How to Have Fun with your Bernese Mountain Dog

The Swiss have a saying about the Bernese Mountain Dog: Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. These beautiful dogs, both inside and out, have a short life span so it's important to enjoy your time with them and have as much fun as possible. Nicknamed 'Berner', my two dogs have been extremely fun and sometimes challenging.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a good breeder
• pet health insurance
• grooming tools
• an excellent vacuum cleaner
• chew toys
• obedience classes

1. 
   aren't they cute?

   Bernese Mountain Dogs are cattle herding farm dogs from Switzerland. Because they are predominantly black and have a thick coat, Berners are more comfortable in cooler climates. If you decide that you want one of these sweet family dogs, do some research and find a reputable breeder. A Berner puppy will cost as much as $1200 or more, depending on whether it is for show or a family pet only. Of course show-quality dogs are also family pets, but they cost a bit more.

2. 
   Junior Showmanship is fun

   Because Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, intelligent and easily trained, (obedience classes are a must!) there are lots of activities you can enjoy with them. A child aged 9 to 18 could enter an AKC Junior Showmanship competition with a Berner even if it is spayed or neutered. Berners are excellent dogs to train for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen ® Program. CGC dogs can visit hospitals and nursing homes as therapy dogs. Berners also enjoy learning to navigate agility courses.

3. 
   keep his coat beautiful with grooming

   Take your Bernese Mountain Dog for a walk every day. As herders, they need a job to do and a way to burn off excess energy. As dog trainers say, 'A good dog is a tired dog'. Make sure you have some good sturdy chew toys around like Kongs. Berners shed quite a bit so you will need to brush your dog weekly and take him to a groomer every few months.

4. 
   carting is fun for your Berner

   Taking your Berner to obedience classes is a lot of fun. Because they are big dogs, it's important to have control of them at all times. My female, Skye, love walks but she's a puller so the trainer recommended a gentle leader for her. It really helps prevent her from dragging me down the street. It's no wonder that she took very naturally to pulling a cart, also called 'carting' which is another fun activity to do with a Berner. My male Berner, Sam, was not so fun to take to puppy kindergarten as he would pee a gallon during every class even though I had given him a potty break beforehand! I mopped the floor at PetsMart so often they should have made me an employee.

Tips & Warnings

• Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to health problems so get pet insurance
• Brush, brush, brush! Your carpet will thank you
• Obedience training is important so they know who's the boss
• For more information, see Resources below or Related Articles
• A Berner will eat anything. My female had $5000 worth of intestinal surgery to remove bra straps, ponytail holders, socks and mystery material
• They're like potato chips - no one can have just one!

Resources

• Bernese Mountain Dog page
• Getting Started with Junior Showmanship
• AKC Canine Good Citizenship
• Good Boy! movie featuring a Berner

[sonni57]

on 3/22/2009 I've never heard of a Bernese Mountain dog thanks for the article sounds like a wonderful dog.

[athome]

on 3/22/2009 I would love to have one of these dogs. My hubs and I are looking into rescue groups. 5

[creativeanne]

on 3/19/2009 What an interesting breed - very informative!

[mralarcon]

on 3/19/2009 good fun info thanks

[jfargo]

on 3/19/2009 Heh. Awesome article. Reminds me of my Old English Sheepdog, minus the shedding problem. Still the constant brushing is a necessity to keep away matting.