5 Bernedoodle Puppy Training Tips

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Most probably you have recently added a Bernedoodle a warm and cuddly puppy to your life or are going to do it soon.

While it is hard to resist their charm, new puppies, especially Bernedoodles, tend to mess up your house and make you wonder stuff.

We’re gonna look into how we can prevent that!

Getting a Bernedoodle

It is understandable. Possibly, you might be feeling love, a bit of excitement, and “what have I gotten myself into?” all at the same time when that little fluff attacking your ankles or peeing on the rug.

I have been there. Every dog owner I know, has been there. It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost, especially with a breed like the Bernedoodle, who are smart, playful, and a bit silly sometimes.

The good news is that you are in the right place. We will be discussing how to make your Bernedoodle puppy successful, creating that wonderful bond, and ensuring that the first days are enjoyable for ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌everyone.

The Basics: How Your Bernedoodle Puppy Learns

Before we jump into tips, let’s just quickly touch on how puppies learn. It’s actually pretty simple: they repeat what works for them.

If something makes them feel good or gets them what they want (like attention, food, or playtime), they’ll do it again. If something doesn’t work, or they don’t get anything good from it, they’ll be less likely to do it.

This is why positive reinforcement is so powerful. We’re showing them what we DO want them to do, and making it worth their while.

It’s about guiding them, not correcting them harshly. And remember, puppies, like kids, learn best through clear, consistent communication and lots of patience.

5 Bernedoodle Puppy Training Tips

1. Master Potty Training Early and Consistently

Okay, let’s be honest, cleaning up puppy accidents is no one’s idea of a good time. But Bernedoodles are smart, and with a solid routine, they can pick up potty training pretty quickly.

Here’s how it works: Take your puppy out often. I mean, REALLY often. Every 30 minutes to an hour when they’re awake, right after waking up, after eating, after playing, and before bed.

Take them to the same spot every time. This helps them understand that this specific spot is where they do their business.

When they go, praise them like they just won an Olympic medal. Give them a treat and tell them “good potty!” or whatever phrase you choose.

If they have an accident inside, don’t get mad. They don’t understand yet. Just clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner (this removes the smell that attracts them back to the same spot) and resolve to watch them more closely next time.

Crate training can be a huge help here too. Most dogs won’t soil their sleeping area, so it teaches them to hold it.

2. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize (Safely!)

Bernedoodles are generally friendly dogs, but proper socialization is key to making sure they grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.

Their critical socialization period is roughly between 8 and 16 weeks. This is your window to expose them to as many new, positive experiences as possible.

Here’s the thing: you want quality over quantity, and safety first. Don’t just throw them into a dog park full of unknown dogs.

Introduce them to different sights (people in hats, umbrellas, bikes), sounds (doorbells, traffic, vacuums), surfaces (grass, pavement, carpet), and smells.

Let them meet a variety of calm, vaccinated, adult dogs one-on-one. Let them meet different kinds of people – men, women, kids, people wearing glasses or hats.

Keep these experiences short, positive, and full of treats. The goal is for them to associate new things with good feelings, not fear.

And remember, if your puppy seems overwhelmed, just gently remove them from the situation. You want positive experiences, not scary ones.

3. Teach Bite Inhibition and Nipping Boundaries

Puppy biting is normal. Their mouths are how they explore the world, and they’re learning how much pressure they can use.

But those puppy teeth are sharp, and it’s important to teach them bite inhibition early, especially with a larger breed like a Bernedoodle.

Here’s what happens: when your puppy bites too hard during play, let out a high-pitched “ouch!” or “yip!” and immediately remove your hand/arm/leg from play.

Stop interacting with them for 10-20 seconds. This is how puppies teach each other. If play stops when they bite too hard, they learn to be gentler.

After a short pause, you can resume play. If they bite hard again, repeat the process. If they’re being particularly mouthy, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.

Never punish them for biting by hitting or yelling. That just teaches them to be afraid of your hands, or makes them bite harder.

The goal is to teach them to have a “soft mouth” so that even if they do mouth you as an adult, it’s not painful.

