The Bernese Mountain Dog is a genuine behemoth of a type of dog and is known to be one of the breeds that is the most robust and powerful.
Bernese Mountain dogs may reach heights of 28 to 30 inches and weigh well over 100 pounds. This gives them a presence that is both imposing and intimidating.
However, in spite of their towering size and imposing physique, they have a very even temperament and are always calm.
In addition to this, they are a breed that is known for being quite sociable and lively, even to the point where they can be rather comical.
A protective nature is a quality that many people look for in the canine companions they choose for their families.
Here, we’ll answer a few commonly asked questions (FAQ) about Bernese Mountain Dogs, including how reliable and protective they are.
So, are Bernese Mountain Dogs protective to their owners?
Well, Indeed! Bernese Mountain Dogs have a disposition that tends to be guardian-like.
A Berner’s natural inclination is to watch out for the well-being of their loved ones and their possessions. It’s also possible to find Bernese Mountain Dogs working as security dogs in some situations.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Protective?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is undeniably a breed known for its protective nature. Bernese Mountain dogs are not one of the breeds that are regarded to be “the most” protective, but they are clearly above average in this regard.
Take into account their instinct to defend others, also their massive size and formidable power. And you have a remarkable barrier against bad people.
If the situation called for it, a Bernese Mountain dog would not give it a second thought to put themselves in the way of you and anyone or whatever else could be in the way, even if it meant putting themselves in danger.
We discussed this matter with a number of owners, and each one of them agreed that their Bernese Mountain Dog was “ready” to defend.
Why Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Have Such a Protective Attitude?
Where do you think this protective dog instinct originates from? If we spend a minute to look into the history of Berner, we will find that everything is quite readily explained.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are most often recognised for their service to farmers in the agricultural industry. They were used to haul big loads across rough terrain lands. Even though it is true, it was not the only role that they played.
Bernese Mountain dogs were also widely utilized as herd protectors in a lot of situations. They would protect the farm lands, the livestock, and the farmer’s family from any wild animals that could be lurking in the nearby area.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a very lengthy history. The majority of that history involves them safeguarding or guarding people or property. Because of this, even in modern times, they continue to exhibit this quality to a significant degree.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good Guard Dogs?
A lot of people get protectiveness and aggression confused. They often don’t understand what to do to have an effective Bernese Mountain dog guard dog.
The fact of the matter is that as a dog owner, you might have a breed that is protective, but it does not always mean that they are an aggressive breed.
In the case of Bernese Mountain Dogs, this is in fact the situation. They weren’t given the name of “friendly giant” for no reason at all!
The majority of Bernese Mountain dogs have a dog instinct to defend and fight for their family and owner’s property to some degree. But really carrying out a violent assault on someone is far less likely to happen.
Although it is stated that Bernese Mountain Dogs were formerly used as “guard canines,” these dogs are still very distinct from true protective dog breeds such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers (for example).
Even though a Berner could seem like an efficient guard dog, they are not a suitable substitute for genuine protective dog breed types. This is the point that we are making in this article.
A Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best choice for a person who just wants or requires a guard dog, so take it off your list.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Aggressive?
Bernese mountain dogs are not by nature, an aggressive breed. If they are reared with enough proper dog training and socialization, the vast majority of them are approachable and friendly.
However, this does not diminish the natural protectiveness that they have for those they care about. A Bernese Mountain Dog will never stop being watchful, cautious, and distrustful of unfamiliar people and animals.
Every dog’s conduct is significantly influenced by their level of socialization as well as their level of education.
It is quite rare that your Bernese Mountain Dog would display aggressive tendencies. Provided they were socialized at a young age with a large number of other canines and people, and if they were also given consistent training.
There is no question in anyone’s mind that any dog, given the right set of stimuli, is capable of displaying aggressive behavior. Even the nicest breeds have the potential to growl and bare their fangs when they feel threatened or provoked.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Ideal As House Guard Dogs?
A Bernese Mountain Dog is the kind of dog that would definitely put their own life in danger to defend their master.
But their effectiveness in a scenario like that would be determined by factors such as their dog training, experience, age, flexibility, and overall state of health.
When Berners become older and bigger, these dogs become sluggish. It may be challenging for them to move about since they have such a great quantity of bodily mass.
A good number of guard dogs that are successful are designed to be svelte and nimble. Berners are not necessarily like this at all.
There is a poll of around 40 Berner Mountain dog owners in order to receive an accurate response to this topic.
Roughly half of those polled claimed that they had complete faith in their Berner’s ability to defend them in a conflict.
A quarter of respondents mentioned that their lovely Bernese mountain dog had previously done so. The remaining quarter of respondents said they did not experience any of it.
Even while this wasn’t the most appropriate scientific research that we’ve ever conducted, it was still abundantly evident to us that these huge Bernese Mountain Dogs can and would defend their master, or at the very least make an effort to do so, if the circumstances demanded it.
Bernese Mountain Dog Protection Training
Even though Bernese Mountain Dogs are not one of the finest protective dog breeds, if you give your dog the right training, it is for sure that you can build on the dog’s inherent guarding instincts and make your Bernese mountain a dependable guardian for you and your whole family.
This is possible even if Bernese Mountain dogs are not among the greatest guarding breeds.
1. Efforts Must Be Made Regarding Early Socialization
Early socialization is essential to the development of a good Bernese Mountain dog protection.
Your Bernese Mountain Dog will be better able to overcome any nervousness or fear of unusual settings. Provided it is allowed to socialize with other canines and new people.
As Berner puppies become older, they need to correctly determine who among their peers is a safe friend and who could pose a danger to them.
2. Instruction in Basic Obedience
The purpose of the basic dog obedience training should be to educate dogs to react appropriately to fundamental instructions such as “sit,” “stop,” “come,” and others.
In the event that there is a genuine crisis, the Bernese Mountain Dog will be more likely to obediently follow your instructions. He will pay attention to what you say if you do this.
3. Protection of the Territory
Inside your yard, you should carve out a specific area inside it to serve as the territory that your Bernese Mountain Dog is expected to guard.
In order to make this happen, they will need to understand that it is their responsibility to safeguard both the allotted area and you.
After giving him some snacks, you may do this by putting him back in the same location.
4. Additional and more advanced training for the defense
When you feel that your Bernese Mountain Dog is ready, it’s time to introduce him to a new companion that he’s never had the chance to play with before.
Check to see that the person assisting you is wearing the appropriate safety gear.
While you watch the dog’s response, that other person should move in front of and inside the dog’s area.
Your instruction should cause the dog to bark or growl at the target person, who should subsequently flee the scene while seeming to be afraid.
This will assist the Bernese Mountain dog build the confidence it needs to face the intruder and defend its family if it becomes necessary to do so.
Final Thoughts
The majority of Bernese Mountain Dogs in existence today are not put to work. And it is okay since these dogs make fantastic companions for families.
There is no question that a Bernese Mountain Dog will guard your family. At the absolute least, it will function as an intimidating deterrent for any uninvited intruders that may try to enter your home.
However, there is one thing that we would want prospective owners to keep in mind. And that is the fact that Bernese Mountain Dogs are neither naturally hostile, nor are they adept guard dogs.
If you require a genuine guard dog, another breed could be more suitable for you than these dogs, despite the fact that they might be somewhat useful.
What can you say about your Bernese Mountain dog? Are Bernese Mountain dogs protective for you? Share it with us by commenting down below!
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