Activities For Berner Chows
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Introduction
Big, bold, and adorably fluffy, the Berner Chow is a mix between the fiercely loyal Chow Chow and the gentle and easy going Bernese Mountain Dog. While this mix is best for experienced dog owners who understand the intricacies of these two special breeds, the Berner Chow is a great option for dog lovers who enjoy big, loyal companions who love to be nearby. Activities for Berner Chows should help them learn and maintain important social skills and keep them fit with low impact exercises. These dogs do well with lots of training and exercises that let them know where they fall in the pack and help them control their impulses.
Say Hi
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Activity description
Both the Chow Chow and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds are known to be protective of their families. While this trait can make you feel comfortable while home alone, it's important that you help your dog learned the difference between friends and unexpected intruders. Teaching Berner Chows how to say hi, or properly greet people will help them learn how to behave while out in public and take cues from you first before they react to a new person. Teaching them good manners when they meet someone new will ensure they are well socialized and that friends and family feel comfortable around your dog.
Step
1
Sit is the only way
Whether your dog is greeting people while out on a walk or in your own house, the first thing they should do is sit. Work hard with your dog to re-enforce the sit command with distractions. They must learn to sit and stay no matter what comes along.
Step
2
Greeting on leash
Enlist a friend to help you with this tool. Have them walk towards you and your dog and stop just out of reach of the leash. Your dog might pull or strain to get to the person, but hold tight. They will get frustrated and sit. When they do, give them a treat. Have your friend slowly come forward. If your dog jumps or stands up, have the person stop. When they finally get to your dog. Give them a big treat.
Step
3
Polite at home
Before you can show your dog how to greet people in your home, they need to learn how to greet you politely. When you come home, ignore them if they run or jump up on you. Turn your back and don't give them any attention until they sit. The minute they sit, give them a pet in a calming way. When they know how to greet you politely, you can work with them to greet strangers the same way.
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Pull a Cart
Popular
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Sunny Day
Expensive
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Heavy rope
Cardboard box
Cart
Activity description
Throughout history, larger dogs like the Berner Chow have been used to help around the house and farm. One of the ways is for them to pull a cart. These large dogs are strong enough to pull light carts for children, to help bring in the groceries, and to help around the farm. Your Berner Chow can learn how to pull a cart just like their ancestors and give you a hand with household chores. You'll need to find the right harness and cart, which can be expensive, but a novelty worth having when you see how useful your cart-dog can be.
Step
1
Get used to a harness
The first stage is to let your dog get used to wearing the harness without pulling any weight. You can put it on them for meal times so they associate it with something good or just leave it on them for a few hours as you go about your day. You want them to like the harness and even to be excited about it.
Step
2
Start to pull
Before you attach your dog to a very heavy and expensive cart, let them get used to the feeling of pulling something behind them. First, attach some heavy rope to the harness and let your pup get used to that. Then attach a cardboard box to the rope. Give your dog lots of encouragement and praise as they get used to pulling the cardboard box. You can also work on teaching them to stand and stay while they are attached to the box.
Step
3
Attach the cart
When your dog is comfortable pulling the box and with the stand and stay command, you can attach the cart. Don't load it with anything to begin with. Take them for a short walk first, only a few minutes, and give them lots of praise and support to build their confidence. Slowly work up the amount of time they spend with the cart. When they are used to pulling it, you can begin to put a few things inside the cart.
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Snowshoeing
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Moderate
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Snowshoes
Poles
Dog booties
Activity description
Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to spend lots of time outside in the snow. They were often used as rescue dogs in the Alps. Activities for Berner Chows that include playing in the snow are a perfect fit for this furry dog. Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity that will help you and your dog get outside and enjoy the snow. You'll love tromping through the snow with your best furry friend, and they will be excited to roll around and romp through the powder. Loving snow is in their blood, and with such a goofy companion to keep you company you'll be a snow lover soon too.
Step
1
Gear up
The first thing you need to do is get the right gear. Head to an outdoor store and ask the associate to help you find the right pair of snowshoes for you and the correct clothing. Your dog is already well equipped to be out in the snow, but it can help to get the hair between their paws trimmed down so snow is less likely to ball up.
Step
2
Pick your spot
Now you need to find the right place to take your dog out for a snowshoe. If you live on land, feel free to take a walk around your property. You can also look for groomed trails that allow dogs or trails on public land. If you aren't sure to go, you can call your local pet supplier or ask at the outdoor store for recommendations.
Step
3
Go snowshoe!
When you know where to go, put on your snowshoes and head out on the trail. Snowshoeing can be difficult the first few times you go, so don't make your outings too long. Your dog is going to be so excited to be out in the cold, you might have to stop several times while they joyfully roll in the snow. Snowshoeing may become your favorite winter activity.
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More Fun Ideas...
Go for a Walk
Berner Chows love a good stroll through the park or around the block. Take them for a walk twice per day to keep them happy and out of trouble.
Swimming
On hot summer days, there is nowhere a Berner Chow would rather be than swimming in a cool pond or lake. Take them out for a dip when the weather turns hot and humid.
Conclusion
Activities for Berner Chows need to keep them fit and socialized while helping them feel happily part of the family. These large dogs have even larger personalities and love to play and spend time with their families. They need plenty of structure from their owners and need to know what the rules are. You can do this through plenty of training and helping your dog learn how to behave in social situations. You should also find activities like snowshoeing that help them get out year round so they stay healthy and happy. These dogs make wonderful companions for experienced owners.