It is a large breed and the bones need time to develop. So, for example for a 4-month-old puppy, a walk of 15 minutes to 20 minutes is enough. Purposeful Activity (see exercise ideas below). Doglovely Copyright © 2012–2021 Are Bernese Mountain Dogs hyper? Exercise for them becomes a balancing act. For this reason, it is important not to feed your Bernese too soon before or after a walk or exercise.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'barkercise_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])); Bloat is a digestive issue that causes a dog’s stomach to fill with gases blowing up like a balloon. The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. Do Berners need a lot of exercise? Many Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy digging. Many dogs hold stress in the jaw. In addition to the daily walk, your Bernese Mountain Dog will require other purposeful activity and free play. They are loyal, affectionate, friendly with kids, and easy to train. The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. On hot sunny days, you should always keep your Bernese Mountain Dogs … For more on stair exercise for dogs see here. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. Bernese Mountain Dogs are not recommended for apartment life. The Bernese is an extremely handsome dog with their lovely tricolor coats which is one of their defining physical traits. This means that at no cost to you, Doglovely may receive a small commission if you purchase through a link. Overly strenuous walks are not necessary and in fact, could possibly cause harm. Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise Needs Basic Facts Appearance Temperament Playfulness Easy to Train Intelligence Watchdog Ability Barking Tendencies Lifespan Health Issues & Symptoms Grooming Needs Shedding or Not Exercise Requirements Adaptability To find the answer, we should look at the history of the Bernese mountain dog. If you are thinking about adopting a Bernese dog, or you already have one, you might be wondering how much exercise does a Bernese mountain dog need? Bernese dog ares have high energy and stamina, but they also need mental stimulation. Despite their appearance as big, cuddly bears, Bernese Mountain Dogs actually do require a lot of activity to be happy. Have them return down the stairs at a slower pace to avoid injury. Required fields are marked *. The Bernese Mountain Dog originated as a farm working dog in Switzerland. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a fairly heavy breed, and too much exercise can put unnecessary and harmful pressure on the puppy’s bones and muscles. For more on how to exercise a dog in hot weather see here. This can lead to behavior issues such as barking, digging, escaping and destructive behavior. As they descend the stairs they are using the opposing muscles for stability. Socializing with other puppies or friendly adult dogs is a great way to burn some of that puppy energy along with teaching them the social skills they need. To keep them in top condition and in good health 60 to 90 minutes daily would be better. Puppies under three months probably haven’t had all their vaccinations so shouldn’t be walked in public. He/She likes to sleep a lot. Barkercise  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affliate programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other sites. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Ideally, the daily walk should be 30 to 45 minutes daily but more would be ok.  Every dog is an individual and some may need more or less. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. For more on mental stimulation for puppies see here. To learn more about reducing the risk of bloat or torsion in your Bernese Mountain Dog see here. Answer: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed. Berners are social by nature and dislike being left alone. Even more reason your dog will love one. Potential owners should also note that Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t do well in the heat, so exercise would need to be at off-peak time in the summer months. If you leave it alone in the yard for the better part of the day, it’s likely that it’s not getting enough exercise. 60-90 minutes of exercise is recommended to keep your Bernese healthy. 1. They might run after the ball, but most aren’t very interested in bringing it back. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; But they do need a decent-sized fenced yard where they can romp about at will. So during the summer, you should take your dog for a walk in the early morning hours or the late evening. The Bernese Mountain Dog can also be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. How Much Exercise a Bernese Mountain Puppy Needs, Most suitable exercises for Bernese Mountain Dogs, not the kind of dogs you want to keep confined in a small apartment, [Best] Natural Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach, How to Figure Out What Your Dog Is Allergic To. Instead of feeding them from a bowl, give them activities that require them to work for their food. As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. If you have a large yard, do not think that your dog is getting all the necessary exercise. Set up an agility or obstacle course in your backyard. Your email address will not be published. Alternatively, you can use a retractable leash or long lead to allow them more freedom while maintaining control. