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10 Things Your Newfoundland Puppy Wants You To Know

Having your first Newfoundland puppy can be one of the best times in your life. It can also be one of the most overwhelming times in your life because before you know it, this little fluff ball will take over your heart and your life.

A Newfie is big time commitment and I bet that if little Newfoundland puppies could talk these would be some of the first things that they would want you to know about them so that you can prepare for their future.

puppies newfoundland dog

 

A Newfoundland puppy will grow fast

I’m going to grow fast! I might be a small little ball of fluff that you can carry in your arms right now but that’s only going to last a few weeks.

Don’t let me grow too fast because that could be dangerous for joints

Feed me appropriate food and please don’t overfeed me!

I like to eat but you need to be in control of how much I eat.

Make sure you talk with my breeder to see what they recommend feeding me.

A Newfoundland puppy needs training

I need training!

I know that my sweet puppy Newfie eyes melt your heart but you need to train me.

I’m a smart dog so don’t let my brain go to waste because if you do, trouble is going to find me.

Teach me the house rules and be nice but firm.

newfoundland puppy sitting on grass

I might look big but I’m still a puppy so please don’t expect me to not bite or have accidents in the house right away. 

If I’m having accidents in the house when I’m 5 months old, don’t be mad, give me time, remember I’m a puppy!

Please don’t set me up for failure.

Set me up for success.

I’m ready and willing to learn the moment my paws step into my new home and don’t ever stop training me.

A Newfoundland puppy needs a lot of love

I need love! I’m a companion dog and I’m happiest by your side.

I’ve loved you since the first day my puppy eyes my met yours.

My love is unconditional and forever.

Please don’t leave me alone for long periods of time, lock me in a room by myself when you’re at home or leave me outside all day.

I would never do that to you.

A Newfoundland puppy has grooming needs

I need to be brushed!

I’m a double-coated breed and you have no idea how much I’m going to shed when I’m an adult dog.

I need to be brushed daily so get me used to all those grooming tools asap!

Touch my toes, touch my legs, touch my ears several times a day!

And if you want to save your back, get me up on a grooming table the first week that I’m home so I’m not scared of it!

It’s a lot easier to get me used to these things when I’m a puppy because you’re still molding my mind!

Newfoundland dogs need a job

I’m a working breed!

I was born to work so please learn what jobs are best suited for me!

If I don’t work I might become bored and get into things that could harm me or make you mad.

newfoundland puppy swimming

I’m supposed to love the water so get me swimming as soon as the veterinarian says I’m ready.

I also might love to pull carts when I’m older so that’s something you should look into also.

I love people and people will love me so I might make a wonderful therapy dog someday too!

Whatever you do, keep my brain active and my working skills strong!

A Newfoundland is considered a giant breed.

I don’t know my size!

When I’m fully grown, I may look HUGE on the outside but on the inside, I feel like a Miniature Poodle.

I seriously don’t know my size and I may sometimes sit on you or step on your toes, I never do this on purpose, I just want to be close to you so please don’t scold me.

I take up a lot of room and I like to lay in spots that might make your life a little more difficult.

I’m a big dog, it’s hard to find a good spot and when I find one, let me be.

I also may require my own couch, if you allow me on it, and you may want to look into a king-sized bed.

Newfoundlands need exercise

My joints need extra care!

My joints are going to be huge and they are going to grow fast, please take care of them.

Don’t exercise me too much when I’m a puppy.

My growth plates don’t close until I’m at least 24 months so take me on short 5 minute walks so that my bones and joints don’t get hurt.

If you’re struggling to find ways to tire me out, play brain games with me and let me sniff the yard for a while.

Keep me moving when I’m a senior. Provide me with low impact exercises and find me a good joint supplement.

Don’t try to make me bigger than I’m supposed to be because that’s going to impact my joints.

Remember, bigger is not always better!  Keep an eye on my hips, elbows, and knees, please.

Newfoundland dogs can cost a lot

I need a good medical care plan!

Have I told you yet that one day I’m going to be HUGE?

I know it’s hard to imagine now but that day will be here soon!

Being big may also mean that there’s the chance that I could have some hefty medical bills in the future and Newfies are prone to a few health problems.

I don’t know what my future holds but I might get sick, need surgery, need physical therapy or get myself into some sort of Newfie trouble.

I’ve heard from my friends that those medical bills are going to be double and maybe triple, what a regular dog’s bill would be, so please make sure you are thinking ahead about that.

I will do my best not to get sick but I’m only 12 weeks right now so I can’t make any promises.

Please look into pet insurance or start a savings plan for me now before it’s too late.

Newfoundlands are happiest when they are with their family

I love kids and you! 

Those little people are my favorite and one of my main goals in life is to make sure that they are safe and sound at all times.

I respect them so please teach them to respect me.

They call me a nanny dog but don’t leave me alone with kids when I’m a puppy, it takes time for me to mature.

Don’t let them ride me or pull on my fluffy ears or tail.

Let them sit next to me and read a book. 

Newfoundland dogs have a short lifespan

Our time together will be short.

I know that I’m just a wee little puppy right now but in the blink of an eye I’ll be a senior Newf and the grey will begin to sprout.

Cherish my Newfoundland puppy years, teach me well, guide me and exercise patience.

Cherish my adult years.

Play with me, work with me, give me kisses and hugs, and loads of belly rubs.

Cherish my senior years.

Don’t be sad that I’m growing older, I know that I’m only here for a small portion of your life and I know that these will be some of the best days because you will spoil me.

Sorry about that last one. I didn’t mean to make you cry, but I wanted you to know, that I will always be with you even after we say goodbye.

Love,

Your Newfie Puppy

 

 

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Holly Carson

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

Actually crying ? I haven’t even picked up my baby bear yet, after three (long) years of research and dreaming and saying ‘one day’ in just 25 I will be saying ‘today.’ This is a very emotive piece. Really lovely xx

Josh Smith

Thursday 28th of July 2016

True this, our new pup also needs his vaccines. I keep a booklet to keep track of its vaccinations, just like what we do with our newborn baby.

Monika & Sam

Sunday 24th of July 2016

Sniff...sniffle. That really got to me. But its sweet message and good advice also made me smile. ღ

Jen

Monday 25th of July 2016

It made me sniffle too, always does when I think about it.

Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom

Saturday 23rd of July 2016

Love that puppy face! And good advice no matter what size puppy one ends up with...smaller breeds can have joint issues, too, if not allowed to grow at their normal rate.

Jen

Monday 25th of July 2016

That is so true!

Beth

Saturday 23rd of July 2016

A lot of this is great advice for anyone with a new puppy!

Jen

Monday 25th of July 2016

Thank you! I hope that some people find it useful!

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