If you are thinking of owning a Bernese mountain dog, then a likely question comes about their aggressiveness. Are these dogs fierce or not? Or do they bite? Aggression and biting concern each other. An aggressive dog is likely to bite as an outcome or a way to release its anger. 

The biting and aggressiveness are also found in Bernese mountain dogs, which they usually show towards other male dogs. However, normally these dogs are least prone to biting and showing signs of aggressiveness towards humans. That is why they are popularly known as human-friendly dogs. 

Normally, these dogs have a very good reputation for a soft attitude, and they do not show any signs of aggression or anger or do not possess any biting habits. In this article, we will share the details of how a Bernese mountain dog can become aggressive and is prone to biting sometimes.

Biting is fairly uncommon, but it can happen

Bernese Mountain dogs do not want to cause someone pain without any reason, as it is in their nature. They are not vicious dogs, so they are NOT prone to biting or nipping people. At their younger age, as pups, they nip each other as part of their habit. Which is also found in many other dogs. 

However, when they grow up as adults, and you provide them the best training, they will never bite any human. In addition, they will not show any signs of aggression or become vicious. 

When the dog becomes vicious or destructive towards others, there can be many reasons behind this unfavorable attitude. As Bernese mountain dogs love to be in the company of family members. 

On the contrary, if you leave them alone in the house, they become aggressive and begin to destroy the household items by chewing and biting them. So, loneliness may trigger their biting instincts, which otherwise are not present in them. 

Barking and growling are commonly observed in Bernese mountain dogs when they see strangers in their homes. In rare cases, these dogs tend to bite people and other animals. But they show extreme signs of aggression towards other people or an approaching who try to invade their home. 

We can assume from the behavior of Bernese mountain dogs as they are kind-hearted. For instance, smaller animals such as squirrels, rabbits, or some cats usually show less aggression than in the case of larger animals and stranger persons. 

These dogs only try to chase small animals, and biting and aggressively barking are neven observed in them. However, when you are out on the walk, you must be careful about their behavior; they might forcefully run away from seeing an unknown cat or rabbit in the park. 

When Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bite?

Seeing a dog with such a giant structure is not aggressive and always remains calm and cool is lovely. But being cool is not the all-time observing case. When it comes to guarding the family or premises, these giant animals serve their purpose to the best of their ability. 

As we have discussed earlier, Bernese mountain dogs are not prone to biting. They are friendly, loving and caring towards other family members and pets. But sometimes, they become aggressive, barking and biting people and animals. 

However, as a pet parent, you should not become worried about their biting habits; with certain training, you can refine your Berner dog as the best suitable pet for you in all respects. 

Reasons Why Bernese Mountain Dogs Bite

Let us look at these reasons for the five main reasons that encourage Bernese dogs to bite.

Possession Of Items

The first reason is their possessive nature; these dogs are not aggressive but quite possessive. They want to make a firm grip on their belongings and do not want to share them with any other person or animal. 

For Instance, they want to hold their food, toys and their masters etc. they are not ready to share these things with anyone. If any person or animal tries to interfere in their work, they may start barking or biting the incoming person or animal.

Presence Of Fear

A second most common cause of biting in Bernese mountain dogs is the presence of fear. The dogs are usually fearless, but there are many situations;  if the dog indulges in them, it can cause intense mental pressure and fear. 

So it becomes more aggressive and ultimately bites the one who stays in its path. So we can say that the Bernese mountain dogs are only prone to biting when they are showing any response. 

The Feeling Of Pain

Pain is also another cause that tends the Bernese mountain dogs towards biting. If some other dog bites the Bernese mountain dog and feels pain, it can also trigger Berner’s biting instincts towards other dogs and people. 

The dog is adopting the biting behavior because he knows that biting gives pain to the victim. Although Bernese mountain dogs do not enjoy giving pain to others once someone gives them, they also know how to put others in pain. 

Judging Material Instincts 

Bite is also a way to check the instincts of many materials which are otherwise impossible to explore. Therefore, Bernese mountain dogs also check the nature of the material by biting. This biting is not as bad as most animals and dogs do. 

Prey Drive

The hunting instincts are found in almost all dogs, triggering many cases. One of them is the prey drive. For instance, if you start cycling around the dog or showing unwanted aggression, it may lead to biting the dog. 

This behavior is rare in Bernese mountain dogs, but it can still lead them to bite. In addition, if you make unnecessary eye contact with the Bernese mountain dogs, it can also create an undesired feeling. The dog starts to chase you and will end up biting. 

The Best Ways To Stop Bernese Dogs From Biting

You can provide your dog with adequate training regarding the possession of items so that it will not become aggressive or tend to bite. The best way is to leave the dog when he catches its toys or other belongings and not try to snatch them. 

This behavior will tell the dog its belonging is not worthy of you. So when you pick those items up, it will not be aggressive. 

Final Words

The Bernese mountain dogs are known for their soft nature throughout the world. They have giant structures but merely show aggression towards humans and animals. However, there are some exceptions when these dogs become aggressive and are prone to biting. 

With proper pieces of training and behavioral therapies, you will be able to make your pet Berner a fine-tuned one.