8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Bernese Mountain dog is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article, I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Bernese Mountain dog may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Bernese Mountain dogs might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Bernese Mountain dog pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

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2. Desensitize Your Bernese Mountain Dog to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Bernese Mountain dog’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs

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3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Bernese Mountain Dog and Playing Loud Music

Many Bernese Mountain Dog’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

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4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Bernese Mountain Dog)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Bernese Mountain Dog during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Bernese Mountain Dog with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Bernese Mountain Dog’s stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option.

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Bernese Mountain Dog

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

 

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7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

 

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8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Bernese Mountain Dog

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

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Defeating your Bernese Mountain Dog’s anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bernese Mountain Dog Anxiety

1. Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs experience anxiety?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly affectionate and family-oriented. Their strong attachment to their owners makes them prone to separation anxiety. They can also experience stress from changes in routine, lack of socialization, or past trauma.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Typical signs include excessive barking, whining, destructive behavior, pacing, drooling, panting, hiding, or aggression. Some may also display clingy behavior or attempt to escape when anxious.

3. Are Bernese Mountain Dogs more prone to anxiety than other breeds?

Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be more prone to anxiety due to their sensitive and loyal temperament. Their need for companionship and social interaction makes them more likely to struggle when left alone for long periods.

4. How can exercise help calm my Bernese Mountain Dog’s anxiety?

Exercise reduces stress by releasing pent-up energy and boosting endorphins. Daily walks, play sessions, and activities like hiking or swimming can help keep your Bernese Mountain Dog calm and balanced.

5. Can training reduce anxiety in Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Yes, consistent training helps build confidence and reduces anxiety triggers. Teaching commands like “stay” and “calm” can redirect anxious energy. Training also establishes structure, which helps dogs feel more secure.

6. Do calming supplements work for Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Some calming supplements, such as those containing CBD oil, chamomile, or L-theanine, may help reduce stress. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.

7. What role does routine play in managing anxiety?

Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on consistency. Regular feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules provide stability and help minimize anxiety. Predictable routines reduce stress caused by uncertainty or sudden changes.

8. How can music or sound therapy calm my Bernese Mountain Dog?

Soft classical music or white noise can help soothe anxious dogs by masking triggers such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Studies show that calming sounds can lower heart rates and promote relaxation in dogs.

9. Can crate training help with Bernese Mountain Dog anxiety?

Yes, when introduced properly, a crate can become a safe and secure space for your dog. It should never be used as punishment but rather as a calming environment where they can retreat when stressed.

10. Are Bernese Mountain Dogs prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs because of their deep bond with their families. They often struggle when left alone for extended periods without proper training.

11. What are natural ways to calm Bernese Mountain Dog anxiety?

Natural methods include exercise, massage, aromatherapy with dog-safe essential oils, calming chews, and interactive toys. Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys can also help reduce stress.

12. How do changes in environment affect their anxiety?

Moving to a new home, traveling, or even rearranging furniture can trigger anxiety in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Gradual introductions and positive reinforcement can help ease transitions to new environments.

13. Should I seek professional help for my Bernese Mountain Dog’s anxiety?

If anxiety symptoms are severe or persistent, professional help may be necessary. A veterinarian can rule out medical causes, and a certified dog behaviorist can provide strategies tailored to your dog’s needs.

14. Can other pets in the home help reduce anxiety?

Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are social animals, and having another pet can provide companionship and reduce loneliness. However, this should not replace quality time with their primary human family members.

15. How long does it take to calm an anxious Bernese Mountain Dog?

The timeframe varies depending on the severity of the anxiety and the methods used. Some dogs may show improvement within weeks with consistent training and routine, while others may take months of steady support and patience.

Helping Your Bernese Mountain Dog Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Bernese Mountain Dog, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Bernese Mountain Dogs can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Bernese Mountain Dog feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.