The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed and is known for being versatile.  Working capabilities, intelligence, the desire to be co-operative, and the need to accompany his/her owner contribute to this versatility. 

Working and performance activities to use these instincts and abilities enhances their physical and mental health.  Such activities increase and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.  Click on subjects in the left column to learn more about activities and training for your Berner.  

Thanks to Phil Henderson for the Jumping Berner and the Carting Berner

SIERRA WEST BMDC first Independent REGIONAL SPECIALTY

Draft Test   --- October 15, 2004

Conformation, Obedience, Rally --   October 16, 2004 

Pleasanton, California

Submit Data to Berner-Garde        *Purina Body Condition Chart   

TRACKING 

Tracking is a form of canine search and rescue.  This scent work comes naturally for many Bernese. For AKC tracking, the dog is taught to follow a human scent trail on the ground. The dog must learn to sort through countless other scents in order to follow the trail and find the "lost"article. It is a very enjoyable sport for both dog and handler.

TRACKING REGULATIONS

OBEDIENCE

THE FIRST BERNESE OTCH, June 2, 2002

OTCH Swiss Stars Welcome Waggin' UDX TD OA

CONGRATULATIONS TRISHA AND STORMY

Many Bernese enjoy obedience performances as long as positive training methods are used. This should include motivators and rewards of food treats, toys, clickers, play, games. Training sessions should be kept short and use play-training techniques, otherwise the smart Berner may become turned off, bored, or lose interest.

Rally-O                 Thanks for the graphic, Dino Candelaria      

Attention Training Game  by Kathleen Feeney       

LIKA earns her UD - 1-13-02 at age 8 yr. 4 mo.

Ch Swiss Star's As You Like It, UD, TDX, NA, JHD, TDI, CGC

HERDING       

The All Purpose Berner by Ann Ghiroso 

BMDCA - DRAFT REGULATIONS 

Draft Training Tips

THERAPY DOGS  

Bernese with suitable temperaments enjoy working as therapy dogs by visiting hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and club groups. Most Berners like people, being petted, sitting on feet, and are soft and furry. What more could anyone ask from a therapy dog?  Besides being beautiful, many Berners like to show-off by performing a variety of tricks.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BERNER CLUBS

SIERRA WEST BMD CLUB Website:  www.sierrawest.org

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BMDC Website:  www.norcalbernese.org

SAN FRANCISCO BAY BERNERS History and B.G. PACKARD Website:  www.bernese.org

CALIFORNIA RESCUE AND REHOME (R&R) SERVICE:  www.bmdrescueca.org     510-235-2456

 

Banner 10 1/3 yrs in Spokane

GETTY CDX, TDX, JHD, CGC

Getty crossing road in TDX tracking test

Getty winning WB

       Lika gathering livestock

NITRO 9 1/2 yrs and Duke

           Sergio and cart

NITRO, ALEXIS, LIKA

Getty at 4 months