How to train puppies! This is the very start of introducing puppies to basic obedience.

[@matthewrgrady]

I’m getting a Berner tomorrow! I’m feeling really confident watching your videos.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I'm glad! Let me know if I can help!

[@ginaanderson9333]

😍 wish I was there too, adorable and smart puppies. 👍

I love how their paws shloop into a lay down 😂😍

[@GS-dq7sf]

Very smart lil pups

[@Anastasia12344]

This is such a wonderful channel. You do such an incredible job at explaining and teaching us. Very much appreciate your effort!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! Trying to grow the channel!

[@KH-yy6yg]

Getting mine in a few days

[@gegerenai_]

thank you so much for this I might be getting one this summer and I’m watching videos to understand how to train them before I get it and this really helped! Appreciate it💕.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

You’re welcome!

[@tomatoma9207]

Thank you for video,Staa

[@KH-yy6yg]

Love your videos

[@tomatoma9207]

Stacy, they are marvellous, they are so clever! I adore them !

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Thank you!

[@SnshnBlu]

Very helpful! thanks!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

You're welcome!

[@christinek.1873]

Stacey can you show us how to train a puppy to use a bell for potty training please.. love your videos

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Check out my potty training videos under the playlist General Ownership/puppy training. You can place bells on the door you are going in and out of to go potty. Once your puppy learns that they potty outside they will associate the bells with the door opening with the bells and start to hit the bells to tell you. It is all part of the process (just add the bells on the door) and your dog will pick it up. But remember, you are training to go outside to potty, not to use the bells, that confuses them. They pick up the association with action and the bells.

[@christinek.1873]

Thank you Stacy.. this sounds like a good plan. Loving your videos.

[@Onyi810]

You are lucky my 8 week Bernese is all over the place doesn’t stay still and is always on a BITE mission ☺️

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Focusing them with yummy treats and fun training is the key!

[@lynnemarie7885]

Hi Stacey, I love all of your videos! (especially the ones with Hazy 😍) We have a 9 week old Swissy Dog (ours is Greater Swiss mom with Bernese papa) We are having all the trials, tribulations and of course ALL the FUN of puppy-hood. Right now, the heat is really making training (potty and obedience) super hard. :( It's so so hot, he's is refusing to go outside and will do anything to avoid it. We have a cooling mat etc. but could you maybe make a video about how to keep this breed happy and comfortable in the heat? Cheers from Germany!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I am sorry for the delayed response...I hope you were able to see my video on keeping these guys cool.

[@100queenniya8]

i really like this video and you explained everything well , i do have a question when can u start getting the puppies t sit, stay ,down without the treat.?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I always have treats on me, but sit is the first thing that at about 8-9 weeks they can do without a lure, just a reward. Down is harder as it takes a few weeks to take away the lure, but I always reward for a behavior. Stay takes some time and patience as well.

[@angiefifield-smith7484]

Hi Stacey. Thank you for these really useful videos. I am really enjoying them. I am researching the breed and am considering whether to get a Bernese puppy. It's either going to be a Bernese or a golden retriever. The only downsides I see with the Bernese is the shorter life span and that, due to their large size, they are more likely to take me for a walk than the other way round! We haven't had a dog before, so this is all new to us. What I am wondering is how you progress from training with treats, to getting them to do your commands, e.g. 'down', 'come' etc without treats? I'm sure praise is part of it, but if they're so food-orientated and there's no treats, how do you get them to do what you want? Many thanks.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I always use treats. I don't ask them to do a lot without rewards and paying them for their work. That being said all my dogs will sit, down, and "off" without treats. But any sustained training or commands that require more I ALWAYS reward and I use praise, but always treats. Just think about sending kids to school but never having grades, what would inspire kids to do better or study? These are large dogs with a lot of energy and a lot of hair, definitely meet a few before you buy one so you know what you are in for :) And always purchase from a reputable breeder who has their dogs health clearances in BernerGarde.

[@matthewgushee6800]

Stacy I have been loving your videos, very helpful in my efforts to find a HEALTHY and well bread Bernese puppy. Could you do another video discussing more on obedience training? Do you do it all yourself? Do you use a third party? What would you recommend for a first time Bernese owner?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Good idea, I will work on that. But to answer your question, yes I have a great trainer who (when not in isolation) I go to obedience classes every week to practice to keep us sharp and to learn from an unbiased set of eyes on how we can improve. I have been training dogs all my life and am always learning new things. And each dog presents a different challenge.

[@lawrence.centinales]

i want one so badddd

[@voobii]

What’s the best treat to give them

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I use string cheese, USA made jerky treats or cut up chicken or hot dogs.

[@edith2470]

Hey stacie, i have a 9 weeks old bernese puppy and she is way to crazy when i get the cheese out... she doesn't listen at all... is there something else i could give he for training? Would her kibble work?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Yes! Kibble is perfect, just use her lunch as training treats :)

[@EM-ye7vk]

Is it okay to introduce the string cheese for training the day we bring them home?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Yes in small amounts. Each reward piece is smaller than a pea.

[@yevgeniyakononoff3435]

Hi Stacy, my daughter and I are studying your videos before starting to work with our 8 week old. Can you suggest when is the best time in the day (routine) to do some training. At 8 weeks we go between napping and pottying most of the day. Where does training fit in best? Thank you!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I usually train when they are up and and playing. Only 5 minute training session for a couple weeks and then I grow them from there. Good luck!

[@yevgeniyakononoff3435]

SitStay with Stacy Slade thank you!

[@sheelakarthik1820]

Hi Stacy, I have a 4 month old Bernese mountain dog. I see that he was more white/ grey undercoat than his black coat. So he does not really look as black as your puppies do. Will he get better with the coat color later on? I give him home cooked food . Is that the reason? Please and Thank you.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

He likely has a grey puppy coat which is genetic and will go away when he sheds out his puppy coat in a few months and turn jet black :) Ranger in this video actually has one too, hard to tell because he's only 2 months old but now it is more prevalent.

[@dinithiranaraja6412]

Hey, I'm from Sri Lanka. Is it possible to have a BMD in a warm country like SL if we give him the necessary conditions?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Anything is possible with massive air conditioning but if it is hot year round I might reconsider the breed to maybe a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog who does't have a heavy coat.

[@andrewengle4970]

What kind of string cheese do you use? Is there a concern for giving too much?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I use Frigioli from Costco. If I am training a lot and using a lot of treats I lessen their kibble a little bit. .

[@briancraemer2379]

Stacy, I have a question. What food do you give your Puppies? Our puppy is 15 weeks old and we are considering a different food per vet recommendation. Thoughts? Thank you

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I usually mix Fromm large breed puppy with Purina Pro Plan Focus Salmon (adult) and when the 20 pound bag of puppy food is gone around 4 months I just keep feeding straight Pro Plan.

[@llexhwin6606]

Do they bite your fingers ?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

A little bit but they get more treat than my fingers. I don’t give them the treat if they bite hard.

[@GS-dq7sf]

How old are the puppies?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

10 and 11 weeks old :)

[@christinek.1873]

Stacey do you ever give your dogs fresh fruit such as apples, bananas in a Kong?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I don't, but those are great treats!