One question a potential Bernese Mountain Dog owner might ask is, “How adaptable is the dog?” There are different answers that are obtained from different people, the truth is that the Bernese Mountain Dog adapts very easily to any type of environment, many bond strongly with their families during the first year of life. If you buy a Bernese dog after one year of age, the dog may have attachment problems and trouble adjusting to a new environment.

It is common for a younger Bernese Mountain Dog to adapt more easily than an older one. This is due to the fact that a younger dog gets used to a routine and quickly learns the commands and knows how to act appropriately. An older Bernese has already adapted to the routines and preferences of another family, but with a little training and patience, the dog can become a friendly and protective companion. Older Bernards will need time to bond with the new family before it adjusts comfortably to a new routine and environment.

If you are buying a Bernese from a breeder, remember that the puppy will need loving discipline and kind guidance, establishing ground rules from the beginning will eliminate the possibility of any problems. The dog prefers life indoors and it is not a good idea to try to move the dog to an outdoor living space; However, with a long, thick and heavy coat, the Bernese can adapt to outdoor life with relative ease. If you decide to make your dog an outdoor living space, it is important to note that you could end up with a dog that is constantly barking, aggressive, and overly hyperactive.

The breed is very energetic and when left to its own devices the Bernese can get frustrated and bored. The dog can become destructive and uncontrollable, and with a dog of this size it is something to be aware of. This makes the behavior of a Bernese easier to predict and moderate when the dog is allowed to live indoors with the family, just be sure to train it from a very young age and problems should be kept to a minimum. It is also best to set up a daily exercise regiment for your Bernese. A good 20-30 minutes of running or walking will burn off all that excess energy, build muscle, and help your mountain dog to be more relaxed around the house. Burning off all the excess energy will drastically reduce the amount of bad chewing, that is. chew furniture, shoes, etc.

When moving from one house to another, the Bernese will continue to prove himself to be an adaptable dog. As long as the dog has his family, he will be more than happy in almost any type of situation. You can take your dog on a trip and train him to do just about any type of trick. Remember that the dog needs attention and praise, in certain unfamiliar situations, the Bernese, like any other breed of dog, needs time to adjust.