Why Does My Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Me? Here’s Why & How to Stop the Behavior

The Bernese Mountain Dog may display unwanted behaviors, such as biting. It is important to understand the reasons behind this behavior in order to effectively address and resolve it. 

Common reasons why your Bernese Mountain Dog may be biting include:

Lack of proper training

Bernese Mountain Dogs, despite their gentle nature, still require proper training and socialization from an early age. Without proper guidance, they may resort to biting as a way to communicate.

Proper training is important which includes basic obedience training for teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog appropriate behaviors and establishing boundaries.

By implementing consistent training techniques, you can effectively discourage biting and encourage positive interactions with humans and other animals.

Related: When do Bernese Mountain Dog puppies calm down?

Fear or anxiety

Bernese Mountain Dogs are sensitive creatures and can easily become fearful or anxious in certain situations.

When they feel threatened or overwhelmed, they may resort to biting as a defense mechanism.

Underlying medical problem

Sometimes, underlying medical issues can cause your Bernese Mountain Dog to show unusual behavior, including biting.

Pain, discomfort, or certain health conditions can cause a dog to behave aggressively or defensively. 

If your Bernese Mountain Dog’s biting behavior seems out of character or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical causes. 

Resource guarding

Bernese Mountain Dogs can display possessive behavior over their toys, food, or personal space. If they feel that their resources are being threatened, they may resort to biting to protect what they consider theirs.

Your Bernese Mountain Dog may display resource-guarding tendencies and bite or nibble when someone tries to approach or take away their prized possessions. 

Establishing boundaries and teaching your dog to share and release items on command can help address this issue. 

Puppy teething stage

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething stage where their baby teeth start to fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. 

During this phase, they experience discomfort and itchiness in their gums, leading them to a natural urge to chew and bite on objects or anything they can find, including your hands and fingers. 

This natural stage of development results in your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy biting you. 

How to Stop the Behavior

When it comes to addressing biting behavior in your Bernese Mountain Dog, it is important to approach the issue with patience, consistency, and a well-rounded plan. 

Here’s what you can do to help put an end to this behavior:

Puppy teething remedies

Puppies go through a teething stage where their gums are sore and they feel the need to chew on things to alleviate the discomfort. 

To address this issue, it is important to provide your puppy with appropriate teething remedies such as chew toys or frozen washcloths to soothe their gums and divert their attention away from biting you or your belongings.

Identify anxiety triggers 

It is important to identify the triggers that cause fear or anxiety in your Bernese Mountain Dog and work on desensitizing them through positive reinforcement techniques.

By gradually exposing your dog to these triggers in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them overcome their fears and reduce their tendency to bite.

Obedience training

A well-behaved Bernese Mountain Dog is a result of proper obedience training. Teaching your dog basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” helps establish a clear hierarchy and teaches them to respect your authority.

By incorporating consistent training sessions, you can effectively communicate what behaviors are acceptable and what are not.

Additionally, training provides mental stimulation for your Bernese Mountain Dog, helping to redirect their energy away from biting.

Positive reinforcement is a highly effective method of training that utilizes rewards to encourage desired behaviors. 

When your Bernese Mountain Dog behaves appropriately, such as refraining from biting, reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. 

This positive association reinforces the idea that good behavior leads to positive outcomes, increasing the likelihood that they will repeat that behavior in the future. 

Make sure to be consistent with your rewards and timing to reinforce the desired behavior effectively.

Related: Are Bernese Mountain Dogs hard to train?

Socialization 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but inadequate socialization can lead to fear or anxiety, which may manifest as biting behavior. 

To prevent this, expose your Bernese Mountain Dog to various environments, people, and other animals from an early age.

Gradual exposure to new experiences helps them build confidence and learn how to interact appropriately. 

Enroll your puppy in classes or arrange playdates with other well-behaved dogs. This also contributes to their socialization.

Consult your veterinarian

If your Bernese Mountain Dog’s biting behavior seems out of character or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical causes. 

The veterinarian may also recommend the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. A professional’s insight can make a significant difference in modifying your dog’s behavior and creating a harmonious relationship between you and your Bernese Mountain Dog.

Preventive measures to avoid Bernese Mountain Dog biting incidents

As a responsible Bernese Mountain Dog owner, it is important to take proactive measures to prevent biting incidents. 

These preventive measures include:

Providing appropriate chew toys

Bernese Mountain Dogs, like all dogs, have a natural instinct to chew. Providing them with appropriate chew toys is essential to redirect their biting behavior onto safe and acceptable objects. 

Look for sturdy toys that are specifically designed for large breeds, as these will withstand their powerful jaws.

Establishment of boundaries

Establishing boundaries is crucial in preventing biting incidents. Teach your Bernese Mountain Dog what is acceptable and what is not through consistent training. 

Set clear rules and consistently reinforce them. For example, if your Bernese Mountain Dog becomes too rough during play, use a firm “no” and redirect their attention to an appropriate toy or activity.

Consistent training

Consistency is key when it comes to preventing biting incidents. Consistent training helps your Bernese Mountain Dog understand what is expected of them and reinforces positive behaviors.

Establish a regular training routine that includes obedience commands and socialization exercises. 

By consistently reinforcing good behavior and discouraging biting, you can shape your Bernese Mountain Dog into a well-behaved and non-aggressive companion.

Takeaway

Understanding why your Bernese Mountain Dog is biting is important for addressing and resolving this behavior. By identifying the underlying reasons behind the biting, you can implement effective strategies to stop the behavior.

Remember, addressing biting behavior requires patience, consistency, and understanding. With proper training and guidance, you can help your Bernese Mountain Dog become well-behaved.

For more information on the Bernese Mountain Dog and their behavior, feel free to check out the Bernese Mountain Dog guide for owners.