In addition, chewing releases endorphins and helps to relax a dog. Let us know in the comments how much and ways you exercise your Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and athletic character which means they need a good two hours’ exercise daily. So, for example for a 4-month-old puppy, a walk of 15 minutes to 20 minutes is enough. Potential separation anxiety. For more on stair exercise for dogs see here. amzn_assoc_asins = "B017DCFUNO"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Even more reason your dog will love one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. For more on how to exercise a dog in hot weather see here. Their duties were to herd cattle, pull carts and to be watchdogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs need a moderate amount of exercise but at her age you do need to be careful about not overdoing it because they can have very bad joint issues. No wonder, they are so popular nowadays. If the puppy is tired and lies down to rest, you should let them rest. They were bred to be strong, sturdy, and dependable. 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). 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. A popular game that involves learning is to teach them the names of their toys. Mental Stimulation for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Because they're outdoor dogs at heart, Bernese Mountain Dogs love spending time outside, although they don’t have a great deal of endurance. 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. Avg. Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Apartment Dogs? The tips and information provided on this website are the opinions of the author. Teaching new commands and tricks is also excellent to provide mental enrichment. "Gus loves company and is very affectionate, and friendly with other dogs. The daily walk is essential for a Bernese Mountain Dog not only to release some pent-up energy. However, if your dog does chew it you can get a replaceable exterior cover. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for the cold weather and has a thick coat for this purpose. If you live in a place that gets snow, shed pulling is also ideal and fun for you both. Otherwise, your dog is at risk of a heat stroke. This can lead to behavior issues such as barking, digging, escaping and destructive behavior. You should take extra care to provide your dog with stimulating and engaging activities to keep it happy and healthy. Apart from the GoBone, there are a couple of similar chase toys also available including the Wicked Bone and the PetGeek Play Bone. Alternatively, you can use the app to control the GoBone yourself. Don’t forget that you should always lead the way, be the alpha. As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. It’s important to keep the puppies from playing and running on hard surfaces or jumping too high or too much. But what if we are about to raise a Berner puppy? They're happy-go-lucky dogs with an eagerness to please. If they are not provided the opportunity to challenge their minds they will come up with their own ways to achieve this. Bernese Mountain Dogs are not recommended for apartment life. Exercising an older dog can be a balancing act. Dogs also like routine, so try to schedule the walk for around the same time each day. Always provide your Bernese Mountain Dogs with a Shady place where they can easily cool off during the summertime. The dog likes to exercise, but not too intense or for long periods of time, therefore seen as quite a lazy dog. Moreover, don’t let your puppy pull carts or other heavy loads until it reaches two years. 60-90 minutes of exercise is recommended to keep your Bernese healthy. To make it even better for your dog you can place treats inside the wheels. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Don’t expect your Bernese dog to be very enthusiastic about the “Go, fetch!” game. The GoBone is the ultimate motorized dog chase toy. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a good level of endurance. In summer the thick fur could be a problem. Like most dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog responds well with a lot of positive reinforcement from treats. 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. They had a lot of responsibilities around the farm – they pulled carts to the market, herded cattle, and watched over the property and their owners. 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. 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. 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". To learn more about the various options see Dog toys that move on their own. 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. Any exercises together, free play, long walks and mental games are needed for your intelligent furry friend. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; For great health, Berners need at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. The Bernese Mountain Dog and many of the deep-chested large breed dogs are prone to bloat or torsion. These gentle, beautiful dogs were initially used in Switzerland to … Height: 25–27.5 inches (male); 23–26 inches (female) 3. The best exercise for a young puppy is free play with age-appropriate toys. These working dogs will find a job to do if one isn't providedtheir favorite task is watching over the family. Alternatively, you can use a retractable leash or long lead to allow them more freedom while maintaining control. Purposeful Activity (see exercise ideas below). He/She likes to sleep a lot. This is more than sufficient to tire them and strengthen their muscles without overworking them. amzn_assoc_asins = "1630260150"; A minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day is recommended. 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. Bernese Mountain Dogs often times are not 'easy breeders'. Top 5 Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds The Name Bernese Mountain Dog indicates the area of Switzerland that the dogs come from – the canton of Bern. On hot sunny days, you should always keep your Bernese Mountain Dogs … Do Bernese mountain dogs need a lot of exercise? An activity that is high impact on the joints should also be avoided. If you don’t keep them occupied sufficiently, expect mischief and destruction. Life Expectancy: 7–10 yearsThe Bernese Mountain Dog (a.k.a. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Your email address will not be published. To find the answer, we should look at the history of the Bernese mountain dog. The general rule of thumb for walking a puppy is around 5 minutes for every month of age. Bernese Mountain Dogs are somewhat heat sensitive because of their thick coats and should not be subjected to long periods of hot conditions. You can use items you have around the home, build your own agility or you can get reasonably priced agility sets on Amazon. Tug of war is a great strength-building game for all dogs. They are loyal, affectionate, friendly with kids, and easy to train. Provide your Bernese Mountain Dog with good strong chew toys. Weight: 80–115 pounds (male); 70–95 pounds (female) 4. Reproducibility - Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever 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. Many Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy digging. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Start at the bottom of the stairs and have your dog “stay”. Exercise for them becomes a balancing act. Don’t leave them outside without shade or fans; they’re safer inside with air-conditioning, especially if they’re alone.Related: Overweight Dogs Live Shorter Lives, Study Finds Berner) is the only Swiss Mountain Dog to have a long coat. Exercise is crucial for this dog not only to occupy them and prevent boredom but to also maintain a healthy weight. Your email address will not be published. Your perfect recipe must be a minimum 30mins to 1 hour of exercise a day + healthy food. It is very important to keep them hydrated especially in the Summertime. They love to nap and relax with their family as well, but would rather be outside playing, making them not the best dogs … Overly strenuous walks are not necessary and in fact, could possibly cause harm. To learn more about environmental enrichment for dogs see here. The purpose of strength-building exercises for dogs is not necessarily. This means that at no cost to you, Doglovely may receive a small commission if you purchase through a link. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; It prefers to be around people and to be part of their activities and daily routine. 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. Find out about training, behavior, and care of Labernese dogs. For more on mental stimulation for puppies see here. There are affiliate links in this post. Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs constantly want to cuddle? Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to pull carts. 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 View a correct pulling harness here on Amazon. The Bernese dog loves to play in the yard, but it is a social animal. Torsion also referred to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is where the top and bottom ends of the stomach twist. You may read full affiliate disclosure for more information. Why do Bernese Mountain Dogs constantly want to cuddle? You can add extra resistance to the walk by using a weighted vest or dog backpack. The Bernese dog is a working dog, who loves physical exercise although he is not a runner. The Bernese Mountain Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Other ways of increasing the resistance on the walk are to walk on sand or include uphill sections in the walk. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain suggests up to one hour of activity per day. To keep your Bernese mountain dog in good shape, it requires at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. This can trap gases and cut off circulation. According to a prominent dog association, Bernese Mountain Dogs score out of 5 in the scale of dog breeds that need daily exercise. 1. Hot weather is another story. The thick fur of the Bernese dog breed means that cold temperatures don’t bother it as much as other breeds. Helpful articles for dog owners wanting answers to questions and tips  for exercising their dog. Watch out your puppy when it’s small, it shouldn’t have access to stairs as this may result in an injury or any joint issues. It is a large breed and the bones need time to develop. They're playful, energetic, and good-natured, but are calm and quiet when well exercised. 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? If you are unsure you should supervise the play. 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. The large, strong dog has medium-sized ears in a triangular shape, and the tail hangs low.The weather-resistant double coat can be straight or wavy and is tricolored w… Failure to provide to these needs can result in a bored and frustrated dog. All dogs can have a keen nose. This should include a daily walk, additional purposeful activity, and free play and mental stimulation. Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. The exercise needs of a puppy are different as they are still growing. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. You probably don’t want your dog digging up your yard or garden or even your carpet. If they are lagging behind or panting excessively you should cut the walk short. For more on exercise for your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy read “How to exercise your puppy”. Dogs can learn hundreds of words and names. Bernese Mountain Dogs definitely don't need or want jogging exercise. For more on the benefits of chewing and the best chew toys click here. The Bernese Mountain Dog originated as a farm working dog in Switzerland. They originated in Switzerland. Amazon Associates Program It is highly recommended that you take your Bernese Mountain Dog to obedience training to help with socialization. How much exercise do Berners need? They also need to be given lots of mental stimulation because keeping their minds busy will fend off the chance of boredom setting in. 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. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. This will aid in burning pent up energy and keeping their muscles strong.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'barkercise_com-box-4','ezslot_6',111,'0','0'])); Here are some suggestions of ways to provide exercise and purposeful activity for your Bernese Mountain Dog. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "doglovely0b-20"; For more information on exercising a dog with dysplasia see here. Monitor your Bernese on the walk. Bernese Mountain Dog Activity Requirements. Set up an agility or obstacle course in your backyard. This makes for a fun game for both your dog and you. Make them crouch and pull back to use extra energy. Learn more about the Bernese Mountain Dog. they need 5 hours of exercising. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; See the bottom of this post for more about how to exercise a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. To learn more about reducing the risk of bloat or torsion in your Bernese Mountain Dog see here. This is a natural instinct for many dogs and can become a problem. The exercise suggestions above relate to a healthy adult dog. 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. Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. Because of their thick coats they are sensitive to the heat and would much rather be in cold temperatures. However, be careful to choose the right time for such activities. Best Healthy & Natural Dog Treats, Nutrition for Longer Life. These groups of dogs accompanied the dairymen and herders and they were farm dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and is one of four separate breeds called Sennenhund or “Alpine pasture dog”. Both these conditions can be fatal if not treated immediately. Don’t walk your dog at a young age too much. They can sometimes be slow to learn, so patience is very important when training this breed. As they descend the stairs they are using the opposing muscles for stability. Required fields are marked *. This recommended exercise quantity and ideas are for a healthy adult Bernese. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large, fenced-in yard. Then we should consider the size of the Bernese mountain dog because you know what they say – size always matters. Imagine if you had to wear a winter coat during the hottest summer day, and you’ll understand how your dog feels. Too much exercise can leave them sore and stiff. Mental stimulation is important for puppies and can tire them just as much as physical activity. To keep your Bernese mountain dog in good shape, it requires at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. The puppy should walk/play as long as they want, but not more than that. Doglovely Copyright © 2012–2021 The Bernese Mountain dog is very social and enjoys both human company and the companionship of other dogs and pets. The walk allows your Bernese to stimulate the mind with the sights, sounds and smells they come across. Playing scenting and nose games helps to provide mental stimulation. So during the summer, you should take your dog for a walk in the early morning hours or the late evening. 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. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "doglovely0b-20"; Notify me of follow-up comments by email. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; 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. Yes, they do. 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. 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. During the summer, they can easily get heat stroke, so only exercise in the early morning and late night. To keep them in top condition and in good health 60 to 90 minutes daily would be better. For a guide to calculate if your dog is overweight see here.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'barkercise_com-box-3','ezslot_2',108,'0','0'])); There are three main types of exercise and activity you must provide your Bernese Mountain Dog every day. Have them return down the stairs at a slower pace to avoid injury.