Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle, steady and affectionate, the Bernese Mountain Dog was developed on Swiss farms to pull carts and drive cattle. It is happiest close to its people.
Photo: FriendlyToaster · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Bred for
- Farm work in the Swiss Alps, including pulling carts
- Typical energy
- Moderate
- Size
- Large
Where to start
Usually motivated by praise, closeness and food. Use that in training and keep sessions short and rewarded.
First focus
Teach loose-leash walking while your puppy is still small, because adults are very strong.
Next
Use soft praise and food: they respond best to a gentle approach.
Daily habit
Practice calm greetings early, since a big, friendly dog can knock people over.
Breed notes describe tendencies in a group of dogs, not your dog. Every dog is an individual, and Dogify does not assess your dog. This is general training information and not a substitute for a qualified professional.
Chosen for the Bernese Mountain Dog
Loose-leash walking in five steps
Why dogs pull, and a five-step method that teaches yours to walk beside you without tugging.
How to stop your dog jumping up on guests
Why dogs jump to greet, and a kind, practical plan that rewards four paws on the floor from the first hello.
Puppy biting and mouthing: what to do instead
Why puppies use their teeth, what to do in the moment, and a simple plan that teaches a gentle mouth without scaring your dog.
