Post an ad

Trainability of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Close up view of Bernese Mountain looking up


Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle nature and affectionate disposition, but how trainable are they? Let's explore their overall trainability, intelligence, and any potential challenges you may encounter when training a Bernese Mountain Dog.

  • Intelligence: Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be moderately intelligent. While they may not be among the most brilliant dog breeds, they are far from being considered "dumb." Their intelligence lies more in their ability to understand and follow commands rather than in problem-solving or independent thinking.
  • Trainability: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a cooperative and eager-to-please nature, which makes them relatively easy to train. They are known for their patience and tolerance, especially with novice dog owners. This temperament trait can be a significant advantage when it comes to training.
  • Socialisation: Early socialisation is crucial for Bernese Mountain Dogs. They are naturally friendly and social dogs, but socialization helps ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable in various environments and around different people and animals.
  • Positive Reinforcement: These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Reward-based training, which involves using treats, praise, and affection to reward desired behaviors, is highly effective with Berners. Their desire to please their owners means they are motivated to earn these rewards.
  • Consistency: Consistency in training methods and expectations is essential when working with Bernese Mountain Dogs. They thrive in an environment where rules and routines are clear and consistent.
  • Patience: Berners are known for their patient disposition, which can be an asset during training. However, it's important for the trainer to also be patient and understanding, as they may not pick up commands as quickly as some other breeds.
  • Exercise and Mental Stimulation: While they are not hyperactive dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. A bored Berner may become less cooperative during training sessions, so keeping them physically and mentally engaged is important.
  • Challenges: Bernese Mountain Dogs can have a stubborn streak, especially if they sense inconsistency in their training or if they become bored. Keeping training sessions engaging and enjoyable can help mitigate this.


Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Smart or Dumb? Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately intelligent. They may not be the most brilliant dogs in terms of problem-solving or independent thinking, but they are certainly not considered "dumb." Their intelligence lies in their ability to understand and follow commands, particularly when training with positive reinforcement methods.

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Hard to Train? Bernese Mountain Dogs are not typically hard to train, especially if you approach training with patience and consistency. Their cooperative and eager-to-please nature makes them relatively easy to work with. However, they may have occasional stubborn moments, and it's important to keep training sessions engaging to maintain their interest and motivation. With proper training techniques and dedication, you can successfully train a Bernese Mountain Dog to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale

More on the Bernese Mountain Dog
Back to Top