When should I start training my Bernedoodle?
When you bring home your adorable Bernedoodle puppy, you might wonder “when should I start training my Bernedoodle?”. The answer is simple: start training as soon as they enter your home! Training is an incredibly important aspect of your puppy’s development, from potty training to obedience and tricks. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the different stages of training your Bernedoodle, from the moment they arrive to their adulthood. In this article, we’ll cover answers to the question “when should I start training my Bernedoodle?”.
Potty Training:
The very first training session with your Bernedoodle begins with potty training. As soon as you bring your furry family member home, take them outside to a designated spot for them to go potty. Be consistent with this routine and shower them with praise when they do their business correctly. With Cooper, we followed the potty training advice to start immediately and then continue from there with a strict schedule. Our regiment got him potty trained in about a month, which was awesome! If you’re new to potty training? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive house training guide.
The Importance of Early Training:
As the saying goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,”. While it’s not entirely true, the message holds significance and emphasizes the importance of early training. Early training is essential while your Bernedoodle is still learning about their new environment and bonding with your family. Addressing behavior that isn’t acceptable early on can prevent it from becoming a normal activity for your pup. Early training will make it easier for you to shape a well-behaved Bernedoodle from the start.
Obedience Training:
Bernedoodles are incredibly intelligent, inheriting their smarts from the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog breeding lines. We encourage you to take advantage of that intelligence by starting obedience training right away. Teach basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “lay down.” Then, focus on training them not to jump up on people, bark at the mail person and, to avoid rough play. Early obedience training sets the foundation for a well-mannered and obedient Bernedoodle.
Tricks Training:
No article on training would be complete without discussing tricks!. Tricks training can be a fun and engaging experience for both you and your Bernedoodle. Start with basic tricks like “paw” and “high five” during the early months. These tricks are easy for puppies to learn since they don’t require much body movement. As your Bernedoodle grows older (around 3 to 5 months), you can introduce more challenging tricks like “spin,” “speak,” and “pretty” (standing on hind legs). Remember, patience, treats, repetition, and lots of love will lead to successful trick training.
Continuing Training in Adulthood:
Training should be an ongoing process throughout your Bernedoodle’s life. Even when they reach adulthood, there’s always room to learn new tricks and reinforce good behavior. Whether it’s “touch,” “fetch,” or “roll over,” keep engaging your Bernedoodle’s sharp mind with exciting challenges.
Socialization:
In addition to basic training, socialization is crucial for your Bernedoodle’s overall development. Introduce them to various people, places, and other animals from an early age. Exposing your puppy to different experiences will help them become more confident, well-adjusted, and less prone to fear or aggression in new situations.
Training Tips for Success:
To ensure successful training, consider the following tips:
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and affection to reward desired behavior. Avoid punishment-based training methods as they can lead to fear and anxiety.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your commands and training routines. Consistency will help your Bernedoodle understand what is expected of them and build good habits.
- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and focused to maintain your puppy’s attention and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
- Patience: Training takes time, and each Bernedoodle learns at their own pace. Be patient and celebrate small victories along the way.
- Professional Training: Consider enrolling your Bernedoodle in professional obedience classes to enhance their training and socialization skills.
The Power of Bonding:
While training techniques are essential, don’t underestimate the power of bonding with your Bernedoodle. Spending quality time together, playing, and going for walks can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. You’ll learn their cues and body language to help better gauge what they want and how they’re feeling. A strong bond leads to better communication and understanding, making training sessions even more effective.
Understanding Your Bernedoodle’s Personality:
Each Bernedoodle is unique with its own personality traits. Understanding your puppy’s temperament will help you tailor the training approach to suit their needs best. Some Bernedoodles may be more outgoing and eager to learn, while others might be more reserved and need a gentle approach. In either case, Be. Patient.
Training Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
Training a Bernedoodle can come with its challenges. Some puppies may be stubborn or easily distracted, making it harder to focus during training sessions. If you encounter challenges, don’t get discouraged. Instead, modify the training approach, be patient, and maintain a positive attitude. Consistent effort and understanding will yield positive results.
Reinforcing Good Behavior Throughout Their Life:
As your Bernedoodle matures, continue reinforcing good behavior. Positive reinforcement remains an effective method for encouraging desired actions. Whether it’s a treat, verbal praise, or a belly rub, show your appreciation for their obedience.
Conclusion:
So when should I start training my Bernedoodle? The best time to start training your Bernedoodle is right away. Potty training from day one sets the foundation for bonding with your pup and good behavior. Obedience training should begin very early on as well in order shape a well-mannered and obedient Bernedoodle. Tricks training can start once they have the basic obedience training down. Start easy with basic tricks and gradually progress to more complex ones as your Bernedoodle grows. Socialization is very important as well for a well-rounded and confident dog.
Remember, with patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and a strong bond, you’ll have a smart and well-trained Bernedoodle that brings joy and companionship to your family for many years to come. We did these things with Cooper and are so happy with the result. So don’t wait – start training your Bernedoodle today and enjoy a lifetime of love and learning together. Happy training!
