Training a Bernese puppy in the rain

The first few months really do set the patterns for life — the right tools from the start make training easier and less stressful for both puppy and owner, and the wrong ones create habits that are hard to undo. So, how old is your puppy, what breed are they, and what are you mainly trying to work on right now?

Good news — Berners are genuinely built for cold and wet weather. That thick double coat handles rain better than most breeds, so your puppy is probably far more comfortable out there than you are. The weak link at 8 weeks isn't the cold or the rain itself, it's the ground: wet grass, mud, and puddles make it hard to hold position during a sit-stay, treats get soggy and lose their appeal fast, and if you're miserable you'll cut sessions short before she's had a chance to really learn anything. Before I point you in the right direction — are you doing most of your training on grass, hard paths, or a mix? And are you finding the sessions are short because of the rain hitting her, or mainly because you're getting soaked?

That's exactly the problem — your discomfort is setting the training schedule, not her readiness. The fix is straightforward: you need to be comfortable enough to stay out for a proper 10–15 minute session without watching the clock. The one thing I'd recommend getting immediately is a quality waterproof treat pouch you can use hands-free, but more importantly a genuinely good waterproof jacket specifically for outdoor training use. The one I'd point you to is the Hurtta Torrent Coat — it's a Finnish brand built for exactly this kind of persistent wet-cold climate, fully waterproof, and designed with dog handlers in mind so it doesn't restrict your movement when you're bending down to reward her. It's available on Amazon UK and it makes a real difference to how long and how calmly you can stay outside with her. Berners need consistent, unhurried sessions — rushing because you're cold is the one thing most likely to create patchy early training.

She's genuinely fine in the rain. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to work in the Swiss Alps — wet and cold is their native environment. At 8 weeks her coat is still a puppy coat so it's not quite as water-resistant as it will be in a few months, but she's not at risk in typical UK autumn or winter rain. The one thing to watch is that you towel her off well when you come inside and don't let her sit in a cold draught while damp — but that's basic care, not a reason to avoid outdoor sessions. Don't put a coat or rainwear on her; she doesn't need it and it'll just get in the way of her moving naturally while she's learning. Keep sessions to 10–15 minutes at this age, end on a success, and you'll be in great shape.

Exactly right. You're already thinking about this the right way — consistent outdoor sessions from 8 weeks will be brilliant for her socialisation and recall development. Get yourself properly weatherproofed, keep the sessions short and positive, and a Berner at this age will soak up the training just as happily as she soaks up the rain.