Newfoundland: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Newfoundland becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Newfoundland's exercise is recorded as The Newfoundland is a multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (The Newfoundland is a multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 9-10 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Newfoundland's heavy coat requires thorough brushing at least once a week. A thorough going-over with a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb will remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming. These will become daily sessions during shedding season, which generally occurs twice a year; however, spayed and neutered Newfs shed year-round and will…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Newfoundland is a multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water. As well as being a devoted companion, he is adept at draft work and has natural lifesaving abilities. Newfoundlands need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. While they are definitely meant to live indoors with their human family, Newfs enjoy outdoor…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Newfoundland puppy is outgoing, intelligent, and curious'never timid, skittish, or aggressive. Daily human contact is absolutely essential for any Newfie. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the Newfoundland grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. A puppy who is going to be trained for…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful 'nanny dog' for kids.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Newfoundland.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools