Things can become difficult when you are both a parent and a dog lover. While waiting to pick the best pet for your home, the foremost question that comes to mind is whether the dog will be good with the kids. In recent years, Bernedoodles have become the hot favorite of dog enthusiasts, and if you are one of them and are thinking about how it would mix with kids, then you can surely breathe a sigh of relief, as the Bernedoodles prove to be the best partners for the young ones at home. Let’s break down the points in detail, making it convenient for you to decide whether a Bernedoodle truly fits your family.
Get to know the Bernedoodle first
A Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog breed created by mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The combination results in the calm, gentle nature of the Bernese with the smartness and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Bernedoodles are renowned for their affectionate nature, loyalty, intelligence, playfulness, and family-oriented nature. Considering these aspects, they are the ultimate choices for families with kids.
Why are Bernedoodles great with kids?
Let us break down the points which should help a prospective dog buyer to understand what makes the Bernedoodles so good with the kids:
- Gentle temperament: As mentioned earlier, the calm and patient personality of the Bernedoodles inherited from their Bernese parent makes them less reactive and more tolerant to the unpredictable behavior of children. They are playful, but seldom do they get hyper.
- Strong family bonding: Bernedoodles love being with the people it loves. Thus, it has earned them the title of “people-oriented dogs”. They never like being left alone and prefer being with the other family members. Thus, whenever they are with the kids, they would necessarily follow them around the house, sit with them, play with them, and also act as a protector without being aggressive. For the unversed, Bernedoodles feel children are a part of their pack.
- Playful without being overwhelming: The best thing about Bernedoodles is that they are not like some high-energy breeds. They thrive on playtime and various games, and are equally ready to relax calmly after the playtime is over. Therefore, as a parent, when your kid is with a Bernedoodle, you can rest assured that it will never knock down the kid, it will never demand non-stop stimulation, and it will adapt well to the energy levels of the kid.
- Easy trainability: Thanks to the traits inherited from the Poodle parent, Bernedoodles are smart and very easy to train. It is one of the crucial factors in a household with kids. In a short while, Bernedoodles learn not to jump, exhibit gentle play behavior, basic obedience commands, and to interact calmly with children. A well-trained dog would always be safer with younger kids around.
Bernedoodles and their blend with toddlers
Usually, Bernedoodles do get along well with toddlers, but still, supervision is the key. Since toddlers are unpredictable with their behavior, even a breed like Bernedoodle, renowned for its patience might lose its calm if instigated continuously. Toddlers, as you can understand, will necessarily pull their ears and tail, hug them too tightly, try to sit on them, and interrupt their rest sessions. As mentioned before, Bernedoodles usually will not react aggressively in any of the above-mentioned situations; still, adult supervision is the key to success. Alternatively, it is equally necessary to train the toddlers on how to respect their pet.
Ideal Bernedoodle size for families with kids
If you do not know this already, Bernedoodles come in various sizes. Therefore, it becomes crucial to choose the right one that matters in a home with kids. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- Standard Bernedoodles: The breed is best suited for homes that have older kids. The dog would be gentle but large, and would need more space.
- Mini Bernedoodles: They are best for families with young kids. This breed is much easier to manage, and the risks of accidental knocking can also be minimized.
- Toy Bernedoodles: These suit households that are calm.
Typically, families that have kids prefer the Mini version.
Things parents should remain aware of
Here are a few key points that we touched on before, but need a thorough understanding of.
Bernedoodles do not like being left alone: This breed tends to form an emotional attachment with their families very quickly. Thus, they never appreciate long periods of isolation. If done so, it can lead to separation anxiety, which may turn the otherwise calm dog into one indulging in destructive behavior.
Early socialization is crucial: A Bernedoodle raised around children from an early age will turn out to be more confident and relaxed with them. Pups that grow up in isolation can take more time to adjust to kids later. Thus, it is best to expose the Bernedoodle to kids of different ages, various noise and activities, and the normal family routines.
Tips for making the bonding between a Bernedoodle and kids even better
By following the tips, dog parents can build a better camaraderie between the dog and the kids.
- You should teach the kids how to handle dogs better.
- Remember to set boundaries for both the dog and the kids.
- The Bernedoodle must regularly attend obedience training sessions.
- You should always encourage calm play and refrain from any activities that involve rough play.
- Always provide the dog with a quiet space to retreat and relax.
When both the kids and the dog understand their roles, it helps make the bond stronger and guarantees safety.
Final verdict
Bernedoodles are the best with kids when raised, trained, and supervised appropriately. Indeed, Bernedoodles are the best choice for a family that would blend nicely with children. Go for one, if you are all set to embrace these tips and help build a home where the Bernedoodle turns up to become a loyal and trusted member of the family.