I don't think they are difficult to train...if anything they are different because
they are easier. My 2 Berners have completely different personalities, but are both
very smart and very quick learners. One caution....what may have been meant by
"different" to train is that you MUST (or should IMO) train a Berner using positive
reinforcement. They are very sensitive and negative reinforcement and Berners do NOT
go together, IMHO. Ok, so I would not recommend a choke chain...or no bark
collars...or whatever other torture devices are out there for dogs. There are breeds
that respond just fine to those, but not Berners. So if you trian your Berners with
treats (cheese, pepperoni, bacon) and love, you will gain the confidence and respect
of your Berner and a wonderful companion as well.
Now before I get slammed here on the no choke chains rule, I have seen plenty
of happy Berners wearing them and walking nicely at their owners sides. I also know
from experience that when that same owner removes this collar, the dog no longer walks
at side. I believe this is because the dog has learned how not to get choked by the
collar, but not to walk at side. If the dog knew how to walk at side, he wouldn't
need one. That being said, both of my dogs (one very smart/calm and one a bit on the
dopey wing-nutty side) walk at side because they learned how to and other than show
leads, have never worn a choke chain.
Briana Walton
Bunsen Berners
Hampton, CT
860-455-2104
