Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be one of the sweetest and friendliest dog breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are affectionate and faithful companions and excel as loving family pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playful, and often goofy, they enjoy every moment spent with their family, especially with kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, they have working-dog origins and among other jobs, their task was to guard and protect family, livestock, and property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This often included fending off wild and dangerous animals, and other potential impostors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though they are rarely in these roles anymore, this leads potential owners to wonder whether some of those instincts have survived and are Bernese Mountain Dogs Aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, Berners are extremely large dogs, and any potential aggressive behavior may cause a lot of issues for the owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, you’ll learn if the natural protectiveness of this breed ever leads to aggressiveness and what you can do to prevent such behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Aggressive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Berners are often described as one of the least aggressive breeds. They’re gentle, good-natured, playful, loyal, and kind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, they do have strong protective instincts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rarely, their instinct to protect their family and territory can grow into overprotectiveness and make them a bit aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like any other breed, an individual dog can have a temperament that is somewhat different than the standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any display of aggressiveness in Berners has a lot to do with the owner and failure to socialize their dog on time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper socialization significantly reduces the risk of your Berner growing up to be aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially important with younger dogs as they can occasionally be too territorial and hostile towards other dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, some behaviors that owners interpret as aggressive are actually rather harmless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barking, growling, or snapping the teeth are more often a sign of frustration or boredom than a display of aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Behave Aggressively?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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As I previously said, Bernese Mountain Dogs very rarely express aggression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, when they do, it can be for several different reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old Habits Die Hard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although they’re rarely called up for such duties nowadays, Berners served as protectors for centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some of the natural instincts have been bred out to create more friendly family dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, Bernese Mountain Dogs are still very protective<\/a> of their family and property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they feel that there’s a real danger to their owners, they may become over-vigilant and express aggression towards a perceived threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, some Berners can be overprotective when it comes to their territory or possessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless they’re trained to respect boundaries and that the protection is unnecessary, they may behave aggressively towards anyone approaching the territory they see as theirs or their food and toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear Can Induce Aggression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like most other breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be aggressive out of fear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they think that they’re in danger, they may feel the need to defend themselves and behave aggressively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most dogs, including Berners, when they feel fear, will choose avoidance instead of aggression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when trapped, they may go with the “defense is the best offense” approach. A lot of fear-based aggressive behaviors have roots in previous bad experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Dog may have suffered abuse from the previous owner, had a bad experience with other dogs, or didn’t go through proper socialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age, Health, and Sex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aggression often occurs due to natural causes. Younger Bernese Mountain Dogs sometimes can act aggressively towards other young dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly the case with male Berners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, as the dog ages, it may develop certain health issues causing pain which can lead to aggressive behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, impaired sight or hearing that often comes with age, may make every approach by humans or animals more sudden and therefore more frightening, causing aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper Care Goes a Long Way<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The biggest responsibility for the dog’s behavior lies with the owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting socialization and training on time can go a blown way in developing a kind and friendly dog and suppressing any potential aggression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, Bernese Mountain dogs demand a lot of attention and are very active and playful<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they’re not mentally and physically stimulated, engaged in family activities, and given enough exercise, they may easily start to become bored and frustrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This often results in them expressing some kinds of aggressive behavior, such as growling, or excessive barking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do You Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog from Being Aggressive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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If your Berner starts to behave aggressively, there are some steps you can take to stop it or prevent it in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is to establish your dominance and leadership in the household. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way, the dog will understand that you, as a leader, are in charge of protecting the family and won’t feel the need to be aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, try to reduce the stress in the dog’s environment as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid confrontation in front of your Berner as they’re very sensitive and can react aggressively to the negative atmosphere around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even as a puppy, the dog should be socialized and exposed to other dogs and strange people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will make them much more friendly and less shy towards other people and animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, early and proper training regime will ensure that the dog is obedient and make controlling the aggression easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bernese Mountain Dogs are certainly not a perfect fit for every owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are huge, require a lot of space, can shed a lot, and demand a fair amount of grooming and care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, they need a lot of attention and the owner has to invest a lot of time in joint activities with the dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the potential aggressiveness of your Berner should be the least of your worries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aggressive behavior of this breed is extremely rare and more an exception than a rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though they are rather protective of their own, they almost never engage in any kind of aggressive actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With proper socialization, training, and care, your Bernese Mountain Dogs will almost certainly be friendly, playful, and full of love.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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