Mini Bernedoodle Puppy Training Tips
Once you bring your Mini Bernedoodle puppy home, you will need to start the training process.
Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them.
Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles – there are also many good resources online.
Crate Training
Crate training gives your pup a sense of security and a safe place to be when you aren’t able to supervise. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Lock them inside the crate for 10-15 minutes at the beginning of training to get them comfortable in their ‘home’ and explore it. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break.
Potty Training
One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. But don’t reprimand them if they have ‘accidents’ since, like human babies, it takes time for them to recognize the signals they feel when it’s time to relieve themselves.
Socializing
You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. But the fact is, dogs don’t always trust other dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all.
Barking Training
Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking – this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do.
Don’t encourage barking if it is a behavior you’d like to minimize. Firmly telling them “no” when they bark will help them to understand that it’s not a behavior that you like.
Outdoor Walks - Leash Training
Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club.
Discourage Nipping
Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Start by shouting a loud ‘ouch’ every time your pup nips you, stop playing and walk away from them immediately. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting.
Verbal Cues
Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. Once they get the hang of it, they will eventually also pick up verbal cues to activities you don’t train them for but regularly use for different activities. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. After a few times, they will start associating the word ‘potty’ with poo and head toward the door when you say the word. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues.
Final Words
Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish.
Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start!