High spirits and boisterous play are naturally part of the behavior of a young dog. But
the puppy also needs to learn its limits. In a pack, the older animals take over this
role. As new leader of the pack, you're responsible for its early socialization.
Anything that you wouldn't allow an adult dog to do in any circumstances should be taboo
for the puppy.
The puppy in bed? No problem. But will it be the same for a Bernese weighing 110 pounds
(50 kg).
Besieging table and bed, tearing and pulling on shoes and clothing, scratching at doors,
jumping and licking, begging and biting; seen as youthful behavior, these disruptions are
all-to-often allowed to go unpunished.
Make it clear to the puppy that you don't go along with this. This isn't about punishment;
it's solely about spoiling.
Dogs are trained principally by tone of voice; yelling has no role here. However, the
young dog learns very quickly to differentiate by the tone of your voice between criticism
and praise.
Scolding is done with short, sharp words: "No", "Bad",
"Stop". However the effect is only achieved when the puppy is caught in the act.
Inevitably, scolding produces a feeling of guilt.
Just as decisive is consistency from everyone in the household! A young dog quickly
recognizes "weak spots" in the family, whether it concerns indulgence in
behavior or forbidden treats.
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Training and exercise
Training should be fun
Proper training is the real recipe for success in turning the young dog into the happy and
reliable partner that every dog owner wants.
Make use of your dog's natural behavior patterns.
Be consistent but gentle. Commands and obedience are the basis for a conflict-free
coexistence. You'll never achieve that goal with hitting.
Don't demand too much of the dog in your lessons; stop and rest every once in a while.
Archiving success step by step
Practice with your dog daily, but only as long as your pet remains enthusiastic about the
task.
Consistency and repetition of the exercises ensure reaching the goal of the training.
Praise and stroke your dog as soon as it's done something right.
Only begin with the next practice session when the last training point is reliably
established.
Make your wants clear to the young dog trough simple words and gestures. Always use the
same ones. It's not the loudness of your voice but the tone alone that's decisive.
What the dog may not do
Your pet barks at the least provocation. Withhold a treat from the dog until it barks with
eagerness. Then give it the treat with the command "Speak". For inappropriate
barking, say "Enough".
Your pet takes its role as protector too seriously. Visitors are only recently tolerated,
and your dog even rushes after a guest who turns his back to leave. Clearly admonish the
dog at every instance, at the same time shaking your pet by the loose skin at the nape of
the neck.Your pet jumps on everyone to express its affection, don't punish it. Instead
crouch down, hold it off a little distance (so it can't lick you), praise and stroke your
pet.
Your pet begs at the table. Remain firm, in spite of those sweet, longing dog eyes.
Your pet grips people on the leg who come riding up. Try to stop the tipping with a sharp
"No". Put the dog on the lead after each instance and ignore it for a while.
