Mountain Dogs > Bernese Mountain Dog Discussions

Berner puppy mom's or dad's...question

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Mainebernese:
Cooper is 10 1/2 months old and he is still a crazy puppy!  He is very laid back if my husband is home during the day, but when I get home from work, he just goes crazy for hours.  He plays with other dogs for hours as well...the only one to outlast him is a 2 year old golden.  It actually seems like he is getting even more energy the older he gets!  It is good to know there are other berners out there like him! 

Nelson526:
I have an 11 week Berner, and I was wondering, am I not supposed to be taking him on walks? He loves the walk. I take him on a 20 minute walk in the mornings and in the evenings.

sc.trojans:

Nope - way too young for paced walks and bad for large breed growing joints - especially Berners which are so commonly dysplastic if not from reputable breeders. 

Free exercise and active socialization with other young dogs should be the focus for several months.  The socialization window closes hard at 16 weeks so this is the critical time to get as much exposure to WELL BEHAVED young dogs and adults, people, children, strollers, sounds etc.

Nelson526:
Ok, so what do you suggest that I do for exercise with him? I live in an apt and the walks have been great for him, he really enjoys them. Should we just do a short walk (like 10 min?) in the morning and evening? And when can he begin to have longer walks?

Also, he bites like crazy. I mean he jumps up on me and chomps down on my skin. He leaves over 15 bruises and bloody cuts. He isn't an "aggressive" dog, he just bites really bad, and my clothes too. I got him a pigs ear the other day and that has kept him from biting me a lot, but what else can I do?

It doesn't work to yell "ouch!" or to grab the back of his neck as his mom would, and it doesn't work to walk away because he rips my pants! Any suggestions would be FANTASTIC.

sc.trojans:

I would highly recommend you find a puppy class in your area - these are essential for both socialization and proper exercise.  Most trainers offer them and it allows young dogs to develop their dog social skills.

On your own, you should take him to an area/park/field etc. and allow him to run around on his own.....this is the best time to start building communication between you both and teach him to focus on you.  So the first game to teach should be "chase me" - put a verbal cue to it whether it is "come" or something similar and run away from him, looking over your shoulder at him.  A young puppy should come after you.  Give him a treat when he catches up to you.  Do this 5 times with breaks in between.  Also bring a toy and start teaching him tug of war.  Reward for his grabbing the toy - not you and gradually teach him where he can put his teeth (and where he cant).  When he puts his teeth hard on you, game over.  Say "too bad" and end the game - totally.  Don't worry if he doesn't totally comply initially - it may take time for him to learn that the game is over.

The point is that he should be running around, stopping and laying down, and repeating like a typical puppy....not walking, repetitive motion, on paced walks.

There are other recent posts on good teething toys, and freezable ones.  You need to be prepared for this and give him the proper strength items to help him through this period of teething.

I know you say ignoring him and walking away isn't working - but it WILL.  If he is too much of a pistol when trying to walk away, then pick him up and move him to another area to indicate "game over" - and walk away. 

Berners are high energy dogs and need very active socialization to avoid shyness and fear issues, so above all, find a puppy class.  If you have trouble, let us know where you live and someone may have a recommendation for you.

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