Yes, Bernedoodles can be good with cats. Bernedoodles are generally friendly, social, and gentle dogs that can get along well with cats when properly introduced and trained.
What is a Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They are playful, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that have become increasingly popular family pets. Bernedoodles inherit traits from both their parent breeds:
- From Bernese Mountain Dogs they get their loyal, patient temperament and affectionate nature.
- From Poodles they get their intelligence, low-shedding coat, and energetic spirit.
This mix makes Bernedoodles well-suited for families with children, other pets, and active lifestyles.
Can Bernedoodles Get Along with Cats?
Bernedoodles are social animals
Bernedoodles are pack-oriented dogs that generally enjoy being around other animals and humans. They thrive on companionship and are rarely aggressive when properly socialized. This makes them likely to accept other pets, including cats, as part of their social group or “pack.”
Bernedoodles love to play
Bernedoodles have an energetic, playful nature. They will often try to engage with cats in play with pouncing, chasing, and wrestling. This interaction needs monitoring as the size difference can intimidate cats. With training, Bernedoodles can learn appropriate ways to play gently with cats.
Bernedoodles are gentle and tolerant
Despite their large size, Bernedoodles have a reputation for being patient, gentle, and tolerant. They are not dominant dogs and will not usually bully or harass other pets when supervised. Their friendly nature allows them to get along well with cats.
Bernedoodles make great companions
Bernedoodles aim to please and thrive on being with their family. When a cat is part of the family, a Bernedoodle will readily accept them as a companion. With proper introductions, they can form close bonds with cats.
Bernedoodles are easy to train
Thanks to the intelligence inherited from Poodles, Bernedoodles are highly trainable dogs. This allows them to be taught proper behavior around cats and other pets. Reward-based training helps establish good conduct.
Temperament of Bernedoodles
While Bernedoodles are generally easygoing with other pets, their temperament can vary depending on which parent breed is more dominant.
- Bernedoodles that take after the Poodle side tend to be more energetic, excitable, and high-strung. They will need more training and socialization to be calm around cats.
- Bernedoodles that favor their Bernese Mountain Dog heritage are mellower, lower energy, and more patient. They tend to naturally accept cats and other pets.
No matter their temperament, early socialization and training helps ensure good behavior around cats.
Bernedoodle’s Preference for Other Animals
Bernedoodles are social dogs that generally like being around other animals. However, some individual dogs may show less interest in or preference for the company of cats.
- Past experiences can influence a Bernedoodle’s attitude toward cats. A dog that has been chased by cats may be more timid and unsure.
- Prey drive also varies between individual dogs. Some Bernedoodles will have more natural hunting instincts toward smaller pets like cats.
- Proper training and supervision allows dogs with higher prey drives to override their instincts and learn to get along with family cats.
Bernedoodle’s Interaction with Cats
When first introducing a Bernedoodle to cats, their interaction should always be supervised. They should also be kept on a leash to control their reactions. Over time, patterns of positive behavior can be established between a Bernedoodle and cats.
Some key tips:
- Let the cat approach the dog first so the cat does not feel cornered. Give the cat an escape route.
- Redirect the Bernedoodle’s attention if they get over-excited by a cat. Reward calm, polite behavior around the cat.
- Never leave a young Bernedoodle alone with a cat. Have toys on hand to distract the dog’s natural chase instincts.
- Pet, praise, and give treats to the Bernedoodle when they are relaxed and friendly toward a cat. This reinforces good conduct.
Tips for Introducing a Bernedoodle to a Cat
Here are some step-by-step tips on how to properly introduce a cat and Bernedoodle:
- Keep them separated at first. Let the cat freely explore rooms while the dog is confined. This allows each to become accustomed to the other’s scent.
- Next, allow the dog to see the cat at a distance while leashed. positively reinforce calm behavior toward the cat.
- Once the dog remains composed around the cat, let them meet while still attached to a leash. One person controls the leash while another watches the cat.
- Take introductions slowly over multiple sessions. Increase the time they are together as positive interactions occur.
- Provide escape routes for cats to retreat if needed. Use baby gates to allow the cat to jump up and out of the dog’s reach.
- Distract with toys if the dog gets overly excited around the cat. Redirect their energy and praise appropriate play.
How to Train a Bernedoodle to Respect Cats?
The key to training a Bernedoodle to accept cats is positive reinforcement and consistency:
- Reward desired behaviors like remaining calm around cats, leaving cats alone when resting, walking away when redirected, etc. Use treats, praise, toys and more.
- Avoid scolding the dog as this can create negativity around cats. Firmly say “no” if chasing starts, then redirect their attention.
- Be consistent with rules and limitations set for the dog when cats are present. This establishes clear boundaries.
- Practice basic obedience commands like “leave it”, “sit”, and “stay” around cats to reinforce control.
- Socialize the Bernedoodle to cats at an early age. Introduce kittens and cats in many settings.
- Provide outlets for energy like play, walks, training sessions. A tired, well-exercised dog will be less likely to chase.
With time, patience and positive training methods, Bernedoodles and cats can develop trusting bonds and coexist peacefully. Proper socialization and supervision ensures everyone remains safe and comfortable.
