Bernese Mountain Dogs are cherished for their gentle nature and striking appearance, but like any breed, they can exhibit challenging behavior problems. Owners often seek solutions for common issues such as excessive jumping, over-excitement, and persistent leash pulling. This article delves into a real-life case study, offering practical, expert-backed strategies to address these prevalent Bernese Mountain Dog Behavior Problems and foster a calmer, more well-behaved companion.
Understanding Common Bernese Mountain Dog Behavior Problems
Chloe, a seven-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog, presented with significant behavior challenges, primarily jumping on people and overwhelming over-excitement, particularly around children. Her owner’s initial struggle to manage her intense energy highlighted a typical scenario for many Bernese owners. When first encountered, Chloe’s excitement was palpable, leading to immediate jumping upon entering the room. This common Bernese Mountain Dog behavior problem requires swift and consistent intervention to establish boundaries.
The immediate correction for jumping proved effective, stopping the behavior for the remainder of the session. However, it quickly became clear that Chloe’s primary issue wasn’t just jumping, but an underlying, profound over-excitement. She bounded around, ran in circles, and even climbed on furniture, indicating a lack of self-control and an inability to manage her energy levels. Addressing this core issue is fundamental to resolving many other associated Bernese Mountain Dog behavior problems.
Effective Strategies for Calming an Over-Excited Bernese Mountain Dog
To tackle Chloe’s intense over-excitement, a practical technique was introduced: the “leash stand.” By attaching a leash to her collar and standing on it approximately a foot from her head, Chloe’s freedom of movement was temporarily restricted. After an initial attempt to pull free, she quickly settled, calming down, and eventually laying quietly. This method teaches the dog that out-of-control energy leads to immediate consequences – a reduction in freedom. Owners can apply this technique any time their Bernese Mountain Dog’s energy level becomes too high, consistently reinforcing that calm behavior is desired and rewarded with freedom.
Once Chloe was calm, the session progressed to establishing clear communication methods and ways to discourage unwanted actions. A specific exercise designed to help her calm down, focus on her owner, look for leadership, and practice self-restraint was introduced. Chloe responded remarkably well, mastering the exercise in just three repetitions, demonstrating the breed’s intelligence and willingness to learn when provided clear guidance. Her owners were then taught to continue this practice, empowering them to maintain a calm and focused Bernese.
Addressing Leash Pulling and Walk-Time Excitement in Bernese Mountain Dogs
Another significant Bernese Mountain Dog behavior problem Chloe exhibited was extreme difficulty during walks due to her over-excitement and persistent pulling on the leash. Observing her, it was evident that the mere sight of the leash caused her excitement to escalate. This pre-activity excitement is a common trigger for many dogs, leading to unruly behavior even before leaving the house.
The solution involved implementing a “pause and calm” method. Before any exciting activity—be it putting on the leash, opening the door for a walk, or feeding time—the owner must stop and wait until the dog returns to a calm state. This consistent pausing teaches the Bernese Mountain Dog that their excitement is what prevents the activity from continuing, and only calm behavior will allow progress.
A seven-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy (Chloe) exhibiting common Bernese Mountain Dog behavior problems like over-excitement and jumping, being gently held back.
Once Chloe achieved a calm state, a Martingale collar was used, along with a specialized leash technique. This combination immediately stopped her pulling, allowing for structured, controlled walks. Demonstrating the proper positioning and correction during the walk quickly trained Chloe to walk in a perfect heel. The Martingale collar proved to be a significant improvement in managing her pulling behavior. Daily structured walks are crucial for Bernese Mountain Dogs, not only for exercise but also for the owner to assert a leadership role, reinforcing good behavior with each outing. Even short, structured walks can be effective in tiring out a Bernese Mountain Dog, especially in warmer climates, while consistently building the owner’s leadership.
By the end of the training session, Chloe was calmly resting on the floor, a stark contrast to her earlier over-excited state. Her owner was extremely satisfied with the dramatic improvement in her behavior. This case highlights how quickly Bernese Mountain Dogs can adapt and learn when their owners understand how to communicate effectively and address problem behaviors consistently. With the right tools and knowledge, owners can confidently overcome common Bernese Mountain Dog behavior problems, transforming their boisterous puppy into a well-mannered companion.
