Bernedoodles love to play, romp and walk or jog. They also love to swim. They do best with a moderate amount of exercise.
They may inherit a bit of stubbornness from their parentage, but they are easily trainable with patience and a positive attitude. They also do well with children.
Health
Puppies need a balanced diet of high-quality kibble or home-cooked meat, veggies, and fruits. They need to be fed at set times so their digestive system has consistency.
These dogs tend to be very intelligent, although as adolescents they can have the headstrong personality that comes from their Bernese Mountain Dog parents. This can make it hard to train them, but this trait typically fades with age.
They need regular checkups with a veterinarian. This is a chance for your vet to check for hereditary diseases, and it can also help you keep up with immunizations.
Be sure to give your puppy plenty of exercise, including walks and runs. This will keep their body healthy, and it will give them a chance to bond with you.
Temperament
As with all dogs, bernedoodles can be prone to separation anxiety. They want to be around their people all the time and enjoy cuddles, hugs, and playtime. They are naturally curious and cautious of new people, but they quickly get to know everyone in their family.
Bernedoodles are very intelligent and highly trainable, largely because of their poodle parentage. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy training sessions. But they do have a tendency to be stubborn, so it’s important to use patience and consistency with them.
This breed is prone to some common health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat (gastric torsion). It’s important to choose a responsible breeder who does the proper health testing on their parents and their offspring to reduce the risk of these conditions.
Activity
Bernedoodles are active dogs that require substantial daily exercise. They enjoy playing games and running around, but especially like one-to-one activities with their owners. This active nature stems from both the poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog sides of their genetics. They like hiking, jogging, swimming and more. These pups need a fenced-in yard and daily walks to burn off their energy. Otherwise, they may develop undesirable behaviors like digging.
While bernedoodles love to be active, they are also extremely loyal and affectionate. They want to be a part of every family activity and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. This is why they are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to nervous habits such as barking and chewing. With early training and socialization, separation anxiety should eventually resolve as they grow into adulthood. Exercise should include short episodes of gentle running and plenty of time to rest and cool down.
Training
Like all dogs, bernedoodles require early and continued training to be well-mannered and obedient. They also must be taught to sit, stay, down, and come when called. They may exhibit some stubbornness and avoid learning new commands, but they are receptive to positive reinforcement techniques.
When it comes to potty training, bernedoodles must be trained to listen for physical and temporal warning signs that they need to go outside. They should be taken out to the bathroom first thing in the morning and every time they eat, drink, or play. When they poop or pee in the correct place, they should be immediately rewarded.
Bernedoodles understand verbal cues and can pick up on them from their parents. They respond well to treats and often associate certain words with activities they enjoy, such as going out for a potty break. Discipline should be done gently and never through shouting or hitting. Instead, a pup should be removed from an activity they don’t want to do and given another high-value item to focus on instead.
