If you’re a proud owner of a Bernese Mountain Dog, you know that these furry friends are known for their size, strength, and affectionate demeanor. However, as with any dog breed, the question of when they will calm down is always on the mind of their owners.
While every dog is unique and has its own personality traits, understanding when your Bernese Mountain Dog will calm down can help you prepare for their adult life.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a slow maturing breed and can take up to three years to fully mature. During this time, they may exhibit puppy-like behaviors such as high energy levels and playfulness.
However, as they grow older and more experienced in the world around them, they typically start to calm down around the age of two or three years old.
Of course, this timeline can vary depending on factors such as individual temperament and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise routines.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what to expect from your Bernese Mountain Dog’s behavior patterns as they age.
The Slow Maturity Process Of Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed that takes time to mature. They have a slow maturity process, which includes a significant growth phase.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can reach their full size at around 2-3 years old, but it might take them much longer to fully mature mentally.
One of the breed characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dogs is their calm and gentle nature. However, this does not mean that they will be calm all the time, especially when they are young.
Puppies of this breed can be quite energetic and playful, which can make them seem like they will never calm down. But as they grow older, they become more relaxed and laid back.
The key is to remember that every dog is unique and will have its own pace of development. While some Bernese Mountain Dogs may calm down earlier than others, it is generally safe to say that this breed takes time to mature completely.
Patience and consistency in training are key when raising a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Related Post: When Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Stop Growing?
Puppy-Like Behaviors in Bernese Mountain Dogs
As we discussed earlier, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a slow maturity process. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t exhibit puppy-like behaviors throughout their lives.
The truth is that every dog is different, and there’s no set age when Bernese Mountain Dogs calm down. However, socialization techniques can be incredibly helpful in teaching your pup how to behave appropriately in various situations.
By introducing your dog to new people, places, and experiences during the critical socialization window (8-16 weeks old), you can help them develop into confident and well-adjusted adults.
Of course, exercise routines are also important for keeping your Berner happy and healthy.
These dogs are large and energetic, so they need plenty of space to run around and burn off steam. A daily walk or two can help keep them physically fit while providing an opportunity for mental stimulation as well.
Whether you’re playing fetch in the backyard or hiking through the woods, make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for your Berner to get out and explore the world around them.
When Bernese Mountain Dogs Typically Calm Down
Bernese Mountain Dogs usually start to calm down during adolescence, but may take longer to become fully settled in adulthood.
Here is a general overview on what you can expect:
Puppyhood
As a puppy, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly energetic and playful. However, this can make them quite difficult to handle at times.
During their puppyhood, socialization is critical for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This means that they need to be exposed to various people, animals, and environments in order to build their confidence and reduce anxiety.
Socialization tips include introducing your pup to new experiences gradually and positively reinforcing good behavior.
Training techniques are also crucial during this stage of development. Consistency is key when it comes to teaching your Berner commands and boundaries.
Utilizing positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise will help them learn faster and make training more enjoyable for both you and your pup.
Adolescence
As Bernese Mountain Dogs get older, they enter a stage of life called adolescence. This period is a time of change and growth, both physically and mentally.
Navigating adolescence can be challenging, especially for owners who are dealing with puppy energy that seems to never end.
During this time, it’s essential to continue providing your Berner with plenty of opportunities for socialization and training. Your pup may become more independent and stubborn during this time, testing boundaries and pushing limits.
It’s crucial to remain consistent with training techniques and positive reinforcement methods to help them through this stage successfully.
Patience and understanding are key when dealing with a teenage pup. With the right care and attention, your furry friend will eventually grow into a well-behaved adult dog who serves as a loyal companion for many years to come.
Adulthood
As Bernese Mountain Dogs grow older, they eventually reach a point of adulthood. This stage is characterized by a more settled and stable temperament. Making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
One of the benefits of training your Bernese Mountain Dog during their adolescent phase is that it sets them up for success in adulthood. By instilling good behavior habits early on, you’ll find that your adult Berner is well-behaved and easy to manage.
As an adult dog, your Bernese Mountain Dog will still need plenty of exercise to stay healthy both physically and mentally. This breed thrives on activity, so it’s important to provide them with daily opportunities for playtime and physical exertion.
Whether it’s going for a long walk or engaging in a game of fetch, regular exercise is essential for maintaining your Berner’s health and happiness throughout their life.
Factors That Can Affect Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s Behavior
As the old saying goes, ‘a tired dog is a good dog.’ This statement rings true for Bernese Mountain Dogs, who are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise.
However, even with adequate physical activity, there are still many factors that can affect a Berner’s behavior and level of calmness.
Training techniques play a significant role in the development of a Bernese Mountain Dog’s behavior. Positive reinforcement training methods are highly recommended over harsher punishment-based techniques.
These dogs respond well to praise and rewards for good behavior rather than fear or intimidation.
In addition to proper training techniques, consistent exercise routines are crucial in maintaining a Berner’s calmness. A lack of physical activity can lead to restlessness and destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
Daily walks, runs, or hikes are great ways to burn off excess energy and keep your Bernese Mountain Dog relaxed and content.
Proper nutrition is also an important factor in maintaining your Berner’s behavior. Feed your dog high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs.
Avoid table scraps or feeding too many treats that can cause weight gain and health issues. Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet plan for your individual dog.
Conclusion
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a unique breed that require patience and understanding during their slow maturity process. While they may exhibit puppy-like behaviors well into adulthood, they typically begin to calm down around 2-3 years old.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that various factors such as genetics, training, and socialization can greatly impact their behavior.
As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ Similarly, it takes time for Bernese Mountain Dogs to reach their full potential as well-behaved companions.
Also Read: What Size Crate For Bernese Mountain Dog