![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bernese-mountain-dog-3-1024x678.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBerners 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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bernese-Mountain-Dog-11-1024x759.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs 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\nIf 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\nIf 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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bernese-mountain-dog-1-1-1-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf 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":"
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be one of the sweetest and friendliest dog breeds. They are affectionate and faithful companions and excel as loving family pets. Playful, and … Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[649],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-other-sheepdogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs 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 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 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 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 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 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":" Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be one of the sweetest and friendliest dog breeds. They are affectionate and faithful companions and excel as loving family pets. Playful, and … Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[649],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-other-sheepdogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fear Can Induce Aggression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age, Health, and Sex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proper Care Goes a Long Way<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do You Stop a Bernese Mountain Dog from Being Aggressive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n