, do not start training them with complex instructions. Start with simple ones that they can easily follow. Remember that consistency plays an important part in their learning. To make the training more fun for them, use positive reinforcement. Give them treats for a job well done. You can also pet them or praise them whenever they can follow your instructions. Make sure to repeat the command using different techniques such as changing environments, adding noises, or other forms of distractions. This will train them to follow instructions despite being in a tough environment. Patience is the key. Do not shout or scold your dogs if they fail to deliver what is expected. 


Crate Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

Crate training is important so that your pets feel that they have a safe space within your home. This could also be used when you are doing your Bernedoodle potty training. During the crate training, you can start by putting their favorite blankets or toys inside the crate. Watch carefully how they would react. Those items should encourage them to walk voluntarily inside the crates. Never force or push them to enter the crates. This will make them fearful of you and the crate and won’t be getting inside it. 

Once your pet has entered the crate, take short intervals leaving it close. You can slowly extend the duration over time. If you see your pet panicking right away, you can open the door. Repeat the process until your pet gets more comfortable leaving the door closed over a long period. If it's the first time closing the crate’s door, do not close it over a long period. This process should be done slowly and in progression to avoid anxiety and panic for your pets.

Remember, the crate should be used to help them potty train and should serve as a secure place for them. Do not use it as a form of punishment. You don’t want your pets to resent you and you don't want to deal with ill-mannered pets too. 

House Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

Taking a pet home is like having a roommate. But this roommate of yours is four-legged and could cause trouble and headache if not trained well. If you want to be living peacefully together with your furry friend, make sure to house trained it. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key for a successful Bernedoodle potty training journey. 

If you want to avoid cleaning up a ‘mess’ early in the morning, you need to establish a routine with your pet. Create a command to establish that it’s time for potty. You can use ‘potty time’ ‘go potty’ or just ‘potty’ to cue that it's time for that action.  

Socialization Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

Socialization is vital for dogs, especially for Bernedoodle who enjoy the company of other dogs. Through socialization class, these puppies learn to interact with otter dogs. This is integral in forming their behaviors. This is also helpful for getting them accustomed to dealing with different people, different environments. If you want a confident dog, you will have to let them interact with other animals. Even if it's not their first time interacting with people or other dogs, make sure to watch your pet carefully, they could experience anxiety or discomfort during socialization. 

Advanced Training for Bernedoodle Puppies

If your Bernedoodle can now follow simple instructions despite having distractions around, it’s time to level up the training.

This can include off-leash training, advanced commands, and even specialized training such as agility or therapy work.

Make sure that you enroll in a reputable training school where you can learn advanced training. This is where more complex and challenging tricks will be taught and can be learned by your pet.

Troubleshooting Common Training Challenges with Bernedoodle Puppies

If it’s your first time training a dog or a Bernedoodle to be exact, you can watch out for these common challenges that most trainers encounter with this breed. 

  1. Stubbornness. This breed can be stubborn at times. Asking it to follow your instruction could be challenging. Breathe in, be patient, and be creative with your training session. 

  2. Excessive barking. This breed can't bark excessively even if they are happy. Make sure to address this during your training. Understand what triggers them to consistently bark so you can address the issue. 

These are just some of the problems that you may have to deal with while training your pet. If you are having a hard time resolving them, do not hesitate to ask a professional trainer or breeder. They have years of experience in dealing with this breed. You may also seek the guidance of a vet. 

Tips for Successful Bernedoodle Puppy Training

If you want to be successful in your puppy training journey, follow these tips below. 

1. Begin training at an early age: The sooner you start the training, the earlier they can learn and follow your instructions. The better for both of you. 

2. Stay consistent: For the puppy to learn faster, be consistent in giving instructions. Established rules which are to be followed at all times.

3. Apply positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play to motivate to reward your Bernedoodle and make training fun for both of you. Never shout or hurt your pet, especially during times of stubbornness. 

4. Be patient: it takes time to learn. Humans also learn over time so be patient. 

5. Ask for professional help. If things are getting out of hand and you're finding it too difficult to handle, seek guidance from a professional. They will provide you with the knowledge to help you out. 

Recommended Resources for Bernedoodle Puppy Training

To better equip you with information on training your pets, here are some of the resources you can check. 

1. Books:

  • The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete

  • Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right" by Dr. Sophia Yin

2. Online Training Programs:

  • Brain Training for Dogs" by Adrienne Farricelli

  • Puppy Training: A Step-by-Step Guide" by Zak George

3. Local Dog Training Classes:

  • Check with your local pet stores, community centers, or dog training facilities for puppy training classes in your area.

You don’t have to choose all of them. You can start with one resource first and see if the information aligns with your goal and your way of life. You can slowly progress on the resources as your training progresses too.  

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WRAPPING UP

Training is not something that you should be afraid of. It is a special way of creating precious memories with your pet and developing that bond with your Bernedoodle. Embrace the challenge. Stay patient and enjoy your Bernedoodle puppy training journey. Once your pet has learned this technique, for sure you’ll be so proud of them and of yourself for such an accomplishment.