Oh MY GOD~!

[Hagrid]

Hello everyone, Sorry for being absent. My tail bone is slowly healing and I can sit on my knees only for short periods. So here goes. I am starting to hate taking Hagrid for walks. I think I know What a BIG DOG in seven different languages. And they say it when I pass by like I can't hear them.. When I look at Hagrid he really is not that big, really He's just a large puppy to me. I think I choked when the last person said to me, "Is that a overweight HOUND"? I can't go anywhere without someone making a comment. I don't know, I just want to walk down the street unnoticed for once. People even say things like, did you know he would get that big, or why would you want a dog so big, or you must have a big house, or you must be rich to have such a big dog, Am I just to have to resign myself to all these comments forever? Lily

 

[Thule's Mom]

this is my take on it... you have a very NOTICEABLE dog... there's nothing you can do about it... people are going to make 'smartass' comments... god knows there are enough threads here on the topic... my advice, find a way to embrace it. I can't take Thule anywhere without having to stop at least once and have a conversation about her. It's a little different here in Newfoundland - everyone knows the Newfoundland dog so I don't get the "fat hound' comments; I do get - doesn't she find it hot - in a very accusing tone - people are idiots everywhere. Smile; don't take notice! (((((HUGS)))))
Deb & Thule

PS sorry about your tailbone... must hurt like crazy!

 

[4ondafloor]

Use the opportunity to educate people about the breed and ignore the repeated comments because they will never stop. Put on your best smile and nod ( a lot)
So many people know little to nothing about the Newfoundland breed. Enlighten them and watch them hang on every word. Especially the children.
I enjoy it. You'll just need to allow for extra time.

 

[OurnewfDarwin]

While it may not stop the stupid comments--maybe you could fashion some kind if jacket or something similar to guide/service dog attire. I think people know universally that they shouldn't disturb a dog who is working. I ammnot suggesting that you pretend to be something you're not, but it might discourage people from approaching you. You could write something on it that says, "I'm very distractable and need to concentrate on my walk."

I know what you mean about the constant chatter and stopping. We spent four hours at the farmers market in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. All of the attention, all of the stops, all of the explaining that even though their cousin rode his newf as a child---it's not a good idea, well all of that ended in us getting four (4!!) items at the market. Now when my husband suggests going I ask that we take the dog first, or shop first--but the two just can't be combined.

P.S. I love Hagrid's name.

 

[JackandKelly]

Not everyone is ignorant. Some people on this board resort to calling other people stupid, ignorant etc..
Just because they don't know what a Newf is or maybe guess a different breed or make comments we have heard 1000 times and weren't funny the first time doesn't make them dumb or beneath us..
Most are just trying to be nice or social, cut them a break. Look at it from their side, bite your tongue and be nice.

Hagrid, my post is not directed solely at you and if it was just your post I would have blown it off, but it seems this last month there have been so many posts where people are calling other people on the street names or saying how stupid they are or their dog is. Those people are just as good as us and love their dogs just as much as we do.
Maybe because I live in a small town, but people are nice to each other here and if someone makes a comment that would normally just make me roll my eyes, I have manners, am polite and stop while they pet my Newfs and learn about them.
I would never be a smartalec, mean, or act like I am better than them or call their little dog (if they have one, lots of posts lately have been solely to complain about people and their little dog) names. It makes the people doing the name calling look bad and shows no class...Why be so mean when you don't know them, what they are going through in life or what kind of person they are?
Just smile and be nice, what's the big deal about that??

 

[4ondafloor]

Nicely put Kel.
If I know that I'm in a bit of a hurry then the Quad stays home.
We KNOW tht when we take the pack out to socialize that we WILL be stopped several time to and from where our intended target is. It's just the way it is. We don't mind. Do I get tired of hearing the silly comments? You bet but I always do my best to educate.
We made it all the way to the car(s) last night when a family stopped us and HAD to come see the Quad. The ramp was up..the pack was ready to board and we stopped. We ended up standing there for another 45 minutes talking to this marvelous family with just the BEST children ever. All four laid down in the shade and all four had a small child cuddled up in the crook of their belly hugging and stroking each one. The pack was in heaven.
The parents hung on every word about the breed. Right about the time they looked at each other and wondered quietly whether or not a newf was right for their family, Syd stood up and threw floogers everywhere.:crazy: The next thing out of my mouth was "Oh yeah and then there are THOSE!!" LOL Next I was explaining why they're called Floogers
It's families like this one that warm my heart.

 

[Angela]

This is what happens when you have a Newf and take it out and about. All sorts of comments from people and you cannot be in a hurry! Yes, educate people about Newfs and ignore the "who's taking who for a walk" ones.

I'm so used to being stopped every few yards when I have a Newf, so when I got a Lab and used to take her for walks and no one stopped me I felt really weird!!!!!

