The adorable Bernedoodles are a treat for every household. Families who have spent time with them have surely come across the tricky situation in determining whether the breed is calm or full-on hyper. The honest answer is that both these versions of the Bernedoole are correct.
Usually, Bernedoodles are renowned for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and family-friendly temperament. Yet, when it comes to energy levels, they are highly unpredictable. At one moment, they will be relaxing like a couch potato, and the very next moment, one can find them sprinting around the house as if they have to catch a flight. So, what is actually going on inside their heads? Let us try to break it down for the prospective Bernedoodle owners. Meanwhile, you can take a look on this Bernedoodle page that tells you more about their characteristics.
The hybrid factor has a lot to do
As we all know, the Bernedoodles are a mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, and both these breeds have contrasting energy levels. The Bernese tend to be calm, steady, and laid-back, while the Poodles are highly intelligent, alert, and energetic. Therefore, when both these traits are mixed, you get a dog whose energy level will always be unpredictable. While some Bernedoodles inherit the calmer side of the Bernese, some may inherit the Poodle’s energetic vibes. Usually, most of them fall somewhere in between, which is why owners feel like they are dealing with a dog with two different characteristics.
Bernedoodle energy by age
Well, if you think the Bernedoodle will continue to behave the way it used to during its puppyhood days after becoming an adult, it is a wrong perception. It is not the case that the Bernedoodles are high energy always. It will never do that. During their puppy stage, which is usually from their birth till 12 months, the chaotic behavior will reign supreme. At this age, they will be extremely playful, curious about everything, and become easily bored. Thus, owners will regularly notice them bursting out in a sprint or jumping around. At this stage, their energy levels are more intense, and it reflects in their behavior.
During their adolescence stage, typically between the first and second year, handling Bernedoodles can be the most challenging task. By this time, the dog will have become stronger and full of confidence, it will try to test boundaries, and its energy levels will be at their peak. It is also not uncommon for them to act stubbornly. The combo of high energy with their freedom can be deadly. Therefore, it is essential to give them proper training and help them to remain mentally engaged, else the phase can feel rather overwhelming.
When they enter the adult stage, this is when things gradually start to settle down. They will now become calmer indoors, develop predictable routines, enjoy controlled playtime. Signs of their chaotic behavior will diminish considerably at this juncture.
Why exactly do they act crazy at times?
Bernedoodle owners must have surely noticed their pets getting hyper at a specific time of the day. You might be surprised to know that this does not happen randomly, but it is a pattern that they develop.
- For instance, during the morning, when the dog has had its share of rest, it will naturally exhibit behaviors like being excited, playful, and high-energy. Ideally, owners can channelize their energy by taking them out for a walk or training them.
- During midday, however, they will display opposite behavior. You will often find them sleeping, lounging near family members, and overall remaining calm and relaxed.
- Evenings are the time when you can expect zoomies to set in. It tends to happen for various reasons. For instance, their energy wasn’t fully utilized during the day, they are seeking attention, and it is that time of the day when their energy levels are hitting the peak.
Physical and mental energy that owners often miss
This is the most interesting aspect in the life of a Bernedoodle, and where most people go wrong. Firstly, we need to understand that not all energy is physical. As the breed is highly intelligent, it means they regularly need mental stimulation, problem-solving activities, along with interaction and engagement. If owners tend to focus on one aspect only, exercise, the dog will still display restlessness. For the unversed, a mentally bored Bernedoodle can display destructive behavior, barking, or remain hyper all day long.
Signs the Bernedoodle requires mental stimulation
Owners need to watch out for specific behaviors such as:
- When they are chewing furniture or any random objects.
- Unexplained barking.
- It keeps on digging and showing signs of restlessness.
- Not paying heed to the commands of their owners. That explains why some owners ask, are Bernedoodles easy to train?
These are the confirmed signs that the Bernedoodle is short of mental stimulation, and the owner needs to come up with strategies to combat the situation. The solution isn’t too complicated either. Engaging them with puzzle toys, giving them obedience training, playing games with them, and teaching new tricks can help them overcome their mental void. It doesn’t need to be an extended session. Even 15-20 minutes of brain stimulation can tire them, and they will eventually calm down.
The calmer side of the Bernedoodle
Yes, Bernedoodles do display their calmer side as well, and undoubtedly, this one is most appreciated by the owners. When they are calm, it means they have had enough exercise for the day, they want to spend time with the family members, and overall, they are feeling secure and comfortable. When they are mentally and physically fulfilled, they will typically couch beside their owners, watch the surroundings without reacting, and relax for long stretches. It is due to their calm and energetic nature that owners refer to them as a breed having the ideal balance of playfulness and being peaceful.
When chaotic behavior takes over
Things can quickly take an abrupt turn when they are displaying the other side of the above-mentioned behavior. They tend to go into the “chaos mode” for various reasons. Lack of physical activities leads to a lack of energy to build up, and they try to find ways to channelize it. When they are very bored due to the lack of mental stimulation, they would want to create their own fun, which is usually destructive for the households. Bernedoodles are also attention seekers; they love interaction and socialization. If they feel ignored, they can go to any extent to gain attention.
Tips for managing the energy of Bernedoodles
As mentioned earlier, owners must identify a way to channelize their energy instead of trying to dominate them. The steps aren’t too complicated either. One can keep things under control by implementing the following measures:
- Keeping a fixed routine for their daily activities. This should include fixed walk times, play sessions, and the same time for meals. Experts often say that a predictable routine will lead to a calmer dog.
- Always combine mental and physical activities. Instead of relying on exercises or walks alone, you should also mix in training, various games, and interactive toys.
- However, do ensure they are not overstimulated, as too much excitement can backfire. Precisely speaking, owners should balance their play and resting time to get the best out of them.
- In this aspect, teaching the Bernedoodle to remain calm and rewarding them for their good behavior can also help to a considerable extent.
Social interaction has a major role in shaping their behavior
Bernedoodles love people, and a lack of attention or interaction can lead them to become hyper and perform attention-seeking behavior, as discussed previously. Thus, owners should spend quality time bonding with them, and it can work like magic to regulate their mood.
Final thoughts
So, as you can see, Bernedoodles can be both calm and energetic. They will display it based on their age and the situation they are going through. As responsible owners, once you realize these patterns, the Bernedoodle will not seem to be a menace, and it will remain your most beloved companion for the rest of its life.