Many dog owners wonder whether their beloved pets are easy to train, and Newfoundland owners are no exception.
While some may assume that Newfoundlands are a breeze to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, the reality is more complicated.
In this article, we’ll delve into the truth about whether or not Newfoundland dogs are easy to train and what you can do to make the process smoother.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Easy to House Train?
House training a Newfoundland dog can be difficult. You’ll need time, patience and lots of treats to teach your pet the rules of the house.
Newfoundlands are large dogs with high energy levels, so you have to make sure that during their early weeks at home they will not feel lonely or bored. House training a Newfoundland dog might take several months but once they get used to it your life will be much easier.
Newfoundland dogs are smart and eager to learn, so obedience training is usually a pleasant experience for both you and your pet.
Once you have taught them the basics, expect them to obey every order right away. Just be patient – it can take many months before your Newfoundland fully understands what’s expected from him.
Keep in mind that these dogs tend to drool when they’re nervous or excited, so you’ll need plenty of paper towels on hand during training sessions.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Difficult To Train?
While some would say that Newfoundlands are difficult because they are so big and drool, the opposite is true.
These giant dogs love to learn new things and will work hard for their reward. Don’t let their size intimidate you; they’re eager learners – just be sure that you teach them only one thing at a time.
They’ll do pretty much anything for a treat or toy, so keep it fun! Newfoundlands like sports such as agility training for this reason; they get lots of exercise while learning something new.
What about Leash Training?
Newfoundland dogs are very strong dogs with a thick coat, so it’s hard for them to focus on what you want them to do. I recommend teaching them how to walk nicely on a leash right after their vaccines are finished.
If they won’t obey you when they’re still growing, it might be even harder later on. I found that training them with a harness is much easier than using a traditional dog leash, as they won’t pull on their neck.
How Long Does it Take to Train a Newfoundland Dog?
It takes about 18-24 months for Newfoundland dogs to fully understand what you want from them. Keep in mind that these dogs also need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, so be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes a day training and playing with your pet.
It will pay off in the long run: once they get used to the rules, Newfoundlands are well-behaved, calm and gentle giants.
If you have an especially large Newfoundland, I recommend you train him to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Instructional training videos for this breed might also help you a lot.
Are Newfoundland dogs good with other pets?
Newfoundland dogs can get aggressive when there’s not enough room for them to play around or when other animals try to steal their food.
If you have other pets that you would like to keep safe, it might be a good idea to provide separate meals for each animal while they’re still getting used to each other.
I found that my Newfoundland gets along best with house rabbits; they’re both calm and gentle, so it’s easier for them to play together without chasing or biting.
Once your Newfoundland dog gets on well with the others you can all eat at the same time.
Are Newfoundland dogs good family pets?
Newfoundland dogs are excellent household pets; they love people and make great companions for children of all ages.
However, it’s important to teach young children how to interact with dogs by showing them how to pet a dog gently and avoid pulling its ears or tail.
Your Newfie will love cuddling up with their favorite toys in front of a fire place, but he might also enjoy going for a swim or playing with other dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are big, fluffy and furry – they love to take naps right next to you, but don’t be surprised if they wake up in a different room.
They tend to wander around a bit at night time, so it’s important that you keep your doors closed – especially if you have an open-plan house.
Keeping the furniture away from low windowsills may also help prevent accidents…although I must admit mine still managed to jump out of one the other day! Maybe yours will be luckier than mine!
Newfoundlands can get protective over their favorite people and might even growl or snap if somebody tries to pick them up without asking first.
It’s important that you teach everyone in your household how to interact with the dog properly, especially young kids around five years old.
What is a Newfoundland dog like in terms of personality and temperament?
Newfoundland dogs are calm, laid-back and gentle – the perfect household pets. They only get aggressive if they feel threatened or if someone tries to steal their food; however, it’s important that you teach everyone in your family how to approach them without startling them.
Newfoundlands like to take naps right next to you while laying on your lap, but don’t be surprised when they suddenly wake up in another room – they tend to wander around at night time.
Newfoundland dogs are really sweet; mine loves cuddling up with her favourite toys in front of a fireplace (although she might also enjoy playing with dogs she doesn’t know), swimming and running around for hours playing tag.
Of course, taking naps is still her favorite activity.
