So, you’ve fallen head over heels for that adorable Mini Bernedoodle puppy face. Congratulations, you’re about to start one of the most rewarding (and hilarious) journeys of your life! But once the tail-wagging honeymoon is over, reality sets in. You ask yourself the question every new pup parent faces: How do I train this bouncing ball of fluff?!

Don’t worry, we’ve got you. At Double U Doodles, we’ve raised enough Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles to know that how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy isn’t just about treats and praise. It’s about timing, consistency, love, and a little help from people who’ve been there. (That’s us!)

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything we’ve done before your puppy comes home, and how to continue the training like a pro from Day One.

What Makes Mini Bernedoodles So Darn Trainable?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Why is how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy a process worth your time and energy?

Well, these pups are:

• Intelligent – thanks to their Poodle heritage
• Loyal and affectionate – they love their people more than their toys (and that’s saying something)
• Eager to please – which makes them highly responsive to positive reinforcement
• Playful and goofy – so training sessions can be fun for both of you!

Now, let’s jump into the training timeline, starting with what we do before your pup even meets you.

The Double U Doodles Puppy Curriculum: Where It All Begins

We don’t just raise puppies, we raise prepared puppies. Here’s how your pup’s journey begins at our place:

Birth to Week 3: Gentle Beginnings

In the earliest days, weight gain is our priority. We weigh each puppy twice daily to ensure they’re thriving. This is also when we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), which includes:

• Holding puppies in different positions
• Gently touching their paws, ears, and tails
• Letting them feel various surfaces

These simple exercises promote better heart health, improved stress management, and a stronger foundation for a healthier life. 

Weeks 3–4: Sensory Bootcamp

This is where things get noisy, in a good way! Puppies are introduced to everyday sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, doorbells, blenders, and even music (yes, we’re a Taylor Swift household). We also expose them to a variety of textures, such as grass, mulch, and carpet. Think of it as preschool for paws.

Weeks 4–6: Outdoor Instincts

Here’s where the magic starts. We begin weaning the puppies from mama and introduce them to eating puppy mash and kibble. Most importantly, we teach them how to use the doggy door to potty outside, because pee pads only teach them to go inside on something square… like your favorite rug. No thanks!

Weeks 6–8: Crate Confidence

Puppies start crate training in individual crates, learning how to self-soothe and rest independently. This step is crucial for smooth nighttime routines when they come home. No crying at 2 a.m. if we can help it!

Weeks 8–10: The Imprinting Course

We finish off with a complimentary 2-week puppy imprinting course that introduces your pup to basic obedience, polite manners, and the joy of being a well-behaved little doggo. So when your puppy comes home, you’re already halfway through how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy.

Continuing Training at Home: Your Role as Pack Leader

Once your pup is home, your job is to reinforce what we’ve started. The key to success? Consistency, patience, and being just as excited about training as your pup is about snacks.

We’ve laid the foundation, now it’s your turn to build the house. Here’s how:

1. Crate Training: Your Secret Weapon

We’ve already started this process, but you’ll want to continue crate training as soon as your puppy gets home. Why?

• It helps establish a routine.
• It teaches your puppy independence and patience.
• It protects your shoes, cords, and antique chair legs from tiny teeth.

Keep crate time short and positive in the beginning. Toss in a treat, say a cue like “crate,” and reward them with calm praise. Over time, your pup will come to see their crate as a cozy, safe haven, rather than a place of confinement.

2. Potty Training: The Outside Advantage

Wondering how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy to potty outside? Good news, they’re halfway there. We’ve already taught them to use the doggy door and head outside to do their business. Your job is to:

• Take them out frequently (after meals, naps, and play)
• Praise and treat immediately after they go
• Stay consistent, even when it’s raining, snowing, or you’re in your pajamas

Whatever you do, skip the pee pads. We mean it. Those only teach pups to potty inside, and your rugs will never forgive you.

3. Commands and Manners: Start Simple

We introduce basic commands during imprinting, so your pup may already know a few of the following:

• Sit
• Down
• Come
• Leave It
• Place
• Sit to Say Please

Want to continue with success? Visit our Training Tips Page for detailed video walkthroughs. These are the exact methods we use, and your consistency will help your pup maintain their progress and grow even more confident.

4. Socialization: The Secret Ingredient

Socialization is a crucial aspect of training a Mini Bernedoodle puppy. Expose your pup to:

• New people (big, small, beardy, hat-wearing—all kinds)
• Other calm, vaccinated dogs
• Noises, places, surfaces, and experiences

Make every experience positive with treats and encouragement. The more things your pup sees early, the less they’ll fear later.

5. Patience, Praise, and Puppy Breath

Training isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress. Your pup will have accidents. They’ll chew the corner of a shoe. They might try to eat a leaf the size of their head. That’s all part of the journey.

The most important thing you can do while figuring out how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy is to be consistent and kind. Reward what you want more of, ignore or redirect what you don’t, and always celebrate the little wins.

From Our Home to Yours

Nick and I have poured our hearts into raising pups who are not only adorable but prepared for real life. Our new facility provides us with everything we need to nurture happy, healthy puppies, and we’re proud of the families they become a part of.

We’re here for the long haul, whether you need help with how to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy, want advice on food or vet care, or just want to send us adorable updates (seriously, we love those).

FAQ

How long does it take to train a Mini Bernedoodle puppy?
With consistency, most pups master basic commands by 6 months. But training is ongoing, and reinforcing good habits throughout their first year is key.

Are Mini Bernedoodles easy to train?
Yes! They’re smart, food-motivated, and love making their humans happy. Just keep it fun and consistent.

Do you recommend pee pads?
Nope. We teach puppies to go outside to potty. Pee pads only confuse them and create long-term house training problems.

What if my pup “forgets” their training after coming home?
That’s normal! New environment = new learning curve. Stick to the routines we’ve started, and things will fall into place quickly.

Can I start new training beyond what you’ve done?
Absolutely! Just be sure to reinforce what we’ve taught before introducing too many new concepts at once.

If you’re ready to put this guide into action, just remember: You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

P.S. Got a puppy success story? We’d love to hear it (and see it—pictures, please!).