Bernedoodle Training for Calm, Confident Dogs
Bernedoodles learn quickly and can be a little independent. Start with short, reward-based sessions, steady routines and early practice with leashes, visitors and time alone.
The Bernedoodle at a glance
From the AKC breed page and the national breed club, as they state it.
| Origin | A deliberate cross first bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels (Canada per secondary sources). Parent breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog (Switzerland) and Poodle. source |
| Bred for | Bred as a family companion combining the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentleness with the Poodle's intelligence. (For parent breeds: the Bernese was a farm companion and watchdog in Switzerland; the Poodle began as a water retriever.) source |
| Height | Varies by Poodle size used. Standard up to 29 in; Mini up to 22 in; Toy 12-17 in. No breed-club standard exists. source |
| Weight | Toy under 20 lb; Miniature 20-45 lb; Standard 46-100 lb (PetMD gives Standard as 61-100 lb and Mini as 20-45 lb). source |
| Life expectancy | About 12-18 years depending on size: Standard 12-15, Mini 14-16, Toy up to 18 (PetMD). Chewy says 12-18 average. Zoetis says 12-16. Note the Bernese parent lives about 7-8 years per its breed club. source |
| Energy | Moderately active; enjoys daily walks and playtime and is generally more laid-back indoors. Zoetis describes them as high-energy. Purina NZ says activity level is hard to predict because the cross can inherit either parent's temperament. source |
| Trainability | Quick to learn and eager to please, can be a little independent. Responds to positive reinforcement and consistency. source |
| Barking | Conflicting sources: Canine Bible says moderate barkers, alerting or when excited; PetMD says tend to be quiet; Chewy says lack of exercise can lead to nuisance barking. source |
| With children | Generally gentle and patient with children; supervise with very young kids because of size. source |
| With other dogs | PetMD says they enjoy other dogs and are gentle with smaller pets such as cats. source |
| Shedding | Low to moderate; usually less than many breeds, but coats resembling the Bernese parent may shed more. Regular grooming is needed to prevent matting. Hypoallergenic claims are not guaranteed. source |
| Temperament | Loving, kind, goofy, playful and gentle. Temperament is more predictable in first-cross (F1) dogs from well-tempered parents. Parent traits: Bernese standard says self-confident, alert, good-natured, never sharp or shy; Poodle standard says very active, intelligent, with an air of distinction. source |
What Bernedoodles do
Sports and work the breed is known for. source
Bernedoodle Training Guides
Each guide covers one stage or problem, from the first leash walk to being home alone.
Puppy
From the first night home to adolescence: a Bernedoodle puppy's training.
Training basics
Potty, crate and leash training, written for Bernedoodles.
Behavior
The Bernedoodle problems owners ask about most, and the instincts behind them.
Exercise and jobs
How much a Bernedoodle needs to do, and the sports and work the breed was made for.
Bernedoodle Questions, Answered Plainly
Are Bernedoodles easy to train?
Canine Bible describes them as quick to learn and eager to please, though a little independent. Positive reinforcement and consistency work best. PetMD suggests short, upbeat, structured sessions. Individual dogs vary, and Purina New Zealand notes the cross can inherit either parent's temperament.
How much exercise does a Bernedoodle need?
Chewy says about an hour a day, while PetMD suggests at least two walks plus mental stimulation such as games, snuffle mats and puzzle toys. Purina New Zealand advises short exercise periods several times a day for puppies to protect growing bones and joints. Canine Bible links too little exercise to chewing, barking and restlessness.
Do Bernedoodles get separation anxiety?
Chewy lists separation anxiety as a known challenge, noting these dogs may be sad if left for extended periods. It suggests crate training and interactive toys. Practice short absences and reward relaxed behavior. If your dog seems truly distressed, talk to your veterinarian.
How do I stop jumping up and leash pulling?
Purina New Zealand says jumping up and pulling on lead need early training, and PetMD advises starting leash training immediately. Reward four paws on the floor and slack-leash steps with treats and praise. Skip punishment; the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior favors reward-based methods.
Does a Bernedoodle's size change how I train?
PetMD says size depends on the Poodle used: Standard up to 29 inches, Miniature up to 22, Toy 12 to 17. Canine Bible advises supervising around very young children because of size. No breed club sets a standard, so ask your breeder and veterinarian about your puppy's expected size.
Bernedoodle health screening
Tests the breed's club and OFA recommend for breeding dogs. Ask a breeder for results.
| Recommended screens | Bernese Mountain Dog parent (BMDCA minimum recommended): hips, elbows, eyes, heart, degenerative myelopathy (DM), plus one optional: von Willebrand disease, thyroid, or histiocytic sarcoma risk test | Standard Poodle parent (PCA CHIC): hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP), yearly eye exam by an ACVO ophthalmologist, plus… source |
| Health issues the club notes | Hip and elbow dysplasia (PetMD, Chewy) | Progressive retinal atrophy (PetMD, Chewy; also listed for Poodles by PCA) | Food and environmental allergies (PetMD) | Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a risk for deep-chested Standard Bernedoodles (PetMD, Chewy) | Poodle parent list from PCA: Addison's disease, atrial… source |
| National breed club | No national Bernedoodle breed club could be opened. Parent breed clubs: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (https://www.bmdca.org/) and Poodle Club of America (https://poodleclubofamerica.org/). The BMDCA states it opposes deliberate crossing of Bernese with other breeds. source |
General training information. Every dog is an individual; for health or behavior concerns, see your veterinarian.