Out of Control Bernese

Question
We have an 8 month old Bernese and he is a nightmare.

He is crated during the day and comes out when my Husband gets home.  We have a 2 year old and a 10 month old and it's just too much stress to have all three.

He's just about fine with the kids, but once they go to bed, he turns.  Jumping, biting, barking, growling, snarling, jumping on the furniture............  I've tried and tried with him, but my husband now just wants to give him away as we can't stand much more of his behaviour night after night.  

Answer

Hi Gail,

It sounds like your dog spending entirely too much time in his crate, so when somebody finally comes home he's got TONS of energy to deal with. Giving the dog more daily exercise in the way of a good long leashed walk or run in park would be a good start. Letting a dog outside alone in a fenced yard will not accomplish this.

Another thing to do is to give your dog "doggie daycare". Many boarding kennels offer this service. An alternative would be to have a friend or neighbor exercise your dog at some point during the day, if you aren't able to do that yourself.

Enrolling in a dog obedience class is another thing to do, which will provide mental stimulation and help your dog to learn to listen to you, while you learn how to control your dog. Your vet can probably recommend an obedience class.

Sadly, giving the dog away is an option you may need to consider. Though you love your dog, what with having small children to care for, it might be making the dog more than you can deal with at this point in your life. Taking the time to re-home your dog to a person or family who has the time to care for him properly will give you the peace of mind that he'll have a good life. There may be "rescue" groups in your area whom you could surrender your dog to. These groups keep their dogs with volunteers in homes, not shelters. They provide health-care when needed, as well as training, and review all perspective adopters to ensure the dog goes to the best possible "forever home".

Best of luck,
Patti