Training Tips for Your Bernedoodle Puppy

Jan 8, 2025

Training your Bernedoodle is essential to help them grow into a well-behaved, confident, and happy companion. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, Bernedoodles are relatively easy to train when approached with patience and consistency. Whether you’re starting with a puppy or working with an adult Bernedoodle, these tips will set you up for success.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through essential training techniques to make the most of your Bernedoodle’s potential.

Start Early with Your Bernedoodle Training

The earlier you start training your Bernedoodle, the better! Puppies are especially receptive to learning new behaviors, making it the perfect time to introduce basic commands and socialization.

Early socialization is just as important as obedience training. Introduce your Bernedoodle puppy to a variety of environments, people, and other pets. This helps them develop into a confident, well-rounded dog that can handle new situations with ease. All of our puppies being their socialization training at day three using ENS and continue their training until they go home with you! We encourage you to continue this training and look into resources to learn more. One of our favorite resources is Baxter and Bella!

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods for training a Bernedoodle. Reward yourdog with treats, praise, or affection whenever they demonstrate a desired behavior.

Avoid punishment-based training methods, as these can cause fear and anxiety, which may hinder your Bernedoodle’s learning process. Instead, focus on encouraging good behavior and redirecting unwanted actions.

Consistency is Key in Bernedoodle Training

Bernedoodles thrive on consistency, so ensure you and your family use the same commands and training methods.

Stick to the same verbal cues for commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
Keep a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and training sessions to establish a routine.

Consistency helps your Bernedoodle understand expectations and builds their confidence in responding correctly. See our potty training schedule here for more help!

Master the Basics First

Begin with basic commands that lay the foundation for more advanced training:

Sit: Encourage your dog to sit by holding a treat above their nose and moving it back over their head.
Stay: Once your Bernedoodle masters “sit,” teach them to hold the position with a “stay” command.
Come: Practice recall in a safe, enclosed area to build their response to this vital command.
Down: Guide them into a lying position with a treat while saying “down.”

Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your Bernedoodle’s focus.

Crate Training Your Bernedoodle

Crate training is a valuable tool for providing your Bernedoodle with a safe space and aiding in house training.

Start by making the crate a positive place with treats, toys, and comfortable bedding.
Gradually increase the time your Bernedoodle spends in the crate, ensuring they feel secure and calm.

Remember, the crate should never be used as punishment—it’s your dog’s retreat! We start training your puppy to get use to their crate before they go home with you! This makes it easier on you and them when it comes to feeling safe and loved in their new environments.

Leash Training for Enjoyable Walks

Teaching your Bernedoodle proper leash manners ensures pleasant walks for both of you.

Let your dog wear the leash indoors to get accustomed to it.
Practice walking on a loose leash by rewarding your Bernedoodle for staying beside you.
Avoid allowing them to pull, and stop walking when they do to teach them pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

House Training Your Bernedoodle

House training requires patience but is essential for a harmonious household.

Take your Bernedoodle outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
Use consistent potty commands like “go potty.”
Reward them immediately after they eliminate outside.

Accidents are normal, so stay patient and avoid punishment—it can confuse your dog.

Socialization for a Well-Adjusted Bernedoodle

Socialization is crucial for raising a friendly and confident Bernedoodle.

Introduce them to different sounds, surfaces, and people early on.
Arrange playdates with other dogs to encourage positive interactions.

The more positive experiences your Bernedoodle has, the more adaptable they’ll be to new situations.

Advanced Bernedoodle Training Options

Once your Bernedoodle has mastered basic obedience, challenge their intelligence with advanced training options:

Agility training: Great for physical and mental stimulation.
Therapy dog certification: If your Bernedoodle has a calm and friendly demeanor, this is a rewarding way to give back to your community.
Trick training: Fun for both you and your dog, teaching tricks can strengthen your bond and impress your friends!

When to Seek Professional Help

If you encounter challenges during training or notice behavioral issues, a professional dog trainer can provide personalized guidance. They’ll help address specific concerns and create a training plan tailored to your Bernedoodle.

Conclusion

Training your Bernedoodle is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond and sets them up for a happy, well-adjusted life. By starting early, using positive reinforcement, and maintaining consistency, you’ll build a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership with your Bernedoodle.

Whether you’re just starting out or need tips for advanced training, remember that every dog learns at their own pace. With love, patience, and dedication, your Bernedoodle will grow into a delightful and well-mannered companion.

Looking for more tips or have questions about Bernedoodle training? Let us know in the comments or reach out for personalized advice—we’d love to hear from you!

Categories: Bernedoodles, Training