Training a bernedoodle puppy requires time, patience, and positivity. Read on to learn a few tips on how to make training go smoother for you and your pup!
The Challenge of Bernedoodle Training
Bernedoodles are adorable, goofy, intelligent dogs that make a great addition to any family. But while they are intelligent and highly trainable thanks to traits from the poodle side of them, training a bernedoodle puppy isn’t without some challenges. Namely, they have a tendency to take on some stubbornness from the Bernese mountain dog side of them.
A more stubborn puppy may push boundaries to see what it can get away with before receiving correction from its owners. For families not familiar with training puppies, a stubborn puppy can be a bit of a challenge, and working with a professional trainer may be the best route for you.
Top Tips
Ready to tackle training your bernedoodle puppy? Here are some top tips to help training be successful.
Be Consistent
When it comes to training a puppy, consistency is key. Dogs thrive on routine and uniform instruction, and keeping training consistent is the key to their success.
And we don’t just mean being consistent in daily training sessions. It’s important to be consistent in your language and actions as well. If you are using the phrase “sit” and your husband is using the term “sit down,” your pup doesn’t know they mean the same thing, and it can be confusing for them. As a family, you have to agree on phrases to use for commands so training can stay consistent and your bernedoodle puppy can learn better. The best verbal cues for dogs are short, clear words that you can say quickly when needed (in whatever language you choose to train).
Also, be sure that whatever boundaries you set with your puppy are being upheld consistently. If you don’t want your dog on the furniture, you shouldn’t let them up – even if you want a snuggle.
Use Positive Reinforcement
The best way to train a bernedoodle puppy is to use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcements are the act of rewarding your puppy for good behavior instead of punishing him for bad ones. For example, if you’re teaching your pup a recall command and they come when called, it’s best to give him treats to let them know he did a good job. This strategy not only helps the pup to associate training sessions as happy times, but it also allows them to create a stronger bond with you.
Don’t Overwork Them
For puppies, training can sometimes be difficult to wrap their head around. So while continuous training is important, it’s necessary to keep each session short. Overworking your dog will result in them feeling too tired to obey the commands they’ve learned. To avoid burnout, teach consistently but gradually.
For example, if you are teaching your puppy to sit, make sure you only make a few repetitions in one go. Too many, and your dog could get fed up and resist the training.
When in Doubt – Consult a Professional
If you’re feeling unsure about training your bernedoodle puppy on your own, connect with a professional who can give you puppy training tips and help. You don’t have to work one-on-one with a trainer either – group classes are a great idea. Not only will you and your puppy learn from a professional, but it will give them an opportunity to socialize with other dogs.
Need a puppy school recommendation? We recommend Baxter & Bella’s online puppy school on top of group classes to help you achieve better animal ownership and the best canine companionship. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible behaviors and manners too.
Have Fun and Be Patient
Whether you take on training your bernedoodle puppy on your own or with the help of a professional, the most important thing to keep in mind while training your furry friend is to be patient and positive. For your puppy, there’s so much change and new things to learn every day, it can make remembering everything she’s learned a little difficult. And while bernedoodles are amazing dogs, no puppy is perfect. Making mistakes happens. Being calm and encouraging while your pup is learning is just as important as reinforcing the rules she’ll eventually master.
And have fun! This is a fun bonding experience for you both. If either of you isn’t enjoying the training session, take a break and pick it up the next day.
Ready to Get Your Bernedoodle Puppy?
With the right blend of consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience, you can train your bernedoodle puppy to be the best companion dog there is!
If your family is ready to add a new best friend, Alpine Bernedoodles is ready to help you. We are located in the beautiful town of Montrose, Colorado, and it is our passion to produce exceptional quality bernedoodles. Our bernedoodles are bred with responsibility and integrity to be cherished family companions. Every puppy is raised with attention to physical and mental health and nurtured with love and care. Thank you for your interest in our puppies!
