Giant breed · Popularity #22
Bernese Mountain Dog Training
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, good-natured Swiss farm dog known for its calm temperament and devotion to family. Gentle and eager to please, it trains readily with kind, reward-based methods, though its sensitivity means harsh corrections shut it down quickly. Because it grows into a very big dog, teaching leash manners and polite greetings early prevents a strong puller later. Berners mature slowly and stay playful for years. They tolerate cold happily but overheat in summer. Moderate daily exercise keeps them fit. Affectionate, patient, and steady, a well-socialized Bernese is a superb, gentle family companion.
Trainability
Energy
Barking
- daily exercise
- ~60 min
- size
- Giant
- guides
- 30
Temperament
Good-naturedCalmAffectionateGentle
Common training challenges
Leash pullingJumping (as pups)Slow maturitySensitivity
8 guides
Obedience
How to Leash Train a Bernese Mountain DogTeaching calm, polite walking without pulling on the leash.BeginnerHow to Train a Bernese Mountain Dog to Come When CalledA reliable recall is the most important safety skill you can teach.IntermediateHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog to SitThe foundational obedience cue every dog should learn first.BeginnerHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog to StayBuilding duration, distance, and distraction control with the stay cue.BeginnerHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog to Leave ItImpulse control around food, objects, and hazards.IntermediateHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog to HeelPrecision loose-leash walking in the heel position.IntermediateHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog to Lie DownThe down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control.BeginnerHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog the Place CommandSending your dog to a mat or bed and holding a relaxed stay.Intermediate
6 guides
Puppy
How to Potty Train a Bernese Mountain Dog PuppyA step-by-step house-training routine for reliable results.BeginnerHow to Crate Train a Bernese Mountain DogMaking the crate a safe, calm den your dog chooses willingly.BeginnerHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy From BitingCurbing nipping and teaching gentle bite inhibition.BeginnerHow to Socialize a Bernese Mountain Dog PuppyBuilding confidence during the critical socialization window.BeginnerHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy From Crying at NightSettling a new puppy for peaceful, uninterrupted nights.BeginnerThe Ideal Training Schedule for a Bernese Mountain Dog PuppyA daily routine balancing training, play, rest, and potty breaks.Beginner
10 guides
Behavior
How to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog From BarkingIdentifying triggers and reducing excessive or nuisance barking.IntermediateHow to Treat Separation Anxiety in a Bernese Mountain DogA gradual desensitization plan for dogs that panic when left alone.AdvancedHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog From Chewing EverythingManaging destructive chewing and teaching appropriate outlets.BeginnerHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog From Jumping on PeopleTeaching polite greetings instead of jumping up.BeginnerHow to Handle Aggression in a Bernese Mountain DogUnderstanding and safely managing aggressive behavior.AdvancedHow to Fix Leash Reactivity in a Bernese Mountain DogReducing lunging and barking at dogs or people on walks.AdvancedHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog From DiggingRedirecting the urge to dig into acceptable outlets.IntermediateHow to Stop Resource Guarding in a Bernese Mountain DogSafely resolving guarding of food, toys, and spaces.AdvancedHow to Help a Bernese Mountain Dog Overcome Fear of StrangersBuilding confidence in a shy or fearful dog around new people.AdvancedHow to Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog From Counter SurfingKeeping paws off counters and food off the menu.Intermediate
6 guides
Advanced
How to Train a Bernese Mountain Dog to Be Off LeashDeveloping the reliability needed for safe off-leash freedom.AdvancedHow to Clicker Train a Bernese Mountain DogUsing marker-based training for fast, precise communication.IntermediateHow to Teach a Bernese Mountain Dog TricksFun trick training from shake and roll over to advanced chains.IntermediateHow to Start Agility Training With a Bernese Mountain DogIntroducing your dog to agility equipment and courses.AdvancedHow to Prepare a Bernese Mountain Dog for the Canine Good Citizen TestPassing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, step by step.IntermediateAdvanced Obedience Training for a Bernese Mountain DogProofing advanced obedience under real-world distractions.Advanced