Why Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Walk Between Their Owner’s Legs?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their unique behavior of walking or pushing their way between their owner’s legs. This behavior is quite common among this breed and can be attributed to several reasons, including affection, protection, and breed history.

Reasons for Walking Between Legs

Affection and Attention

Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely affectionate and love to be close to their owners. They may walk between their owner’s legs as a way to seek physical contact and attention. This behavior is often seen as a sign of the dog’s strong bond with their human companion.

Protection and Safety

These dogs tend to be shy and may feel safer when they are between their owner’s legs. The legs act as barriers, providing them with a sense of security and protection. This behavior may be more prevalent in dogs that are anxious or fearful in certain situations.

Breed History

As a working breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs have been bred to work closely with humans. This close proximity may have led to their natural inclination to be near their owners, including walking between their legs. This behavior may have been reinforced over generations as a way for the dogs to maintain a close connection with their human partners.

Training and Management

While this behavior is generally harmless, it can sometimes become problematic. Here are some tips to manage and train your Bernese Mountain Dog:

Train the “Leave It” Command

Teach your dog the “leave it” command to help them avoid picking up unwanted items, which can be useful in situations where they might try to walk between your legs. This command can help your dog learn to ignore distractions and focus on your instructions.

Positive Reinforcement

Encourage your dog to walk beside you by using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise when they walk correctly. This can help reinforce the desired behavior and discourage the habit of walking between your legs.

Addressing Fear and Anxiety

If your dog is walking between your legs due to fear or anxiety, provide reassurance and calm them down. Training can also help them overcome these issues, such as through desensitization and counter-conditioning exercises.

Real-Life Incidents

• A Reddit user shared that their Bernese Mountain Dog would walk between their legs every morning and when they came home, indicating that this behavior is a common trait among the breed.
• A TikTok video showed a Bernese Mountain Dog running with what appeared to be a leg between its teeth, highlighting the breed’s tendency to pick up items.

Leg Problems and Limping

Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to leg problems, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These issues can lead to limping and discomfort. It is essential to monitor your dog’s health and consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of limping or discomfort.

References:
– https://www.reddit.com/r/bernesemountaindogs/comments/8drz2a/does_your_berner_insist_on_walking_or_pushing/
– https://www.newsweek.com/great-bernese-sums-dog-ownership-hilarious-tiktok-1782443
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-FvR7zxZl4
– https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-bernese-mountain-dogs-go-between-your-legs
– https://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/9zros-bernese-mountain-dog-realised.html