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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Bernese Mountain Dog with Loose Leash Walking
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a beloved breed known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. However, their large size and strength can make walking them on a leash a challenge. Many Bernese Mountain Dog owners struggle with their dogs pulling on the leash, making walks less enjoyable and potentially dangerous. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help teach your Bernese Mountain Dog to walk calmly on a leash. By understanding the reasons behind leash pulling and implementing positive training techniques, you can help your furry companion become a well-behaved and enjoyable walking partner.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Bernese Mountain Dog
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Bernese Mountain Dog to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Bernese Mountain Dog to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Bernese Mountain Dog basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)
Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.
2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Bernese Mountain Dog
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Bernese Mountain Dog to stop leash pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Bernese Mountain Dog to walk calmly on a leash.
We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.
3. Be Consistent: When Your Bernese Mountain Dog Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Bernese Mountain Dog to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Bernese Mountain Dog walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.
Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.
We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Bernese Mountain Dog
If you’re struggling to teach your Bernese Mountain Dog loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Bernese Mountain Dog to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Bernese Mountain Dog Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Bernese Mountain Dog owners. The course promises to teach your Bernese Mountain Dog to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
- K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.
In conclusion, helping your Bernese Mountain Dog to stop pulling on the leash is important for both the dog’s safety and your own. With patience, consistency, and understanding, you can train your Bernese Mountain Dog to walk politely on a leash. It is important to remember that every dog is different and may require a different approach to leash training. Observing your dog’s behavior and adjusting your training methods accordingly can be helpful in achieving success. Remember to reward good behavior and avoid punishment-based training methods. With time and effort, you can have a well-trained and well-behaved Bernese Mountain Dog on a leash.
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