dexters buddy
New member
Hi Everyone,
My family surprised me with a 2 year old Newf on Christmas Eve. I have always loved this breed, have done a lot of reading on the web about them, and hoped to have one someday. My 13 year old lab/chow 4 legged soulmate had to be put to sleep last year around Christmas, and I swore I would never get another dog..too painful to let go as I'm sure some of you know. Anyway, now Dexter is here and I absolutely love him to pieces!! But I still have a lot of questions, because I am reading some conflicting info on the web with all of the different breeders and I just want to do what is best regarding exercise, feeding, training, etc.
This is Dexter's third home. His previous owner had him several months and had to travel so she put him on Craigs list and my daughter spotted the ad, the rest is history. She charged no rehoming fee for him, she just wanted him to have a good home. She warned that he could be destructive (separation anxiety) and so far he has broken several blinds and one window (thank God he wasn't cut..it was a miracle)
I took him to the vet and she wants me to try training before he goes on any anxiety meds. I walk him every night after work about a mile, she said I should walk him about 5 miles.
He also doesn't eat very much at all; is there a food that Newfies prefer?
I made an appointment to get him neutered. I read that some owners wait until Newfs are older to do this, and since he is two, is that a good age?
I can tell he has had some obedience training, because he walks well on a leash, sits, shakes and lays down on command. I would like to further his training, because he doesn't always come when he is called.
Also, he is suddenly mounting everyone he meets...will the neuter help this problem or is it a dominant behavior that he will always have?
I am going to do some more research, but I thought this would be the best place to start..I'm sorry for the long message. Thanks for any and all advice you can give me,
Ann
My family surprised me with a 2 year old Newf on Christmas Eve. I have always loved this breed, have done a lot of reading on the web about them, and hoped to have one someday. My 13 year old lab/chow 4 legged soulmate had to be put to sleep last year around Christmas, and I swore I would never get another dog..too painful to let go as I'm sure some of you know. Anyway, now Dexter is here and I absolutely love him to pieces!! But I still have a lot of questions, because I am reading some conflicting info on the web with all of the different breeders and I just want to do what is best regarding exercise, feeding, training, etc.
This is Dexter's third home. His previous owner had him several months and had to travel so she put him on Craigs list and my daughter spotted the ad, the rest is history. She charged no rehoming fee for him, she just wanted him to have a good home. She warned that he could be destructive (separation anxiety) and so far he has broken several blinds and one window (thank God he wasn't cut..it was a miracle)
I took him to the vet and she wants me to try training before he goes on any anxiety meds. I walk him every night after work about a mile, she said I should walk him about 5 miles.
He also doesn't eat very much at all; is there a food that Newfies prefer?
I made an appointment to get him neutered. I read that some owners wait until Newfs are older to do this, and since he is two, is that a good age?
I can tell he has had some obedience training, because he walks well on a leash, sits, shakes and lays down on command. I would like to further his training, because he doesn't always come when he is called.
Also, he is suddenly mounting everyone he meets...will the neuter help this problem or is it a dominant behavior that he will always have?
I am going to do some more research, but I thought this would be the best place to start..I'm sorry for the long message. Thanks for any and all advice you can give me,
Ann
That is great advice from Alicia. Your local newf club can help you with any questions/training issues and recommend a good giant breed vet.
