Why Do Berners Have Such Thick Coats?
The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred to be a vital part of farm life, serving to protect the family, herd or drive cattle, and pull farm equipment or small carts full of produce and other sellable goods.
Berners are an impressively strong breed that has the ability to pull or carry a load equal to or more than their own body weight. Because they were bred to withstand the mountain weather and terrain, their soft coats are meant to keep them safe from potential threats (such as wolves, coyotes, etc.) and the weather elements. This breed thrives in cold weather and will likely shed its coat more intensely when exposed to a warmer, humid environment.
At What Age Should I Start Grooming My Bernese Mountain Dog?
It is recommended that owners of Baby Berners start their grooming routine as early as 16 weeks old.
Even as puppies, the Bernese mountain dog will shed their coat quickly, and it is important for them to learn to tolerate grooming and brushing at a young age. Owners should plan to start out brushing with a soft-bristled brush and slowly increase the sturdiness of the grooming tool as they grow.
Do not be discouraged if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog who hates being brushed. It is not uncommon for this to be a scary experience for a pet who has not been exposed to the brush. It is of the utmost importance, during training sessions, to be patient and understanding.
If your Berner gets upset during routine brushing, attempt to introduce the brush while they are in a happy state, such as cuddling on the couch or enjoying a good meal. Experts also recommend introducing the brush slowly – starting with five-minute sessions and gradually increasing the time as your pet’s tolerance builds.
Use A Furminator On Your Bernese
The Furminator is a de-shedding tool that can be used on your Bernese mountain dog to help manage their shedding. This tool can be used year-round but is especially helpful during the summer and winter when their shedding intensity is at its peak.
Using the Furminator will help reduce the amount of fur left behind by your dog, and make cleanup much easier. You should use it once or twice a week, depending on how much your dog sheds. The Furminator works best if you brush your Bernese beforehand so that you have less fur to remove from the brush!
You’ll want to have a few different types and sizes of brushes on hand to help manage your Bernese Mountain dog’s shedding. A slicker brush is great for getting out the undercoat, while a bristle brush can help remove loose hair from the topcoat.
You may also want to try a de-shedding tool, which can be very effective at removing shedding fur. Be sure to brush your dog in the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging the coat. Brush them outside or with an open door so you don’t track excess hair around the house.
If you use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the fur, make sure it has a HEPA filter or a motorized brush head – regular vacuums will just push the fur around and send it into your air ducts. It’s best to wait until after they’ve had their bath before brushing them – this way they won’t groom themselves too much before drying off fully.
You may think that bathing your dog more often will help reduce the amount of fur they shed, but this is actually counterproductive. Bathing your dog too often can strip its fur of natural oils, leading to dry skin and even more shedding.
Instead, bathe them every 4-6 weeks using a mild shampoo designed for dogs. Keep in mind that you don’t need to use conditioner because it could lead to excessive oil production, which would make the shedding worse.
Brush Them Daily: Daily brushing is one of the best ways to keep shedding under control. The act of brushing helps distribute the skin’s natural oils throughout the coat while removing any dead or loose hair. Plus, it feels good!
Grooming mats are a great way to help manage the shedding of your Bernese Mountain Dog. By placing them in strategic locations, you can help cut down on the amount of fur that ends up on your floor, furniture, and clothing. Additionally, grooming mats can help prevent your dog from slipping on smooth surfaces.
Mats come in all shapes and sizes so be sure to find one that is comfortable for both you and your dog. Mats are also easy to wash which is great if they get too dirty. We recommend using rubber backings with any mat so it stays put no matter how much your pup moves around.
One of the best ways to manage Bernese Mountain dog shedding is to vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any loose hair before it has a chance to become embedded in your furniture or flooring. Be sure to use a vacuum with good suction and attachments that can reach deep into your dog’s coat.
You may need to vacuum daily during peak shedding periods. Make sure you empty the vacuum cleaner bag after each use so you don’t spend all day picking up dog hair. Also, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum with both an upright and hand-held mode for maximum versatility.
Brushing A Bernese Mountain Dog | Furminator Review
Planning on adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family? If so, you’ll want to learn everything you can about the breed. This dog has been in existence since at least the 14th century, and today they are known as one of the most lovable dogs in the world.
They are also one of the top 10 sheds, with their undercoat growing up to 5 inches long! If you’re thinking about bringing home this precious pup, read on for everything you need to know about Bernese Mountain Dog shedding before you adopt one.
Brushing your Bernese Mountain Dog every week will help to reduce the amount of fur they shed. It also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in their coat. Be sure to use a brush that is designed for dogs with long fur. Also, be gentle when brushing, as their skin is sensitive.
Brush them before bathing them to minimize shedding during bath time. Lastly, trim excess hair from around their feet and paws.