Newfoundland dogs are typically very intelligent and can learn quickly when positive reinforcement is used instead of punishment. They are easy to train when they see that it means more toy time, treat time or other things they enjoy.
Is there any reason why I shouldn’t get a Newfoundland dog?
Newfoundlands drool a lot – but that’s about it. They make great family pets and they need lots of exercise, so if you live in an apartment this breed might not be for you.
They’re also not too keen on hot weather, so if you’re planning to go on vacation somewhere sunny consider leaving your Newfie with friends or family that have a backyard where he can play fetch or catch snowballs.
Introducing your Newfie to new people and animals
Introduce your Newfoundland dog to new people and other animals slowly – especially if you have a cat.
Newfoundlands are known to chase cats because they consider them as prey – it’s in their nature, so try to keep them separated from each other until your Newfoundland dog gets used to the new housemates and understands that the cat is above his status.
The Newfoundland can be a wonderful family companion, but early socialization and training are important for this breed to learn how to interact properly with children and other animals in the house, especially if you have very young kids!
The Newfie dog loves being around its humans so much so that he might follow them from room to room, including the bathroom!
It’s hard not giving in when they look at you with those big, sad eyes. You’ll find yourself saying “okay” just to keep him out of your way while you’re busy with something else.
Newfoundlands can also be a bit stubborn at times, but as I mentioned before, positive reinforcement will go a long way.
If you’re going to use any physical punishment for bad behavior, make sure it’s just a tap on the nose or something gentle like that.
Yelling might scare your Newfie and he will think that you’re an angry bear about to eat him! You don’t want that now do you?
What should I feed my Newfoundland?
It takes a lot of food to fuel those big bones so make sure that you always have a bag of premium dog food in your pantry.
If you are on a budget, go for the generic brand but make sure that it doesn’t contain “by-products” or any other suspicious ingredients – dogs are meant to eat meat, not corn or soybeans.
Newfoundlands often enjoy learning new tricks and games
There is a simple game that you can play with your Newfoundland to make it easy to train them.
Not only will it help the bonding between the two of you, it will also strengthen the dog’s neck muscles as well as improve their overall obedience skills.
The game is called “One Up”. It’s really pretty simple. With this exercise, all you have to do is hold a treat above your dog’s head and say “One-Up” every time he makes eye contact with the treat.
If he breaks his gaze from the treat before you give him permission, simply put it behind your back until he focuses on it again and then repeat yourself by saying “One up.” Remember to always offer praise for good behavior.
Once your Newfoundland catches on quickly , pick up the pace by walking around with the treat or toy while he stays focused. Eventually you will be able to move farther away from him and still have him successfully complete this game.
This fun little game is great for agility training or just simply working on focus skills with your Newfoundland. The more it’s played, the better his neck muscles will become as well as his overall obedience!
It can also be very helpful during times of distraction when out on a walk . Remember though, always practice good safety precautions when playing any games that involve your dog’s mouth holding an object.
Be sure there are no small children or household items nearby that could pose a choking hazard if accidentally swallowed!
Remember that while Newfies are usually gentle around the house, they do require regular exercise outside in order for their energy levels not to get too high indoors!
Newfies Love children
You never have to worry about the dog not liking the children. The Newfoundland is very good with kids; however, it needs to be trained properly to avoid accidents…The Newfoundland will comfort the child if the child cries or hurts himself.
If you are sitting on a porch or in your yard, and you start choking or hiccuping he may come over and put his paw on your knee. Or he may try to push you over if you fall down because he sees that as his job. He wants to take care of people.
Give your Newfoundland plenty of chew toys or bones
Give your Newfie plenty of bones or chew toys throughout the day if necessary- these types of toys are great ways for them to release pent-up energy from inside all day long!
Newfoundlands are also known for chewing on hard things like wallets and shoes, but this is normal for all dogs – it’s not because they’re naughty or trying to spite you, they just need something of interest to keep them busy.
Again, make sure everyone in the family knows that your Newfie needs his own special toys and supplies so he doesn’t start chewing on any of your belongings.
Make him feel safe and secure by giving him a safe place where he can retreat when nobody is home. It really helps if you have a friend next door that will take care of him while you’re at work so he doesn’t get lonely.
If you follow the advice in this list of things to know about Newfoundland dogs, they will be easy to train and an amazing addition to your family for years to come!
