How to Raise a Newfoundland Puppy

As the name suggests, this dog breed descended from Mastiff-like dogs found roaming the island of Newfoundland in the 17th century. As you may have guessed, this is a very large breed of dog weighing in at about 100 lbs. at maturity. Raising a Newfoundland puppy can be quite rewarding, or challenging if training is not started at a young age. By following a few relatively simple steps you and your Newfoundland puppy can have a long and happy journey.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newfoundland dog breeder
• Veterinarian
• Brushes
• Shedding combs
• Dog food
• Dog training classes

How to Raise a Newfoundland Puppy

1. Purchase your Newfoundland puppy from a reputable breeder, especially if you have little or no experience with this large breed. Make sure that all of the puppy’s paperwork is in order, including lineage/geneology records, registration papers and vaccination proof. Inbreeding and disease will add many complications to training and raising a Newfoundland puppy or any puppy for that matter.

2. Feed a Newfoundland puppy a healthy, well-rounded diet recommended for large-breed dogs. Large-breed puppies need to have a balanced diet to help with the huge growth spurts that their bodies go through. A proper diet will also help to defend against problems that Newfoundland puppies are more susceptible to, including hip and back problems. Ask your veterinarian for the best recommended diet for your new puppy.

3. Find a veterinarian that specializes in large-breed puppies. While all licensed veterinarians know the basics of all dogs’ anatomies, one that specializes will be better able to recommend special diets and exercise. A specialized veterinarian will also be more knowledgeable about any possible genetic predispositions to disease your Newfoundland puppy may face.

4. Start the training process with your Newfoundland as soon as the adoption takes place. It is critical with any large-breed puppy to immediately gain control and teach the dog its place in the family order. Getting an early start on dog training is important since a large-breed puppy’s body grows much faster than its brain. With little or no early training things will get out of hand quickly and eventually lead to having to find a new home for your dog. For this reason you should get into a dog training school as soon as possible.

5. Teach children that the Newfoundland puppy is a puppy, even after it grows well beyond the children’s expectations of a baby. Children should be involved heavily in the training process, so the dog learns that all humans in the home are in control of most situations. While Newfoundland dogs are known as gentle giants, they are in fact giants to children. Proper training of both children and pet will help alleviate children’s fears and puppy’s excitement when playing.

6. Groom the Newfoundland puppy on a regular basis. You will probably have to hire a professional groomer once the puppy grows to adulthood. The cost involved in a professional groom for a large-breed dog will be well worth it in space, time and the health of the dog. Newfoundland dogs do shed, especially in the hot summer months. This hair needs to be removed by combing and brushing on a regular basis. Keeping up with grooming at home between professional grooming appointments will save time and money in the long run.

7. Start an exercise regimen immediately upon adopting a Newfoundland. Large-breed dogs need plenty of exercise during the growing stages. A large exercise area is a necessity, as is daily walking on a leash. If a puppy is put outside in a large backyard they will often become bored resulting in either destructive behavior or laziness. Neither is a good trait for a Newfoundland.

Tips & Warnings

• Newfoundland dogs have long tails that will knock things off tables and counters as they grow into adulthood. Puppy proofing the home prior to bringing the new dog home will help in training process.
• Teach children to be aware when near the back end of the dog. The large tail and back end of a Newfoundland can easily knock over a small child, inadvertently of course.
• Newfoundland's are excellent watchdogs due to their size and natural loyalty. Don't attempt to have your Newfoundland trained as an attack dog, especially if children are in the home.
• Don't have your Newfoundland shaved down for summer unless severe grooming issues have arisen. Daily brushing and combing should thin the coat enough to keep the dog cool during the summer.
• If the dog seems overly hot and lethargic at any time, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Resources

• Dogs Rule Iowa