Hello my name is Stephanie and I have my first Newfie . She is now about 5 months old. I really need some advice and hope you guys can help. I have three children ages 12,9, and 6. We have wanted a Newfie for awhile and finally got her. I really need advice on how to deal with her biting at us, jumping at our faces, and pulling mine and my daughters hair with her teeth. I have been taking her to Pet smart for training, we have one class left, then I plan to go on to the next level, but we can not get her to stop biting us. I am bruised from arms down to my legs. She jumps up and bites at our faces, she actually made my nine year olds face bleed. I know she is not being aggressive, but my kids are afraid of her now. I have tried to show her that I am the "Alpha" per say, but she don't care. I walk past her and she will just lunge at me to bite me somewhere. I have also had a problem with her growling when I get around her food or toys. I need more help than pets mart, and hope you guys can help. I love her so much, I know she's a puppy, but I don't know how to make this problem go away.
Hello from West Virginia
- Thread starter Stuphie22
- Start date
2newfs4now
New member
I'll let the experts chime in on the training issues... Just want to extend a welcome from Washington state 
Leonard and his bud Snuffles
Active member
Welcome. Hopefully the experts will chime in. I got Snuffles at over 2, but I know he would do that type thing with his old family. It is not uncommon for the puppies to do such things.
ElvisTheNewf
Active member
First, I'm totally jealous. I'm a born and raised Mountaineer who had to move to Ohio 2 years ago. I miss those mountains with every fiber of my being!
We moved from Morgantown and had an AMAZING trainer there. I don't know where you are, but if you're close to Morgantown I'll give you his name and website. We sent Elvis there for classes, bootcamps, and even some one-on-one training to get him over his fear of motorcycles. He was a lifesaver!!
So, I guess that would be my first/best advice. Find a trainer. Not someone from Petsmart, but a real, trained and true dog trainer, hopefully someone who has experience with newfoundlands or other large working breed dogs.
We moved from Morgantown and had an AMAZING trainer there. I don't know where you are, but if you're close to Morgantown I'll give you his name and website. We sent Elvis there for classes, bootcamps, and even some one-on-one training to get him over his fear of motorcycles. He was a lifesaver!!
So, I guess that would be my first/best advice. Find a trainer. Not someone from Petsmart, but a real, trained and true dog trainer, hopefully someone who has experience with newfoundlands or other large working breed dogs.
I'm in Charleston. Welcome. I'm afraid Mingo may be a little harder to find a good trainer. How far are you from Charleston. I have a friend who was from Boone County...a major dog person...she might have some advise about people down your way. Hang in there and for now always supervise the dog and kids...these big crazy pups can aggravate the daylights out of them. Have lots of good stuff to substitute for arms and legs, etc. Others, more knowledgeable, will chime in.
DAWNMERIE
Active member
Welcome from New Jersey. Have you used the search button? At the top of the screen you see a button that says search....type in biting or jumping and you will find tons of threads.....get to reading girly! You'll get past it, but nip it in the bud It's like a 2 year old boy pushing the buttons and seeing how far he can take it. I use 2 yr old boy cause my nephew is at this stage and walking all over my mother & sister.
It's like a 2 year old boy pushing the buttons and seeing how far he can take it. I use 2 yr old boy cause my nephew is at this stage and walking all over my mother & sister.
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ElvisTheNewf
Active member
That's where I was raised! My parents still live there, so we take Elvis down twice a year. Maybe next time we can get our newfs together.
And just for the record, this phenomenon is referred to as the "landshark" phase.
Do you ever come in to Charleston? My yard is well fenced. Gracie is 8 years old and might teach her some bite inhibition...then again, Gracie probably wouldn't care! Let me know.
Is your girl teething...give her some cold/frozen rags to chew on. And be sure your children don't run away from her because that will just encourage her to give chase. Work out ways they can just avoid her for a while. I think the landshark is a reasonably short phase. If she is jumping up on people, have them ignore her...turn away...its harder for the little ones, but she WILL get over this.
Do you ever come in to Charleston? My yard is well fenced. Gracie is 8 years old and might teach her some bite inhibition...then again, Gracie probably wouldn't care! Let me know.
Is your girl teething...give her some cold/frozen rags to chew on. And be sure your children don't run away from her because that will just encourage her to give chase. Work out ways they can just avoid her for a while. I think the landshark is a reasonably short phase. If she is jumping up on people, have them ignore her...turn away...its harder for the little ones, but she WILL get over this.
Jager's Mom
New member
Welcome!
You're best bet would be to do a search of the forum...many threads from the past could help you with you issues.
Other than that...welcome to newfie puppy hood!
You're best bet would be to do a search of the forum...many threads from the past could help you with you issues.
Other than that...welcome to newfie puppy hood!
Thanks so much,Welcome!
You're best bet would be to do a search of the forum...many threads from the past could help you with you issues.
Other than that...welcome to newfie puppy hood!
takemebacktotulsa
New member
Welcome! You are not alone. In fact it would be pretty unusual if you were not dealing with these issues. With some work, time and patience, you will have a wonderful companion. Hang in there!
thanks for the input. I am about an hour 1/2 from Charleston. I would love to get together. you can email me at Stuphie22@hotmail.com....thanks