Choosing A Grooming Table For Your Newfoundland

When it comes to grooming a Newfoundland dog, size matters – both the dog’s and the equipment’s.

These massive dogs have dense coats that require regular maintenance, making grooming a time-intensive task.

Investing in the right grooming table can make the process easier for both you and your Newfie.

But how do you choose the perfect grooming table for your Newfoundland?

Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Why Grooming Tables Are Essential for Newfoundland Dogs

Newfoundlands, with their thick double coats, need regular grooming to stay healthy and mat-free.

A grooming table provides a secure and comfortable surface for these grooming sessions.

Given their size (mature male Newfoundlands can weigh between 130-150 lbs), a sturdy table designed for large dogs is important

Grooming tables are essential for several reasons:

• Safety: A grooming table keeps your dog in place, reducing the risk of accidents or slips during brushing, trimming, or nail clipping.
• Convenience: With your dog elevated to a comfortable height, you won’t have to bend over, reducing strain on your back and knees.
• Control: A grooming table gives your Newfie a place to know that this is where grooming takes place. Instead of grooming on the floor where your dog naps, plays, eats and chills out, the grooming table is a place for business. 

Important Features to Look for in a Grooming Table for a Newfoundland

1. Size and Weight Capacity

Given that Newfoundlands are large dogs, the grooming table you choose needs to accommodate their full size comfortably.

Look for tables that are:

• Large enough: The surface area should be spacious, ideally at least 42 inches in length and 24 inches in width, to allow your dog to sit or lay down comfortably.
• High weight capacity: Choose a table that can support at least 150-200 lbs. This ensures it’s durable enough to handle your Newfoundland’s weight without wobbling or collapsing.

Most Newfies will fit on a grooming table that is 48″L x 24″ W

2. Height Adjustability

Newfoundlands are tall dogs, so a grooming table that allows you to adjust the height is essential. Look for tables with:

• Hydraulic or electric lifts: These enable you to adjust the height of the table easily, so you don’t have to struggle to lift your dog onto the table. Electric lift tables are the most convenient, though they tend to be more expensive.
• Manual adjustability: If your budget is tight, a manual height-adjustable table can still provide flexibility in positioning your dog at a height that’s comfortable for you.

If an adjustable table isn’t in your budget, you can get a regular grooming and cut a few inches off the legs. 

That’s what I did with our Master Equipment table. 

3. Non-Slip Surface

The grooming table should have a non-slip surface to prevent your Newfoundland from sliding off during grooming. Look for:

• Rubberized mats or surfaces: These offer traction for your dog’s paws, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Easy-to-clean material: The table’s surface should be easy to wipe down and resistant to water, as Newfoundland grooming sessions often involve baths and water play.

I use a non-slip scale mat but a yoga mat or non-slip rug would work too. 

Some people use a towel but I’ve never had luck with using one because it slips.

4. Sturdiness and Stability

Given the size and strength of a Newfoundland, the grooming table must be extremely sturdy and stable.

You’ll want to look for:

• Heavy-duty frames: Steel frames are ideal as they offer durability and support. Avoid flimsy materials like thin aluminum.
• Rubber feet or stabilizers: These prevent the table from moving or tipping while your dog is being groomed.

5. Portability

If you groom your Newfoundland in different locations around your home or travel for grooming appointments, portability is key.

Look for tables that:

• Fold: Foldable grooming tables are easier to store when not in use and can be transported more easily.
• Have wheels: Some tables come with lockable wheels, making it easy to move the table around without needing to lift it.

I have 2 tables, one that is foldable and our DIY table that is not foldable. 

I take the foldable one with us to dog events.

6. Budget Friendly

Prices for grooming tables can vary widely depending on the features and quality.

While it may be tempting to go for the most affordable option, remember that grooming a Newfoundland is a long-term commitment.

Investing in a high-quality table that provides comfort and safety for both you and your dog is crucial.

My Brown Newfies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Top Grooming Table Recommendations for Newfoundland Dogs

1. Flying Pig Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grooming Table While only 44″, this table is a good choice for large dogs like Newfoundlands. It’s incredibly sturdy because it has a stainless steel frame, and features a non-slip rubber top for your dog’s safety. The table also comes with an adjustable grooming arm and loop, perfect for securing large breeds.

2.  CO-Z Electric Dog Grooming Table If you’re looking for a premium option, the CO-Z  is a nice option. This table adjusts in height at the push of a button, making it easy to find the ideal grooming position for your Newfoundland. Its solid build and electric lift system are designed for large, heavy dogs.

3. Master Equipment Foldable Dog Grooming Table For those who need a more portable option, the Master Equipment Foldable Grooming Table is worth considering and the type we have. It’s lightweight and foldable, but still sturdy enough to handle large dogs like Newfoundlands. It features a non-slip surface and comes with an adjustable grooming arm.

When choosing a folding grooming table for your Newfoundland make sure that you check out the weight limit and don’t get one that is not meant to hold the weight of a Newfoundland, even if it’s less expensive.

 

Where To Buy A Grooming Table For Your Newfoundland

You can buy a grooming table for your Newfoundland online from Amazon or other dog online retailers such as Pet Edge or from the manufacturer.

If you decide to purchase online make sure to read the reviews and make sure it is a reputable site,

You can also buy grooming tables at grooming expos or dog shows.

DIY Grooming Tables

Want a grooming table for your Newfoundland but don’t want to invest in one? 

There are other ways you can do it, although we always recommend that safety for your dog comes first.

Picnic table

Many people will use their backyard picnic table as a grooming table.

It’s big, sturdy and cleans easily. 

The downside is that it’s not adjustable and now you have nowhere to eat in the summer.

Folding table or banquet table

I’ve seen many people use folding tables as a grooming tables.

It’s quick and easy but it also has a slick surface so you’ll want to make sure that you put something like a yoga mat on the top of the table or plywood with a non-slip mat, and always check the stability before letting your dog on it. 

Some people have also used hospital beds and made them into grooming tables. 

DIY grooming table

You can make a grooming table for your Newfoundland out of a few 2 by 4’s and customize it to a size that works for you and your dog. 

Check out the DIY grooming table we made!

How To Get Your Newfie Used To a Grooming Table

It’s always recommended to introduce your Newfie to a grooming table and other grooming tools as early as possible. 

The first day or week that you bring your puppy home is a great time to start.

Start in small sessions and gradually build up to longer sessions. 

Make it a positive experience and reward with praise or treats for good behavior and encouragement. 

For older Newfs, it’s a good idea to slowly introduce them slowly.

You can start with leaving the table folded on the ground and having your Newfie get used to it that way for a little bit and then gradually work up to unfolding the table and placing them on it. 

If you have someone who can be with you for the first few times to offer praise and encouragement, that would be a good way to start. 

Keep the table sessions short and positive and don’t get discouraged if they don’t take to it right away. 

Sherman wasn’t a fan of the grooming table at first but he eventually got there!

While brushes and combs are important grooming tools that every owner needs, a grooming table is also a tool that Newfie owners should consider even if they are only doing basic grooming in between trips to the dog groomer.

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