Are Bernedoodles Good With Kids?

Feb 17, 2025

Bernedoodles,aka fluffy bundles of joy, have skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Their adorable looks and gentle demeanor make them a tempting addition to any family. But a big question often arises: are Bernedoodles good with kids? Let’s delve into the details.

The Bernedoodle Temperament:

Generally, Bernedoodles are known for their:

  • Affectionate Nature: They crave human interaction and form strong bonds with their families, includingchildren.
  • Gentle Disposition: They tend to be patient and tolerant, making them well-suited for interacting with kids.
  • Playful Energy: They enjoy playtime and can keep up with active children, providing hours of fun.
  • Intelligence and Trainability: They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training, which is crucial for a family dog.

These traits, stemming from their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle heritage, create a strong foundation for a family-friendly dog.

Factors That Influence Kid-Friendly Behavior:

While Bernedoodles generally possess kid-friendly traits, several factors can influence their behavior:

  • Socialization: Early and consistent socialization is paramount. Exposing puppies to various people, including children of different ages, helps them develop appropriate social skills. We start the socialization process with our Bernedoodle puppies at day three and continue that process until the day they leave for their forever homes.
  • Training: Proper training establishes boundaries and teaches the dog how to behave around children. Basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” are essential. Need some extra help with training? Check out our friends at Baxter and Bella!
  • Temperament of the Individual Dog: Just like people, dogs have individual personalities. Some Bernedoodles may be more energetic or sensitive than others.
  • Children’s Behavior: Children must be taught how to interact respectfully with dogs. Rough play, teasing, or pulling on ears or tails can provoke even the most patient dog.
  • Age of the Child: interactions with toddlers should be heavily supervised, due to the risk of unintentional injury to both the child, and the dog. Older children are better able to understand how to behave around dogs.
Tips for a Harmonious Family Life:

To ensure a positive relationship between your Bernedoodle and your children:

  • Supervise Interactions: Especially with young children, always supervise interactions between your dog and kids.
  • Teach Children Respectful Behavior: Educate children on how to approach, pet, and play with the dog.
  • Provide a Safe Space: Ensure your dog has a quiet space where they can retreat when they need a break.
  • Consistent Training: Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog appropriate behavior.
  • Early Socialization: Expose your Bernedoodle puppy to children of various ages in a controlled and positive environment.
  • Consider the size of the dog: Bernedoodles are a medium to large breed dog, and their size can be intimidating to very small children.
The Verdict: Are Bernedoodles Good with Kids?

In conclusion, Bernedoodles have the potential to be wonderful family dogs, especially with proper socialization, training, and responsible interactions. Their affectionate nature, gentle disposition, and playful energy make them excellent companions for children. However, it’s crucial to remember that every dog is an individual, and careful consideration should be given to the specific temperament of your Bernedoodle and the behavior of your children. With the right approach, a Bernedoodle can become a cherished member of your family, bringing joy and companionship for years to come.

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