Obedience Training Tips for Your Bernedoodle: Raising a Well-Mannered Southern Pup

There’s something downright special about a Bernedoodle. With their big hearts, fluffy coats, and playful personalities, they can melt just about anyone’s soul. But here’s the truth, y’all: without the right training, that sweet pup can grow into a handful.

The good news? Bernedoodles are eager to please and smart as the day is long. With a little patience, consistency, and a warm Southern touch, you can train your doodle to be the most well-mannered companion on the block.

In this post, we’ll cover the best obedience training strategies for Bernedoodles—from mastering the basics to tackling leash manners and beyond.

Why Training Matters for Bernedoodles

Bernedoodles aren’t just any ol’ dog. They inherit intelligence from their Poodle side and a loyal, gentle spirit from the Bernese Mountain Dog. This makes them quick learners but also means they can pick up bad habits just as easily as good ones.

Obedience training helps your doodle:

• Develop confidence

• Prevent unwanted behaviors (like chewing, jumping, or pulling on the leash)

• Build trust and deepen your bond

• Become a pup everyone loves being around—from your family to your neighbors at the farmer’s market

Start with the Basics

Every well-mannered doodle needs a foundation of simple commands. Start training sessions young, but remember—it’s never too late to teach an older pup.

Commands to Begin With

• Sit: A great first command that helps with impulse control.

• Stay: Keeps your doodle from darting out the door or across the yard.

• Come: Essential for safety, especially if you’ve got a curious doodle that loves to roam.

• Leave It/Drop It: Handy when they’ve picked up something they shouldn’t—like your Sunday shoes!

Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes). End on a success and always follow up with praise or a small treat.

The Southern Secret: Positive Reinforcement

Now, I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve never seen scolding bring out the best in anyone. The same goes for Bernedoodles. They respond best to positive reinforcement:

• Tasty treats

• Favorite toys

• Lots of belly rubs and cheerful words

Using encouragement builds trust and makes your doodle excited to learn. A firm “no” is okay when needed, but skip the yelling—it’ll only confuse your pup and break their spirit.

Leash Manners for a Strong, Playful Pup

Bernedoodles grow into strong dogs, and bless your heart if you don’t start leash training early—they’ll pull you across the street to greet every neighbor.

Tips for Loose-Leash Walking

• Start in a quiet area with fewer distractions.

• Reward your doodle when they walk calmly by your side.

• If they pull, stop walking. Wait until they return to your side before continuing.

• Practice daily, even if it’s just around the yard.

With consistency, your walks will go from tug-of-war matches to peaceful strolls.

The Importance of Socialization

Training isn’t just about commands—it’s also about helping your doodle feel comfortable in the world.

Expose them to:

• New people (kids, adults, neighbors)

• Other dogs (playdates or dog parks)

• Different environments (car rides, busy streets, pet-friendly stores)

The earlier you start, the more confident and polite your Bernedoodle will be in new situations.

Advanced Training for Brilliant Bernedoodles

Once your pup has mastered the basics, you can take things up a notch. Bernedoodles excel at:

• Agility training: Set up small jumps, tunnels, or weave poles in the backyard.

• Trick training: Teach them to shake hands, roll over, or fetch specific toys.

• Canine Good Citizen certification: If you want to show off your doodle’s manners, this AKC program is a wonderful goal.

These activities aren’t just fun—they keep your doodle sharp and strengthen your bond even more.

Common Training Challenges (and How to Tackle Them)

Even the sweetest doodle may test your patience from time to time. Here’s how to handle a few common struggles:

• Jumping on Guests: Teach “sit” as a polite greeting. Reward calm behavior and ignore jumping.

• Separation Anxiety: Practice leaving for short periods and provide enrichment toys while you’re gone.

• Chewing: Redirect to approved chew toys and keep tempting shoes out of reach.

Patience is key. Remember, your doodle isn’t being “bad”—they’re learning what’s expected.

Consistency: The Sweet Tea of Training

Just like sweet tea is a staple at every Southern table, consistency is the staple of good training. Use the same commands, reward good behavior, and keep a steady routine. Over time, your doodle will know exactly what’s expected of them.

Raising a Well-Mannered Bernedoodle is Worth Every Minute

At the end of the day, obedience training isn’t just about teaching your Bernedoodle to follow commands. It’s about building a life together filled with trust, respect, and joy.

Picture this: You’re on a front porch swing at sunset, sipping sweet tea, while your doodle lies peacefully at your feet. That calm, happy moment comes from the time you’ve invested in training.

Here in the South, we believe in good manners, warm hearts, and strong family bonds. With the right training, your Bernedoodle will grow into more than just a pet—they’ll be the most well-mannered, loyal companion you could ever ask for.