You may think of a St. Bernard dog as that big, friendly giant in the movie “Beethoven” or the heroic mountaintop rescuer with a barrel of brandy. But have you ever stopped and wondered how well they listen to instructions or, in technical terms, how easy they are to train?
St. Bernards have often been stereotyped as lazy or dull because of their large physique and calm demeanor. Is that really the case, or are we, perchance, mistaken about our huge furry friends? Well, let’s set the record straight!
The St. Bernard breed originates from the Swiss Alps. Specifically, they were bred by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a traveler’s refuge in the Swiss Alps. These immense dogs were trained to rescue lost travelers trapped in landslides, avalanches, or harsh winter weather. Their keen sense of smell made them perfect for these tasks, sniffing out people buried under piles of snow.
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: A St. Bernard holds the world record for the most lives saved by a dog with a staggering count of over 40 souls! This dog, named Barry, made a name for himself and the breed, representing their immense loyalty, courage, and, of course, trainability. This is an attest to the fact St. Bernards can indeed be trained and do so efficiently.
Granted that every dog, regardless of breed, has a unique personality, temperament, and level of receptiveness towards training. But St. Bernards, as a breed, are known to be highly intelligent, keen learners with an excellent memory. They are also gentle, patient, and eager to please their owners, which makes them more trainable. However, like many large breeds, they can sometimes be stubborn.
Despite the occasional stubbornness, it’s clear that with the right techniques, St. Bernards can be a dream to train. Now, let’s get down to the specifics of training a St. Bernard.
A crucial point about training a St. Bernard, like any dog, is that it should start early. Begin training as soon as you bring your St. Bernard home, ideally around eight weeks of age. At this age, the puppy is more likely to adjust, adapt, and less likely to resist training. But mind you, training doesn’t mean imposing strict rules right off the bat!
Much of the early training should revolve around socializing. St. Bernards are naturally good with people and other pets, but early exposure will ensure this trait is enhanced. It’s also worth mentioning that, despite their imposing size, St. Bernards can be shy or wary of strangers. Early socialization can help in reducing this fear or reluctance.
Positive reinforcement is an effective method for training St. Bernards. They thrive on praise, love, and positive attention. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, praises, or playtimes works wonders with them. However, remember to always stay consistent. Inconsistent rules or routines can confuse your St. Bernard and can lead to poor training results.
Also, remember, just because they’re big doesn’t mean they’re made of steel. St. Bernards, particularly St. Bernard puppies, have sensitive bones and joints due to their rapid growth. Thus, training involving rigorous or harsh physical activities should be avoided until they’re fully-grown to prevent risk of injury or long-term damage.
A quick tip for potential St. Bernard owners – be patient and persistent. Like Oprah Winfrey rightly put, “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” If your St. Bernard doesn’t get the trick in the first few tries, don’t be disheartened. Consistent repetition and gentle persuasion are the keys to victory.
In conclusion, yes, a St. Bernard is easy to train given the right conditions and techniques. As you walk this training trail with your St. Bernard, keep in mind that it’s not just about making them obedient. It’s about creating a bond, understanding each other, and living harmoniously together.
Don’t forget to enjoy every minute of your training journey with your St. Bernard. Sometimes, amidst the discipline and rules, we often forget the essence of the relationship between a pet and its human. It’s love, it’s laughter, and it’s the joy of being together. Happy Training!
