Bernese shepherd: a description of the breed. Shepherd Training

The Bernese shepherd, or, as it is often called, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large shepherd breed that was bred in Switzerland, near the city of Bern. These are real "models" of the canine world, they are rightly recognized as one of the most beautiful breeds in the world. In addition to luxurious exterior data, this breed also has the most peace-loving character. They are very accommodating, get along with any pets, will be the best nanny, friend and caretaker for the child.

Strong and hardy Bernese shepherd with amazing ease tolerates any physical activity, vigilantly guards the house and plays with the children. They are dog figures, they can not work without work. Locked in the apartment for the whole day, they start from boredom to gnaw furniture, spoil things. Extreme mobility and playfulness - that's their strength, but it will turn into a minus if the animal lives in the city.

At home

Switzerland gave the world this beautiful breed. These dogs have an aristocratic appearance, but at the same time strength and endurance as an ox. A long, thick coat is ideal for alpine heights. Local farmers use their pets not only to protect the herd and homestead. Dogs are happy to help carry small carts, loaded, for example, with milk. So Bernard sheepdog "moonlighting" also a pack animal.

Characteristics of the breed

The Bernese shepherd is a three-colored beauty with a long thick coat. She has a strong physique, but still very mobile. It is amazingly proportioned, without flaws. The genetic background of this breed is very good, without numerous vices, as is the case with most decorative dogs. This is a real sample of physical perfection. She is bold and dexterous, absolutely fearless, affectionate and kind with all members of the family, calm with strangers. Even the detention of a criminal who got into the house is carried out without fuss and barking. Without the need Bernard sheepdog it does not bite, but only will neutralize and wait for police or owners. Training a sheepdog is always grateful work, but in the case of this breed, the Swiss joke: "They are already born trained, they just need to recall how the commands sound."

Character of the Sheepdog

Let's dwell a little on the physical parameters. They usually weigh 45 - 47 kg, that is, the dog is large enough. Bitches reach 63 - 66 cm at the withers, males 66 - 68 cm, so the differences in gender are not too obvious. If you already know the Bernese shepherd, the description of the breed can be reduced to several terms: soft and good-natured, sensitive and cheerful, vigilant watchman, but will never bark at trifles. All deviations from characteristics are considered pathologies. This also applies to the nature of, for example, atypically uncertain behavior, but physical defects are more easily discarded. This can be a light bone, asymmetry of the incisors, solid color or a white patch on the head.

I need to say a little more about how the shepherd is trained. I must say that dogs are constantly striving for physical exertion. This is for them a necessity, the same as water and food. Therefore, the training of teams must occur during the game, after the first energy is poured out. These dogs mature late, therefore, when dealing with a one and a half year old "bear", remember that before you are still a puppy. Only by the age of two the dog reaches full adulthood.

We grow puppy

The Bernese shepherd appeared in your house. Puppies require special attention and care, in fact, in your home there was a child, who already has children, he will understand. He needs you all the time, because you replaced him with his mother, with whom he was day and night. The dog does not suffer too long separation, needs a high-quality diet. Up to 2 months you need to feed your pet 4 to 5 times a day. After 3 months, you can transfer to three meals a day and from eight months on to an adult schedule, twice a day.

The diet should include dairy products: cottage cheese, sour cream, but not milk. It is very good to give porridge cooked on beef broth. Meat (veal or beef) is also necessary for growth, once a week add a raw egg. As the growth of dairy products need to clean, replacing the meat and porridge. The volume of one serving for the puppy should be equal to the volume of his head. Quality dry food should also be given to the puppy, it contains a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals. Take appropriate food for large breeds. Babies need to dilute it with warm water, and an adult dog can eat it dry. Do not forget about the mandatory availability of fresh water.

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In his personal space needs any dog. The Bernese Shepherd is particularly demanding about this. Closed spaces it does not tolerate, so you should give preference only to a private country house, where the dog will have enough space for games and jogs. In addition, this breed tolerates loneliness very badly. In the case of a long absence of the owners, she is sad and bored, can give up food and get sick. Care of the dog is reduced to daily communication with her, feeding, combing the hair with a brush and playing in the fresh air. By the way, the sennenhund will bathe with great pleasure if you give it such an opportunity. Therefore, if nearby there is a pond, then take water procedures together.

How to impart rules of conduct

As already mentioned, this breed grows late. How long did you patiently explain to the child what you can and can not? At least 4-5 years. Here you will fully see the results in 2 years. Like a young child, a young mountain dog can destroy an apartment if you left it unattended. There are several rules that will help to avoid this.

Practical recommendations

First, try not to leave him alone for long. Well, if the schedule of work and study of family members does not match, and at home there is always one of the relatives. If for some time he has to be alone, try to allocate an isolated room and collect there many of his toys. Another option is a spacious cage where toys and delicacies lie. A kid can stay in her watch for as long as you finish your business, without harming your personal belongings. But this measure is suitable for short absences. In addition, the puppy should be familiar with the cage, possibly sleeping there at night.

When you are at home, explain what you can and can not. If the puppy stole a slipper, you must strictly say "mine", and replace the thing with his toy. You can wean the kid to climb where it should not. To do this, put a piece of goodies on the table, and every time a puppy reaches out to him, it's worth saying "fu" sharply and slapping a newspaper on the table. Of course, any action should be repeated dozens of times until it becomes fixed to automatism.

Future owner

And remember that the time you spend together, you need for joint games, caresses and rewards. Punishment, and even more so physical punishment, is a measure that separates you from each other. The dog will obey unquestioningly the friend-master, but not the tyrant. Only one and a half to two years - and your pet will become an adult. By that time, he will learn all the norms and requirements, learn to make his own decisions, take responsibility for himself and for your property while walking through the territory. And until then he needs a patient, attentive, and most importantly, a loving educator. Bernard's sheepdog is the most intelligent dog with which even a beginner can feel like a genius trainer.