Newfoundlands are well known for their sweet temperament and loyalty but did you also know that they’re professional attention seekers?
If you’re lucky enough to be owned by a Newfoundland you’re well aware that it’s their world, we just live in it and when they decide that they are in need of attention, it’s time to drop anything that you’re doing and give it to them.
If you opt not to give in, you’ll have a 150-pound assertive dog throwing paws at you until they’ve gotten the attention they need to survive for next few hours of the day.
Here is a list of the most common attention-seeking techniques that Newfoundlands use to ensure their humans never forget they’re in the room and a gentle reminder of who’s really in charge.
The Classic Paw Throw
When subtlety just won’t do, there’s the tried-and-true Newfoundland maneuver: the paw throw.
This technique involves hoisting one massive, heavy paw and slamming it onto your lap, arm, face or whatever’s closest.
The classic paw throw is usually paired with those big brown puppy dog eyes to grab your attention faster.
Live & Learn Tip: trimmed nails can sometimes lessen the marks left on your body.
The Heavy Head Rest…Anywhere
What’s better than an armrest?
A Newfie’s head.
Newfoundlands will strategically plop their heads onto any available surface: your knee, your laptop, or, if they’re feeling dramatic, right on top of your dinner plate.
This technique can sometimes, but not always, be paired with a heavy dramatic sigh.
Strategic Leaning
You might not realize how much a Newfoundland dog weighs until they think you’ve forgotten about them so they slide up to you and lean on you.
If you see it coming, brace for it.
This isn’t a causal type of lean, this is hard and strategically placed.
If you resist, you will take a tumble.
The Tail Sweep of Destruction
A Newfie’s tail isn’t just for show, it’s also a weapon.
They use it as a rudder in the water.
If throwing a paw at you or leaning on you didn’t work, sweeping their tail across a table should do the trick.
The table sweeping is deliberate, but the innocent expression on their face lets you know their true motive.
The “Subtle” Bark
There is nothing subtle about a Newfoundland and their bark is no exception.
Some Newfs bark more than others but either way, their bark is impossible to ignore.
If you haven’t been caught off guard and jumped at least a dozen times by one perfectly-timed, room-shaking Newfoundland “WOOF”, do you really have a Newfie?
It’s one thing when they’re barking at a squirrel outside taunting them but it’s a totally different story when you’re reading a book and they let out a one-time attention seeking bark.
The Full Belly Flop
Newfoundlands can be very dramatic and when in doubt, they will go for drama.
This involves throwing themselves onto the floor or sidewalk, rolling onto their backs, and staring at you upside-down until you fall victim.
It’s a dramatic-filled display of stubbornness, charm, and just a pinch of manipulation.
Sometimes they’ll throw in some leg kicks for extra flair.
The Silent Stare of Doom
Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words, or woofs.
A Newfoundland will sit across the room and stare.
Not blinking, not moving, just waiting for you to crack under the pressure of their soulful gaze.
They’re totally judging you while also not so patiently waiting for you remember that they exist.
Check your back because their stare probably burned a hole in your flesh and through your heart.
Newfoundlands have perfected the art of getting attention, charm, drama, and just a hearty pinch of chaos.
They know exactly how to keep their humans wrapped around their enormous paws.
If you’re lucky enough to have a Newfie in your life, remember: their attention-getting antics aren’t just for fun—they’re a reminder of how much they love you.
And who could resist that?