Activities For Bernefies

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Introduction

A Bernefie may look scary when you first see them, but this Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland cross is loyal, loving, and lovable instead. They will protect their owners by shielding them with their own body, and will only require a moderate amount of exercise every day. While they are a large dog with a lot of grooming requirements, they will pay you back ten-fold when you spend time with them by smothering you with love. Here are a few activities you may like to do with your Bernefie.

Grooming

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Scissors
Rake comb
Slicker brush
Tooth brush and doggy toothpaste
Nail clippers
Activity description

The coat of a Bernefie is thick and silky, with a top coat and undercoat as well. If you want a dog that doesn't cover your home in fur, you won't find a Bernefie is it! However, if you set 30 minutes aside every week for grooming, you won't have too much of a problem. What's more, your Bernefie will grow to love the attention! A toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs, nail clippers, slicker brush, rake comb, and a pair of scissors for cutting out knots are all the supplies you need. It's a cheap and easy activity, and also one that you can carry out in all weather. 

Step
1
Combing
The first step to grooming your Bernefie is by combing through their coat with your rake comb. You may come across matting and knots that you need to take care of, but the goal is to comb through both the top and undercoats. If you're finding there are a lot of knots, consider a detangling spray or cutting out the larger knots with scissors.
Step
2
Slicker brushing
Once you have managed to work your way through your Bernefie's entire coat, you can then do the final touches with a slicker brush. Do another full brush throughout your Bernefie's coat. The intention of this step is to distribute your furry friend's natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat.
Step
3
Trimming
Your Bernefie can end up growing long fur where it's not convenient. Once you have taken care of the larger areas, consider the finer details. Trim around their feet pads, ears, and feet. A clip of the nails and a brush of the teeth and your Bernefie is good to go!
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Dog Park

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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Toy
Doggy waste bag
Leash
Activity description
Even if your Bernefie doesn't seem to have as much energy as they did when they were a pup, that doesn't mean you can stop providing them with fun outdoor activities. Bernefies, given their large dog parentage, need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy. Therefore, it's an excellent idea to include trips to the dog park into your routine. Schedule in at least one one-hour trip every fortnight, or twice a month, and allow them to socialize with other dogs of a similar size. By doing so, they get vital time with other dogs, but a chance to romp about as well.
Step
1
Choose a park
It can be hard to find a park for a Bernefie that's going to suit their needs. After all, they are a large dog that typically require a large enclosure. You may need to hunt around. To find a large dog park, you can talk to friends and family, look online, or even talk to your local vet.
Step
2
Choose a toy
Once you know which park you will attend, choose a toy to bring with you. If left to their own devices, your Bernefie will generally not choose to run around or wander too far. Therefore, if you want them to get exercise, it's a good idea to bring a toy such as a ball, rope, or frisbee to engage them.
Step
3
Play
Bernefies are friendly with most dogs once you introduce them properly, so once you bring them to the park, you can begin to play almost right away! Make sure you supervise play and encourage them to join in on the fun with other dogs. If you see any action that requires intervention, don't hesitate to investigate. You don't want any injuries to occur!
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Swimming

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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Towel
Toy
Leash
Activity description
Given your Bernefie's large stature, it's important to include different activities into their week that don't put a lot of pressure on their joints. Swimming is one of them. There are different options available - all which have varying price tags, various weather requirements, and different difficulty levels. You only need to set half an hour aside, but the payoff can be significant. Your gentle giant can burn off energy and get fit - all the while not being too hard on their bodies. Swimming is also a fun way for you and your family to pass the time and enjoy the sunshine as well!
Step
1
Swimming option
The first step is to work out what you want to do and where you want to go. Would your dog enjoy a pooch-friendly beach or watering hole? Or, would they like a paddling pool in your yard, or a specialized hydrotherapy establishment? A beach ensures the whole family can have fun, while a hydrotherapy session offers the benefit of specialized advice from experts.
Step
2
Swim
Once you grab a towel, the family, and your Bernefie, you can then head off to your swimming destination! Often, you can include a toy into the mix, allowing them to swim into the water and retrieve it. Or, you can let them enjoy paddling and wading through the water.
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More Fun Ideas...

Walk

You don't need a large yard to own a Bernefie as their exercise needs are not that great. Instead, you can deplete their energy resources with a walk. Go to your local park, take a nature walk, or even meander through your neighborhood. No matter where you wander, your Bernefie is going to enjoy the outing and your company.

Food Puzzles

When the rainy weather has you cooped up inside, your dog can all of a sudden appear larger than they are. To keep them out of trouble and out from under your feet, consider purchasing or making food puzzles. Such toys enable them to use their intelligence while also keeping them busy for an hour or more!

Conclusion

Bernefies are gentle giants of the dog world, happy to plod along with you but also protect you when they need to. They get along well with families and individuals, and also take new family pets under their wing. What you will also enjoy about this breed is their low to moderate need for exercise. Even for the busy professional, this pawsitively delightful pup may be the very pet for you.