Grooming
Since the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, double coat, you’ll spend lots of time bonding with your dog as you maintain it. It’s important to brush your pup three to four times a week to keep tangles and shedding manageable.
Like many double-coated dog breeds, Berners undergo “coat blowing” when the seasons change (spring and fall). They shed their undercoat in thick tufts of fur as the weather turns warmer, then they shed their lighter coat to make room for a thick, winter coat when the temps start to cool. During these seasons, you’ll find yourself brushing your Berner multiple times a day. (So much shedding!)
Berners are really good at staying clean. They only need to bathed every couple of months, depending on their activities. They need their nails trimmed regularly like any other dog. You’ll know it’s time when you hear their nails tapping on hard surfaces.
Brush your pup’s teeth daily. Your veterinarian can help teach you the best tooth-brushing techniques for your dog. Also, don’t forget to have your vet professionally clean your Berner’s teeth once a year.
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Training
Start socializing your Bernese Mountain Dog as a puppy, even if you don’t have children or smaller pets. An adult Bernese dog can grow to be a powerful 100 pounds or more, so socialization is key. They aren’t really prone to biting, but like any dog, they’ll do better in unfamiliar situations if they’re trained early as a young Bernese puppy.
Since Berners have a high degree of intelligence and are eager to please, they thrive with positive reinforcement training, such as clicker training. Because they can grow so big, it’s a good idea to start teaching them when they’re young that they can earn a treat when they do things you like. Berners are smart enough to learn almost anything you want to teach them, and they won’t get bored easily with routine. If you want help training your pup, find a certified trainer in your area who uses positive reinforcement to help you.
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Diet
Focus on providing a food that’s appropriate for your Berner’s life stage and activity level. They typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food. To be sure it’s nutritionally balanced, look on the label for a statement that says it meets AAFCO standards. (They set the nutrition standards for pet food.)
Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your Berner. Don’t forget to calculate treats into your pup’s daily meal plan—they count, too! Consult your vet for specific recommendations; they know your dog’s unique, individual needs best.
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Exercise
The Bernese Mountain Dog craves activities that provide both mental and physical exercise. So, take your pup on at least one 30- to 60-minute walk every day, which gives your Berner a chance to sniff and explore the world around them.
They have moderate energy levels, so you can’t keep them cooped up all day and expect to meet their exercise needs. When they get outside, they prefer to do their “workouts” with you, their exercise buddy. So make sure your wellness routine includes time exercising with your fluffy workout partner.
Berners love dog sports, structured games and other challenging activities. Consider getting your Berner involved in obedience trials, scent work or agility. Since they historically pulled carts for farmers, they’ll love carting or drafting exercises too. Just check with your veterinarian first to make sure they’re healthy and ready to join in the new activities you’re considering.
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Environment
Bernese dogs are best-suited for cold climates and absolutely adore playing in the snow. They can, however, adapt to warmer environments as long as they have access to lots of air conditioning. So, in the hotter months, schedule outdoor time in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
They’ll love playing with you in a big yard, but they don’t need huge acreage to be happy. If you’re in a small apartment, make sure you take your Berner for a long walk and adventures every day.
Berners do quite well in households with pets or children, although Bernese puppies and dogs younger than 4 years old might need supervision around kids or cats; it takes them some time before they realize their own strength. But, overall, a well-socialized Berner is sweet with their family, thriving in active homes where they’ll find plenty of outlets for their energy and inquisitive mind.
What Berners crave the most is love, attention and playtime with their family. Give them exercise and lots of love every day, and they’ll be happy.
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