Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fast trainable dogs which never forget what they’ve learned. They quickly learn to wrap their owner around the finger, so we have to be consistent and train them when they are still puppies. If we want to control them, we have to be seen as pack leaders. They respect and allow only a good leader to subdue them. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require owners with experience, which means that they aren’t the most suitable dogs for beginners. For beginners dog training is mandatory, for others highly recommended.

Play hours in dog school for puppies                                          Agility                    

It is recommended for puppies older than 3 months (or those which have already been vaccinated against rabies) to visit dog play-hours or dog schools for beginners. Greater Swiss Mountain dogs need a lot of socialization. It is advisable that they become accustomed to other dogs, people and situations at an early stage, before any improper behaviour or habits could get too deeply entrenched. These two programmes are based primarily on the socialization of the dog, and on teaching the owner of the proper handling of dogs. Above all, of course, we also recommend that you take your dog with you to different places on different occasions; it can go with you to the store, when you are going to coffee with your friends, or into crowded places, etc. This is how you prevent having problems with the dog when it grows up, because it got used to different situations when it was a puppy.

                     Obedience exam A                          Training in the city - obedience exam BBH

For dogs up to 12 months of age we suggest companion dog training - Exam A. Owners will learn how to properly teach their dogs to obey basic commands.

A similar examination is the BBH Test, in which we add to the companion dog training additional training for proper behaviour in an urban environment, while at the same time the owner finishes an exam for a guide of dog companion. The dog here learns addition commands and how to behave in the urban hustle in everyday situations (e.g. the dog mustn’t react when a cyclist or a truck passes it by). This training is highly recommended for all owners of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

VIDEO: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fast trainable (click)

We suggest that all prospective owners take their dogs through the above mentioned training. We believe that what the dogs learn in the first year and a half will stay with them for the end of their lives. However, living with an untrained dog can prove to be very uncomfortable.

Search and rescue training - Katja with Brina