The truth, may set you free.
As always, please remember: Dog are individuals and variations will always exist.
A Bernese puppy.
A fluffy, bouncy, tricolor bundle designed to turn every human into a puddle of goop. Lost in the “aww’s” and “O-M-G’s” the ability to use our human brain becomes nullified.
If we are being honest, even as they grow, that never goes away. The only difference is that the tiny fluff becomes a 100+ lb fluff. That being said, let’s dive into the things no one really talks about. What is it that you are in for besides a fat baby seal.
- The Land Shark
- The puddle maker
- The Multifaceted chewer
- Sock thief
- The naughty floof
- The emotional pupperteer
- The Challenger
(Creative names abound today!)
Berners are naughty!
Yes, you heard it here first.
They are naughty! It appears to be one of the best kept secrets in the Bernese community. Regardless of how many other breeders, forums, groups and berner lovers we encounter, it appears this is the one thing no one wants to talk about.
The multifaceted chewer
Berners are incredibly mouthy.
Puppies experience the world through their mouths, it is the equivalent of our hands. The development of adult teeth begins are roughly 3 months and ends around 6 months of age. This creates a dangerous combination for all the wooden chairs, socks and shoes out there living in fear for their lives.
Clothing and household items are not the only ones in danger. Humans tend to become a favorite if this behavior is not curved properly. The mouthing of hands, fingers, feet and toes are common occurrences.
The land Shark
“Target located. Currently moving at 3 mph and is carrying a bag of chips. Preparing to intercept by the blind spot around the hallway.”
Ok, ok you got me. They don’t have that much far sight – yet!
This type of puppy will see humans walking and attempt a tackle ambush. “Got your leg!”
It is always important to remember this isn’t a personal attack. If puppies are observed in play groups, they are often observed hunting, pouncing and tackling their siblings. It is a play mode designed for hunting and survival. In our society, there is no need to hunt, but they don’t know any better, as such, our hands, legs and pants become the prey. Children have a tendency to become a favorite puppy prey. Running and squeaky noises carry all the components for a fun pounce.
The Puddle Maker
Get ready for the wet sock vortex!
Pee puddles here we go!
The Emotional Pupperteer
“I am not tired! *Bark*, I do not want to sleep! *Bark*, I do not like when you tell me ‘no’ *Bark*Bark* Why are you correcting me, don’t you love me anymore?” *whimper*whimper*
-Insert puppy eyes-
Beware of the emotional pupperteer!
Dogs and puppies are absolute masters of human behavior and are in a constant state of data processing. They will be constantly gauging how much they can get away with and how much they can challenge boundaries, over and over. They will learn what human caves were, and how. They will KNOW and they will push boundaries, after all being naughty is a lot more fun!
Puppies have 3 basic needs: Food/water, potty, enrichment (attention is not included as this is rarely lacking). If all these needs are covered, and the puppy is throwing an operetta, it is likely the emotional pupperteer is performing.
Do you remember Mary?
Mary is with us in our “Raising Large Puppies” blog entry. If after reading this blog, you are wondering “What did I get myself into?” We will tell you what we told Mary. Do not fear! Everything will be OK.
It is true that most puppies have similar behaviors. Most puppies have a tendency to be naughty one way or the other. Every single puppy requires training and engagement. This carries from puppyhood all the way into adulthood and it never truly ends.
Berners are an incredibly intelligent and loving breed. They need early training and socialization to help them grow into well adjusted adults. It is vital to start training as early as possible. Short, daily sessions build into an effective life lesson, it is all about consistency.
The absolute most important thing to remember is: Any behavior that was not properly curved when the puppy was an adorable 20 lb floof, will be observed when a puppy is 100+ lbs. Any mouthiness, jumping up, tackling and further unwanted behavior goes from being adorable to being potentially dangerous due to size.
If you would like information regarding how to deal with some of these behaviors, we invite you to check our posts regarding Raising Large Puppies.
