About to adopt an adult Newfie - need advice
- Thread starter Ivy
- Start date
R Taft
Active member
But you need to very careful with her..... She has issues, like I said in the email, you might have to get some help..... Very difficult with not seeing it. As when you see it, you can tell if it is the handler or the dog.... Fear aggression or confidant aggression. The umbilical system works really well in the beginning to have them in hand, but I would still give her some time to adjust. It is very difficult to come into a home with strangers and be wondering where the previous owners are too. So give her that time where she can watch , observe and have some time to see you all..... Ask everyone to not approach her front on and not just walk straight on...approach sideways and not looking at her. Stop, give her space and ask her to come to you. Allow her into your space, not any of you invade her space..... You are all strangers. Give her time and space.. Not all newfies are chilled relaxed clowns. Some, be it due to breeding or trained behaviour are worried.... Need time and space. Kids often make faults in dog language and so accident happen and dogs get PTS.... I spend a lot of time teaching kids how to approach dogs, mostly it is ask them to come, not walk up to them. I have my misfits here at home..... I know what it is like, you will be able to manage it, but be patient. At present I would just give her her food by dropping the bowl and walking away, again space..... Allow her to see that it is hers and no one will take it away. I do not believe in using the food bowl to accept strangers. A small treat that is extra is different. But allow peace and quiet with the meal times.. With some dogs I have just sat on the floor, well away and just got the used to me being there. But I will only pick up the bowl when they are finished. Take care and look for help
victoria1140
Active member
Hats and hoodies are big nonos in this house atm.Bodie gets really worried when he sees them.
You have had good advice already but think of how you would feel if you were put in a new house,ddidnt know people and were scared.she doesnt know the smells of the house and people yet and also as Ronnie says important the kids know how to approach her.
Safe spots for her,lots of exercise to burn off the anxiety as well, never set her up to fail with training and figure out what she does and doesnt respond to.
My beau was a wild child when we rescued him but absolutely no training,hated everything and very unsure. Took time and patience but believe me so worth it when he got the baby steps training.
You have had good advice already but think of how you would feel if you were put in a new house,ddidnt know people and were scared.she doesnt know the smells of the house and people yet and also as Ronnie says important the kids know how to approach her.
Safe spots for her,lots of exercise to burn off the anxiety as well, never set her up to fail with training and figure out what she does and doesnt respond to.
My beau was a wild child when we rescued him but absolutely no training,hated everything and very unsure. Took time and patience but believe me so worth it when he got the baby steps training.
Darwinsnewfie@1855
New member
So sorry to hear about this, but the experienced Newf owners on this site gave great advice. Even when I introduced puppies into my home and family, there was always a period of ajustment for each dog. I'm sure it's even more sensitive when you rehome an adult. My only advice would be to slowly build the relationship with your kids and the dog, and spend a lot of time teaching your kids how to interact with the dog. My son was not great with Ella at first, but now he's starting to understand how to interact with her. It just takes a lot of time, patience and dedication that will all be worth it in the end.
R Taft
Active member
I am glad I was able to help you via email.... And I think you made the right choice. You kids come first and there were other people without kids who wanted her and also had another Newfie .... People who pass on dogs are not always totally honest with us. And some really do not realise what their dog is like.
One day there will be a great Newfie for your family.... Like I said to you go through one of the awesom newfi rescues, the temp test and foster the dogs with experienced Newfie people. And you will know the dog before you get the dog....always the kids come first. Good luck ��
One day there will be a great Newfie for your family.... Like I said to you go through one of the awesom newfi rescues, the temp test and foster the dogs with experienced Newfie people. And you will know the dog before you get the dog....always the kids come first. Good luck ��