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "doglovely0b-20"; Some ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment include; Puzzle toys are ideal for dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog to challenge their minds and test their problem-solving skills. See the bottom of this post for more on exercising an older Bernese Mountain Dog. Berner) is the only Swiss Mountain Dog to have a long coat. Your perfect recipe must be a minimum 30mins to 1 hour of exercise a day + healthy food. For more on the benefits of chewing and the best chew toys click here. However, be careful to choose the right time for such activities. Yes, the Bernese Mountain Dog sheds more than average, hence they are not recommended as pets for those who are allergic to dogs or dislikes shedding. The walk can be just once a day, or two walks a day would be better if your schedule allows. View a correct pulling harness here on Amazon. You can use items you have around the home, build your own agility or you can get reasonably priced agility sets on Amazon. Read “How to use a Kong for dogs“. Both these conditions can be fatal if not treated immediately. Life Expectancy: 7–10 yearsThe Bernese Mountain Dog (a.k.a. In summer the thick fur could be a problem. Also, provide a cool and shady place for your dog outside or consider fans and air-conditioning. To learn more about environmental enrichment for dogs see here. They're playful, energetic, and good-natured, but are calm and quiet when well exercised. Learn more about the Bernese Mountain Dog. Imagine if you had to wear a winter coat during the hottest summer day, and you’ll understand how your dog feels. It is highly recommended that you take your Bernese Mountain Dog to obedience training to help with socialization. To learn more about the various options see Dog toys that move on their own. Mental stimulation is important for puppies and can tire them just as much as physical activity. This makes for a fun game for both your dog and you. Best Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs: If your Bernese Mountain Dog has a sensitive stomach, you need a dog food that is highly digestible like this Blue Buffalo Basics Large Breed Adult recipe. If you live in a place that gets snow, shed pulling is also ideal and fun for you both. Any exercises together, free play, long walks and mental games are needed for your intelligent furry friend. This can trap gases and cut off circulation. The thick fur of the Bernese dog breed means that cold temperatures don’t bother it as much as other breeds. to build muscle bulk. If you have access to the great outdoors and some good walking trails they can make an ideal hiking partner. To make it even better for your dog you can place treats inside the wheels. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a good level of endurance. The wrong quantity and type of exercise can cause injury to a puppy with growing bones and joints. This should include a daily walk, additional purposeful activity, and free play and mental stimulation. Chewing is a great way to occupy them. The daily walk is essential for a Bernese Mountain Dog not only to release some pent-up energy. The general rule of thumb for walking a puppy is around 5 minutes for every month of age. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and athletic character which means they need a good two hours’ exercise daily. Provide the opportunity for your Bernese to play with other dogs. To learn more about feeding enrichment for dogs see here. If your Bernese Mountain Dog likes digging consider getting them a digging pit or provide toys that cater to that digging instinct. Make them crouch and pull back to use extra energy. Failure to provide to these needs can result in a bored and frustrated dog. Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs constantly want to cuddle? Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. Daily walks are much better than nothing all week and a big walk at the weekend.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'barkercise_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',110,'0','0'])); If your Bernese Mountain Dog has good recall and comes on command, walks at the park, or out on trails off the leash are ideal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Don’t expect your Bernese dog to be very enthusiastic about the “Go, fetch!” game. Their duties were to herd cattle, pull carts and to be watchdogs. An activity that is high impact on the joints should also be avoided. You may read full affiliate disclosure for more information. They love to nap and relax with their family as well, but would rather be outside playing, making them not the best dogs for living in apartments. They need a moderate amount of exercise such as a daily walk. Dogs also like routine, so try to schedule the walk for around the same time each day. If you don’t keep them occupied sufficiently, expect mischief and destruction. How much exercise does an older Bernese Mountain Dog need, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy need? amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; You can’t completely train a natural instinct out of a dog but you can redirect the behavior. The GoBone is the ultimate motorized dog chase toy. The Bernese dog loves to play in the yard, but it is a social animal. One of my friends up there has at least two Bernese Mountain dogs at a time, and from what I've heard from her is that they're lower energy than a lot of working dogs, but they still need about an hour a day of exercise (whether that's hiking, playing, or jogging) plus mental stimulation. Bernese Mountain Dogs often times are not 'easy breeders'. They can be prone to being overweight or even obese without a good diet and energy-burning activity. The Bernese Mountain dog is very social and enjoys both human company and the companionship of other dogs and pets. The  GoBone is tough and made from durable materials. Provide your Bernese Mountain Dog with good strong chew toys. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Then we should consider the size of the Bernese mountain dog because you know what they say – size always matters. Read “Mental stimulation and mind enrichment for dogs” to learn about the 6 types or categories of mind stimulation a mental enrichment and some great ideas to provide this. Bernese Mountain Dog Activity Requirements. Always provide your Bernese Mountain Dogs with a Shady place where they can easily cool off during the summertime. If they are lagging behind or panting excessively you should cut the walk short. The dog likes to exercise, but not too intense or for long periods of time, therefore seen as quite a lazy dog. Most Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly with other dogs and love social activity with them. Turn mealtimes into an opportunity for your dog to get a mental challenge and enrichment. Monitor your Bernese puppy on the walk for signs such as lagging behind, lying down or panting. The tips and information provided on this website are the opinions of the author. They love to nap and relax with their family as well, but would rather be outside playing, making them not the best dogs … Your email address will not be published. With puppies, their bones, muscle, and joints are still growing and developing. Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Apartment Dogs? Let us know in the comments how much and ways you exercise your Bernese Mountain Dog. While some Berner bitches breed naturally and free whelp litters of puppies, owners have encountered difficulty with getting bitches to stand for breeding, and faced problems with their bitches' successfully bringing healthy litters to full term. Read “12 Scenting and nose games for dogs” for some ideas. As your puppy gets older you can take them for short informal walks allowing them to sniff and explore and get used to being on a leash. In addition, chewing releases endorphins and helps to relax a dog. Daily walks are an absolute necessity, whereby the walks should be walks and not long-distance runs or, even worse, runs by the side of a cyclist. Bernese Mountain Dogs require a moderate amount of daily exercise and will enjoy additional opportunities to exercise through fun activities, but won’t likely … amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; It is recommended that no more than 10% of their body weight be added. This is a relatively short lifespan compared to other breeds. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. Weight: 80–115 pounds (male); 70–95 pounds (female) 4. You can split this into a number of walks with some off-lead time in secure areas. In general, Bernese Mountain Dogs are obedient and easy to train and usually have good recall. In fact, the Bernie dog loves nothing more than to romp in the snow, dig holes, or pull sleighs with enthusiastic children. amzn_assoc_asins = "B017DCFUNO"; The exercise needs of a puppy are quite different. Best Healthy & Natural Dog Treats, Nutrition for Longer Life. Yes, they do. It prefers to be around people and to be part of their activities and daily routine. This recommended exercise quantity and ideas are for a healthy adult Bernese. Start at the bottom of the stairs and have your dog “stay”. Summary – Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise Needs How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog need Being a working breed the Bernese Mountain dog is relatively high energy and require a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of exercise and activity every day. The Bernese mountain dogs were bred as … Doglovely.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is important to keep their joints mobile and manage weight, but too much can make them sore. If the puppy is tired and lies down to rest, you should let them rest. This is a natural instinct for many dogs and can become a problem. It’s important to keep the puppies from playing and running on hard surfaces or jumping too high or too much. The puppy should walk/play as long as they want, but not more than that. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. They originated in Switzerland. Because they're outdoor dogs at heart, Bernese Mountain Dogs love spending time outside, although they don’t have a great deal of endurance. The Bernese Mountain Dog (German: Berner Sennenhund) is a large-sized breed of dog, one of the four breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps.Bred from crosses of Mastiffs and guard-type breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought to Switzerland by the Romans 2,000 years ago. Potential separation anxiety. Don’t walk your dog at a young age too much. Monitor your Bernese on the walk. Like most dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog responds well with a lot of positive reinforcement from treats. The average male Bernese dog weighs 80-115 lbs with a height of 25 – 27.5 inches, while the female Bernese is 23-26 inch tall and weighs 70 – 90 lbs. To keep your Bernese mountain dog in good shape, it requires at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Download FREE Ebook Natural Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach (+Bonus Easy Homemade Recipes), Enter your email address to subscribe to Doglovely newsletter and get access to your detailed guide "Natural Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach". Exercising an older dog can be a balancing act. Exercise is crucial for this dog not only to occupy them and prevent boredom but to also maintain a healthy weight. In other words, the Bernese is a large, energetic dog breed, and they don’t like it when they don’t have a “job”. Around 10% of their body weight is more than sufficient for a good workout.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'barkercise_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',112,'0','0'])); If you are going to do pulling with your Bernese it is crucial to use a correct harness. For centuries these lovely dogs were a vital part of the farm and village live in Switzerland. You can add extra resistance to the walk by using a weighted vest or dog backpack. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Despite their appearance as big, cuddly bears, Bernese Mountain Dogs actually do require a lot of activity to be happy. How much exercise do Berners need? Apart from the GoBone, there are a couple of similar chase toys also available including the Wicked Bone and the PetGeek Play Bone. They need regular walks and time to run and play, and they love to go on hikes. According to a prominent dog association, Bernese Mountain Dogs score out of 5 in the scale of dog breeds that need daily exercise. Due to their high intelligence, try to find puzzle toys that are a bit more challenging as they tend to work these out quite quickly. See the bottom of this post for more about how to exercise a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. This usually manifests itself in bad behavior such as excessive barking, digging, escaping and other destructive behaviors. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "doglovely0b-20"; Well, puppies are always little balls of energy, and Bernese puppies are no exception, especially since they mature slowly. If your dog walks in front of you, this can cause future behavior problems. Click on the category below or on the main menu for the subject of interest. Find out about training, behavior, and care of Labernese dogs. These gentle, beautiful dogs were initially used in Switzerland to … "Gus loves company and is very affectionate, and friendly with other dogs. Read ” Dog exercise for a senior dog” to learn more. 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