Bernedoodle Temperament: What to Expect at Every Life Stage
- Maricris Andrea Quiban
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Hey there, future puppy parent (or seasoned one)!
The Bernedoodle is the perfect blend of fun, smarts, and affection, but just like all pups, their temperament can vary depending on where they are in their life stage. From the soft, snuggly days of puppyhood to the spirited, sometimes wild teen years (don’t worry, you’ve got this!), understanding your Bernedoodle's behavior at every stage is key to nurturing a happy, balanced fur-ever friend. 🐾
Today, we’re diving into what you can expect at each stage of your Bernedoodle’s development. Ready?
Let’s go!
Puppyhood (8 Weeks–6 Months): The Adorable Baby Phase
“I’m so cute, I can get away with anything!”
Ah, puppyhood. The soft, squishy, can’t-stop-snuggling phase that’ll steal your heart in an instant. 😍 At this stage, your Bernedoodle is learning about the world—everything is new, exciting, and sometimes a bit scary. They’re building trust, developing their social skills, and figuring out how to communicate with you. This phase is crucial for socialization, early training, and getting them used to household routines.
You’ll likely see your Bernedoodle:
Explore with their nose (and mouth—yes, puppy teething is real)
Begin to learn basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come”
Sleep a LOT (they’re still growing!)
Start potty training (expect accidents, but keep it consistent!)
Training at this stage should focus on positive reinforcement and short, fun sessions. A few treats, a lot of love, and a little patience will have your pup soaking up those lessons like a sponge!
Adolescence (6–18 Months): The Sassy Teen Phase
“You mean I can not listen? I’m so over these rules.” 😅
Hold on tight, friend! Your Bernedoodle is about to enter their teenage phase, and it’s... a lot. Think of it like the human teen years—energetic, boundary-pushing, and occasionally a little too smart for their own good.
Suddenly, your perfect little angel who used to nail “sit” every time may have forgotten what that means. They might also start testing limits, acting out, and doing things that make you question your entire life’s work as a dog parent. Classic teen move. 😬
But here’s the thing: It’s completely normal! The sassy teen phase is all about developing independence, figuring out their place in the world, and finding their confidence. Your doodle might be more energetic than ever, and they will need structured training and mental stimulation to stay balanced.
Here’s how to navigate those wild teen years:
Be consistent with training—even though they might test you, they do still need structure.
Keep them mentally engaged—Bernedoodles are smart cookies and need enrichment (puzzle toys, training sessions, and maybe even agility).
Daily walks and exercise are a must to burn off that teen energy!
Be patient—their attention span might be shorter, but they’ll come around with time.
You’re shaping them into the well-behaved adult dog they’re meant to be, so don’t lose heart during this phase. It’s all part of the growing process!
Adulthood (18 Months and Beyond): The Mellow, Majestic Doodle
“I’m grown up now... but can I still get belly rubs?” 💖
Once your Bernedoodle reaches adulthood, usually around 18 months to 2 years, you’ll start to notice a shift in their demeanor. The rebellious teen years start to mellow, and they become more stable, calm, and reliable (hallelujah!). 🎉
But that doesn’t mean they’re done being fun! Adult Bernedoodles are still playful, loyal, and super affectionate. They’re also more likely to follow the rules and use their training, especially when they’ve had consistent guidance through their earlier years. You’ll probably notice your doodle’s personality is really starting to shine by now—whether they’re the cuddly snuggle bug or the energetic fetch champion!
Tips for Every Life Stage:
Socialization is key at every stage, especially during puppyhood and adolescence. Introduce your Bernedoodle to different people, dogs, environments, and experiences. The more positive experiences, the more confident and well-rounded your doodle will be.
Training never ends—even when they’re adults! A little refresher here and there, along with continuous mental stimulation, will keep your Bernedoodle sharp and well-behaved.
Routine is your best friend—from feeding times to potty breaks and play sessions, dogs thrive on a predictable routine.
Have any questions about your Bernedoodle’s temperament?
Or maybe you’re navigating the sassy teen years right now?
Leave a comment or drop us a message—we’re here for all the puppy chats!
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