He was not mean. He was huge, playful and not listening, and the kids were the ones getting hurt.
Bernese mountain dog · Private lessons · A family with kids
Where they started
Javier’s family has a Bernese mountain dog. The problem was simple to describe and hard to live with: he would not listen, and he was “so playful that he would hurt the kids with his huge body”, and Javier adds that it was never on purpose.
This is common with big, friendly breeds. The dog thinks he is playing. The children are the ones who end up on the floor.
The training journey
The family came to Off Leash K9 Training Columbus for lessons. In lessons we teach the dog and the family together, so the people who live with the dog are the ones he learns to listen to.
Javier wrote that they “saw a big difference” within the first day of training. By the time Javier wrote the review, the family had finished their fourth class.
What actually changed
- He listens. In Javier’s words, the dog “listens to every command.”
- He is good with other dogs. Javier wrote that he now interacts perfectly with them.
- The family feels it was worth it. Javier wrote that “you get your money’s worth.”
★★★★★
“We have a bernese mountain dog that wouldn’t listen to us and was so playful that he would hurt the kids with his huge body(not intentionally). Within the first day of training we saw a big difference. Now that we finished our fourth class he’s great listens to every command, interact perfectly with other dogs and I just want to say thank you for this amazing experience.”
Javier Cortes, Google review, October 2024
What it changed for the family
A big dog who listens is a very different housemate from a big dog who does not. When a dog that size will stop, sit and wait when asked, playtime with kids stops being a risk.
Why this story matters to us
Not every dog needs to stay with a trainer. Many families do well with lessons, where they learn alongside their dog and practice between sessions. Javier’s family is a good example: a clear problem, a few lessons, and a dog who now listens to the people he lives with.
Before and after
A Bernese mountain dog who would not listen was so playful that he hurt the kids with his size. After four lessons he listens to every command and gets along with other dogs.
Our private obedience lessons come in two packages: Basic Obedience and Basic & Advanced Obedience. Every program and price is on our pricing page.
Talk to us about your dog
Off Leash K9 Training Columbus works with dog owners across Columbus and Central Ohio from our facility in Groveport. Call (740) 400-0236 or send us a message and tell us what a normal day with your dog looks like. That is where every training plan starts.