The arrival of a new puppy is an exciting event, and the inevitable change in household routine will go much smoother if you’re well-prepared for the arrival of your Newfoundland newcomer. The following items and discussions should help you to get ready – or, if your puppy is already at home, to make sure you’ve covered all the bases. (If you’re not new to dog ownership, some of what’s discussed below will be familiar, but please read through the list anyway, as many of its suggestions are Newf specific. Newfoundlands’ size and breed characteristics mea n that what works for a Lab or a boxer won’t necessarily fill the bill now, or at least not when your new member of the family is full-grown.)
BEDS
While there may be some Newfs who love their dog beds, it’s probably more common for most Newfs to ignore them completely. Older dogs may appreciate the padding, but Newfs – which come with sufficient insulation – generally will find dog beds unnecessary even in the coldest weather. They will often ignore their beds in favor of some nice cool tile floor, or even the bathtub.
52 - 54” throw rugs with rubber backing that can go in washer and dryer for easy cleaning are useful. Yoga mats and cool beds are useful for dogs who need help with padding or traction who do not care for traditional beds. Some dogs prefer hammock style beds because they provide air circulation and can be cooler. No matter what type of bed you choose, positioning it close to air conditioning vents will make it much more popular. Don't worry that there may not be enough room on your bed because Newfs don't seem to mind hanging off the bed a bit.