4. Start Basic Obedience Early (and Keep it Fun!)

Bernedoodles are intelligent, and they thrive on having a job to do, even if that job is “sit for a treat.” Starting basic obedience early sets the foundation for a well-behaved dog.

Focus on simple commands like “sit,” “stay” (even for a few seconds), “come,” and walking nicely on a leash.

Use positive reinforcement: when they do what you ask, reward them immediately with a high-value treat and enthusiastic praise.

Keep training sessions short – 5 to 10 minutes, a few times a day – especially for puppies. Their attention spans are tiny.

Make it a game. If they see training as fun, they’ll be more engaged and learn faster.

And for leash training, start inside. Let them wear their collar and leash for short periods, getting used to the feel. Then practice walking a few steps, rewarding every moment they don’t pull.

Don’t wait until they’re big and strong to tackle these things. It’s much easier to teach a small puppy than an enthusiastic 80-pound adult Bernedoodle.

5. Establish a Consistent Routine and Clear Boundaries

Dogs, especially puppies, absolutely thrive on routine. It gives them a sense of predictability and security, which reduces anxiety and helps them understand what’s expected.

Try to stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and naps. This helps them regulate their bodies and minds.

But it’s not just about schedule; it’s also about clear boundaries. Decide what your puppy is and isn’t allowed to do, and stick to it.

If you don’t want them on the couch as an adult, don’t let them on the couch as a puppy. It’s confusing for them if the rules change.

Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page too. One person letting the puppy jump on them, while another scolds them for it, is just going to confuse your Bernedoodle.

Consistency is truly the secret sauce in dog training. It might feel like a lot of repetition for you, but for your puppy, it’s how they learn the rules of your world.

A Few Last Thoughts For You

Remember, your Bernedoodle puppy is just that – a puppy. They’re going to make mistakes. They’re going to push boundaries. They’re going to have zoomies at the most inconvenient times.

Patience, empathy, and a good sense of humor are your best friends during this time. Celebrate the small wins, and don’t get too hung up on the setbacks.

Building a strong relationship with your Bernedoodle is a journey, not a sprint. Focus on positive experiences, clear communication, and lots of love.

You’ve got this!

FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take to train a Bernedoodle puppy?

A: It really depends on the individual puppy and what you’re trying to teach. Basic things like potty training can be mostly mastered in a few weeks with consistency, but advanced obedience and refining behaviors is an ongoing process that lasts well into adulthood. Bernedoodles are smart, so they learn quickly, but you have to keep working with them.

Q: Are Bernedoodles good for first-time dog owners?

A: They can be! They’re generally eager to please and intelligent, which makes them trainable. But they are also energetic and need good socialization and consistent training to prevent common issues like pulling on the leash or jumping. If you’re a first-time owner, just be prepared to invest time in their training and exercise.

Q: My Bernedoodle puppy is chewing everything. What do I do?

A: Chewing is totally normal for puppies, especially when they’re teething. Make sure they have a variety of appropriate chew toys available. When they chew on something they shouldn’t, firmly redirect them to an approved chew toy and praise them when they chew on that instead. Puppy-proof your home by keeping valuable items out of reach. Bitter apple spray can also deter chewing on certain furniture, but always pair it with giving them something they ARE allowed to chew.

Q: How much exercise does a Bernedoodle puppy need?

A: Bernedoodle puppies need regular, moderate exercise. The general rule of thumb is about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, up to their adult needs. So, a 3-month-old puppy would get about 15 minutes of activity twice a day. This means playtime in the yard, short walks, and mental stimulation. Don’t overdo strenuous exercise like long runs while they’re still growing, as it can be hard on their developing joints.

Q: My Bernedoodle puppy is jumping on people. How can I stop it?

A: This is a classic puppy move! The key is to teach your puppy that jumping gets them nothing, but four paws on the floor gets them attention. When your puppy jumps, turn your back, cross your arms, and completely ignore them. As soon as all four paws are on the ground, turn around and give them a treat and praise. You can also teach a “sit” command and ask them to sit when guests arrive, rewarding them for staying seated.