Please see our expanded breed education website at http://www.bmdinfo.org for more information on Bernese Mountain Dog care and training.
TRAINING FOR WORKING SKILLS
Many BMD owners like to become involved with working events and begin with early training specific to the task. Some common interests include agility, drafting, and tracking. Establishing a foundation of basic obedience is important before involving your young dog in working activities.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Dogs working in agility should be evaluated for structural soundness, including but not limited to, hip and elbow dysplasia status, as agility requires a dog be physically able to run, jump and maintain balance. Drafting should be started slowly with introduction of harness, traces followed by a light object such as an empty box or basket. When the dog has become accustomed to the equipment after several months of foundation work, introduce a cart. Young dogs should not be required to pull any weight until at least 18 months to two years or after they have reached final height. Growing muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones can be severely injured by a weighted load.
Tracking is a fabulous way to direct a pup’s attention to following a trail under direction of the owner.
Books and videos are available on all these working activities should you be interested in pursuing any of them with your puppy. The Regional BMD clubs often host training seminars and events for these types of working activities.