It’s no surprise that the Newfoundland breed is cherished for their gentle demeanor, intelligence, and fluffy coats. Known for their history as working and rescue dogs, Newfoundlands require special attention and care in their training. Whether you’re a new Newfoundland parent or considering welcoming one of these furry pals into your home, this guide is tailored just for you! Let’s get started!

1. Newfoundland Dog Barking Management

Understanding Newfoundland Barking

Newfoundland dogs are not typically known for being excessive barkers, but they can become vocal if they are bored or anxious. It’s important to first understand why your Newfoundland might be barking more than usual. Factors like a sedentary lifestyle, lack of mental stimulation, or environmental changes can often contribute to increased barking.

Common Triggers for Barking

This breed might bark at new visitors, unfamiliar objects, or even when they are feeling neglected. Socialization is critical for Newfoundlands. Exposing them to various people, sounds, and environments early in life can help curb unnecessary barking. Consistent exposure and positive reinforcement will go a long way in making your Newfoundland feel secure and less likely to bark excessively.

How to Stop Newfoundland Barking in 5 Steps

1. Identify and Address Triggers: Take note of when your Newfoundland barks the most. Is it during specific times of the day or around certain activities? Recognizing these patterns can help you address the root cause.
2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is generally a quiet dog. Make sure your Newfoundland gets plenty of physical exercise and engage their minds with puzzle toys and training sessions.
3. Teach the Quiet Command: When your Newfie starts barking, calmly say “Quiet” in a firm but relaxed tone. Never yell, as this can make them bark more. Wait for even a brief pause in the barking, then immediately reward with a treat and calm praise so they connect silence with something positive. If your Newfie doesn’t stop, show them the treat to capture their attention, and reward as soon as they pause. Practice this in short, consistent sessions until they begin responding to the command even without seeing the treat.
4. Create a Safe Space: Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat and feel safe. This will lower their stress and reduce barking due to anxiety.
5. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they remain quiet in situations where they would normally bark. This reinforces the behavior you wish to see more of.

These steps will help manage your Newfoundland’s barking, but it’s important to remember this behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, boredom, or lack of socialization.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you trouble with your Newfoundland in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

2. Newfoundland Exercise Needs

Newfoundlands are large and strong, which means they need ample exercise to stay healthy and happy. A combination of long walks, playtime, and even swimming can be excellent choices. This breed is known for its love of water, so water-related activities can be incredibly beneficial and enjoyable for both you and your dog.

3. Newfoundland Socialization Tips

Socializing your Newfoundland from a young age is important to avoid any potential issues with shyness or aggression. Introduce your dog to a variety of people, pets, and environments. Remember to keep all experiences positive and rewarding to build a confident and friendly dog.

4. Newfoundland Training Consistency

Consistency in training is important for any dog breed, but it’s particularly critical for Newfoundlands due to their size and strength. Establishing a set routine for feeding, walking, and training can help your dog understand what is expected of them. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior consistently.

5. Newfoundland Grooming Routine

Grooming is a necessary practice for keeping your Newfoundland’s coat healthy and free from mats. Regular brushing is important due to their thick fur. Bathing can be done as needed, but make sure to check for any skin issues or parasites consistently to keep your dog in tip-top shape.

6. Newfoundland Diet Choices

Newfoundlands require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health and energy levels. Quality dog food that is rich in proteins and nutrients is recommended. Keep an eye on their weight to avoid any health issues related to obesity.

7. Newfoundland and Children

Newfoundlands are known to be gentle giants, which makes them excellent family dogs. They generally get along wonderfully with children and can be very protective of them. Always supervise interactions between your Newfoundland and young children to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

8. Newfoundland House Training

Newfoundlands are intelligent and can be house-trained fairly easily with consistent effort. Establish a regular potty routine and use positive reinforcement when they go outside. Be patient and consistent, and your Newfoundland will quickly get the hang of it.

9. Newfoundland Crate Training

Crate training can be very beneficial for both you and your Newfoundland. It provides them with a safe space to retreat to and helps with house training. Make sure to make the crate comfortable and never use it as a form of punishment.

10. Newfoundland Water Safety

Given their love for water, it’s important to teach your Newfoundland proper water safety. Whether it’s a pool or natural body of water, ensure they’re comfortable and not left unsupervised, especially around currents or deep water.

11. Newfoundland Behavior Correction

When it comes to correcting behavior, always opt for positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid physical punishment, which can lead to fear and aggression. Reward good behavior consistently, and redirect undesirable actions to encourage positive habits.

Newfie Dogs FAQs

Are Newfoundlands good for first-time dog parents?

Yes, Newfies can be a good option for first-time dog parents due to their gentle and loyal nature. However, their size and exercise needs do require some consideration. Be prepared to invest time in training and socialization for the best experience.

Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?

Yes, Newfoundlands do shed, particularly during seasonal changes. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage the shedding and keep their coat healthy. Be prepared for some extra cleaning around the house.

Are Newfoundlands easy to train?

Newfoundlands are intelligent and eager to please, which can make training easier compared to some other breeds. However, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. Starting early and being patient will yield the best results.

Conclusion

Training a Newfoundland can be a rewarding experience that creates a strong bond between you and your furry pal. They are gentle giants with a lot of love to give, but they do require specific training and care to thrive.

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this so you can refer back to all the tips!