Puppy Zone

The Newfoundland is a massive, strong, docile, gentle dog. Nothing is more fun than to be owned by one. As a guardian, companion, or working dog, he displays those qualities that make him loved the world over.

The Newfoundland’s impressive size, intelligence, and gentle disposition make him an excellent guardian for children. He is particularly happy in this role, for it satisfies his unlimited capacity for devoted companionship. His size and amiability render him immune to the unintended roughness of small children. Babies tumble over and about him secure in the knowledge that no snap or growl will mar their play. When he becomes tired, he simply moves away, though his watchful eyes remain alert to their safety. Should danger threaten - a busy highway, a deep pool, or a suspicious stranger - he is there, shielding his charges with his great strength, nudging them to safety. Gentle though he is, such is his size that few strangers would dare to challenge his devotion.

That most famous of nursemaids, Nana, in Peter Pan, exemplified the true characteristics of her breed as she waited patiently through the long days for the Darling children to return. They complained, as all children do, that she was much too strict, and yet how happy they were to be back again under her loving care.

From the moment a new puppy enters the home, he should learn to wear a small leather collar. One with bells will help you keep track of his whereabouts. As soon as he becomes used to it (this will take two or three days), attach a light lead and let him drag it about. This helps reduce any wildness or fear many young pups show when first on a lead. After a few days, pick up one end of the lead and hold it loosely while you walk around the yard or home. Don’t try to pull or direct the dog; all you want to do now is to acquaint him with this limited check on his freedom. The secret here, as in all training, is to remember to talk to him. At first he may be confused about his role. If he strains at the lead or chews on it, correct him by saying No. If he persists, accompany No with a quick jerk on the lead. As soon as he understands what you expect, he’ll try to comply, because dogs, like children, basically want to please you. When he is good, let him know by scratching his ears and praising him.

Learning to Sit

Next, your dog must learn to sit at your command. Again, this is a puppy exercise, so have patience with him. Stand stationary, holding the lead in one hand. As you say Sit, press down on his hindquarters with the other hand. If the dog lies down instead, grasp the loose skin at his neck and pull up until he is sitting (this won’t hurt him). Repeat the command Sit. Since you have now added another word to his vocabulary, don’t confuse the puppy by varying the command, and don’t weaken it by also using his name. Praise him as soon as he sits. By the time your pup is three months old, he should have mastered this exercise. Now he will be ready to learn the more advanced lessons that follow.

Sit-Stay Command
The most important exercise you can teach your dog is to sit and stay on command. Once he learns this, you can leave him anywhere and know he will be there when you return. Wait until he is at least three months old before beginning the sit-stay. Your puppy should now recognize his name, be familiar with the lead and respond to the simple command Sit.

Use a longer lead (6 to 8 feet) than normal so that you and the dog can move freely. Holding the slack loosely in the right hand, walk the dog briefly, then bring him in as close to your left foot as possible. Give the command Sit. As soon as he sits, reward him by stroking his head (don’t pat, few dogs appreciate being thumped on the head).

Now shift the lead to the other hand and swing forward in a half-circle so that you are facing the dog. Give the command Stay. At the same time bring your right hand, fingers together, palm forward, to the dog’s nose to block his moving ahead. Keep all motions smooth. If your pup drops his head, repeat Stay and tap him lightly under his chin. Follow by again bringing your hand to his nose.

Avoid excessive correction by anticipating your dog’s errors and rewarding him before he has time to commit them. In this way he will associate pleasure with doing what you want. Repeat several times, then let the pup romp briefly before undertaking the remainder of the exercise.
Intermediate. Once your dog has mastered the preliminaries, he must learn to remain in the stay position even when you are not present. Repeat the initial exercise. Then, with the lead in your left hand, straighten to a standing position and walk slowly around the dog. If he stands too, start again. Help him by repeating the command Stay, being careful not to confuse him by jerking or pulling on the lead.