Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Protective Of Their Owners?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are protective of their owners and the members of their extended family. They make excellent watchdogs because they will alert you with growling or barking if anyone comes near whom they don’t recognize.
Because these dogs love to please, though, be careful if you train your Bernese to be a fierce guard dog.
Like any dog, a Bernese can become quite aggressive towards strangers if he has been trained that way from puppyhood.
Mostly, though, these dogs love to cuddle you: they seem to think that despite their large size, they can comfortably fit on your lap!
Keep Your Dog Stimulated
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not do well if they’re bored. Like any working breed, they are happiest when they have a job to do.
You will need to work with your dog every day to help them maintain a healthy mental and physical well-being.
Being a friendly presence in the home isn’t always enough for many Bernese, so have them help you out where possible.
You may not have a farm with doggie jobs to do, so taking you on long walks each day can be essential to your dog’s continued good behavior and happiness.
Or have your Bernese have a go at hauling your small children on a sled – everyone will love it, including the dog!
Bernese Are Usually Docile
Bernese are usually docile dogs who are self-confident and welcoming of strangers, even though they will bark to warn you if anyone approaches your house.
They are not known for being particularly aggressive or even anxious.
They will happily play with your children and then curl up with them in front of the fire for a snuggle.
Bernese are even good with small children, as they are gentle animals who are known for their kindness.
Bernese are also quite sturdy dogs who don’t mind a bit of rough play with your children.
ARE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG GOOD GUARD DOGS?
The Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD) needs adequate training before it can be introduced to strangers or even children.
The best thing about them is that they never let their owners down. Dog owners who have put in a lot of effort into obedience training are the ones who get back a socialized BMD in return.
This breed is very selective about the people that it interacts with. But the ones who have not been initiated at all are not to be trusted. It is essential to train them with positive training methods because of their sensitive temperament. They also need fenced yards or else they might grow up to be disobedient and unruly.
However, they are not for people who want companions for their children while they are growing up. This is because they have a short life span.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is of the opinion that every human is not a friend of his and does not go down too well with children below six years of age. His wagging tail can even knock a kid down when the dog is hyperactive.
When not properly trained and socialized, these dogs tend to suffer from the worst kind of behavioral problems. They become over possessive of their owners, and aggressive towards strangers and children because they are naturally selective about their choice of company, both humans and other dogs.
Thus, owning a BMD calls for stringent training lessons and firm socializing to get a pet with the desired qualities in place.