Newfs are still rare enough TG that people have to look twice or more and stop to talk. It's a fact of life. I use every available opportunity to educate them about the breed, pointing out the good and the bad.

 

[4ondafloor]

This is what happens when you have a Newf and take it out and about. All sorts of comments from people and you cannot be in a hurry! Yes, educate people about Newfs and ignore the "who's taking who for a walk" ones.

I'm so used to being stopped every few yards when I have a Newf, so when I got a Lab and used to take her for walks and no one stopped me I felt really weird!!!!!

Newfs are still rare enough TG that people have to look twice or more and stop to talk. It's a fact of life. I use every available opportunity to educate them about the breed, pointing out the good and the bad.

:new_smilie_colors1:

 

[Hagrid]

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I have not had much patience lately because of all the intense pain I am going through. Even with all my pain I still try to walk Hagrid every day I really thought this site was to vent without being judged, and I am very sad and mortified to be put in the category or a name caller and ignorant of other people's feelings. I have never given back nasty retorts. I have just meant I reply in a kind of joking manner not to insult anyone. Please forgive me if Hurt anyone's feelings. I just felt like venting and have someone laugh with me. Jack and Kelly I apolagise to you and will make sure when I vent I am more clear. Thules Mom Thanks for the hugs , I have been soo down since my back has been broken. It seems like it will never heal, and sometimes I just want to be invisible when I walk my baby.

 

[Angela]

One thing I would contemplate if I were you at the moment is a Prong collar, usually with the long Newf hair they are not that noticible and quite honestly they are very safe.
Hope you're feeling better really soon, ouch, that must have been soooo painful.

 

[R Taft]

Use the opportunity to educate people about the breed and ignore the repeated comments because they will never stop. Put on your best smile and nod ( a lot)
So many people know little to nothing about the Newfoundland breed. Enlighten them and watch them hang on every word. Especially the children.
I enjoy it. You'll just need to allow for extra time.

I do the same......I educate and if they are just rude it is like water of a ducks back and I just smile. I think they are just jealous/envious :lol:

 

[Hagrid]

I have tried the prong collar, but for some reason when Hagrid looks at me after I put it on and his tail droops I feel really awful. There is something about this dog that I just can't explain, I feel like he is another person and I know it sound ridiculous. I just make him sit now and wait for the person to pass. Also have uppied on the tasty treats.

 

[JackandKelly]

Hagrid, You did not offend me in any way and like I said in my post, it was not directed solely at you. Everyone has bad days and my intent is to make everyone realize the first reaction should not be a nasty reaction.
There have been some really negative posts lately about people on the street with or without their dogs, and that is really not necessary.
Please just be as tolerant of other people as you would like them to be with you and try to look at it from their point of view. While we might want to roll our eyes, they are being social and they think...funny or witty. They are not trying to upset you.

You asked if the population was that dumb..no they are not dumb, they just don't know Newfs and you said that you are resorting to smart*** comments. My post was to show you, you don't have to look at it that way. Everyone can be nice.
You never know what that other person is going through in life. That comment they said to you jokingly may be the only smile they got that day.

Now granted when I am in pain, I may not have this cheery, love the world attitude and I know you are in pain, but if the next time someone asks you about your Newf you use it as an opportunity to educate them and socialize your Newf then that is the best response and my post served a purpose...

Does that make sense?

 

[KS Newf]

It is very hard to be patient and understanding when you are in a lot of pain. Things that might not bother you on a pain free day simply do cause irritation. Try to keep it in perspective and kill em with kindness. . . easier said than done in my book, but I am tryin' to help you here with bearing the irritation. Also, this will be easier on your blood pressure and general health IMHO. I have also had the accusatory "She looks way too hot," and occasionally other snarky comments. Most people think they are being amusing, however. I am also tellin' you from my personal experience with a really wild Newfoundland that the prong collar is a wonderment, and I would persevere with it if humanly, Newfoundlandly possible. Tasty treats are excellent as well. Always vent here; we need each other, and we need to see each other through - not see through each other. I truly believe everyone here means the best for you - every single poster.

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

We get those as well, but we knew before Elvis came home that he'd cause quite a commotion everywhere we went. We really underestimated just how BIG of a commotion he'd cause, but we're used to it now.

Mostly people are curious and want to pet him, but instead of coming right out and ASK, they loudly announce the obvious. My standing reply is "Yes, he's huge. His name is Elvis and he LOVES to be petted. If you'd like to touch him, you're more than welcome too." Sometime they just pet and leave, other times they pet and ask a billion questions.

Simply put, if we don't have the time to stop and chat, Elvis stays home.

Also, we finally went to a prong collar this spring (Elvis is 2.5 years old) and it's been AMAZING! I felt like a "bad dog mom" if we put one on him, and I also worried people would see it and get scared. His trainer went over it with us, taught us all about it, and it has honestly completely changed Elvis' behavior. He was always good on walks and had great leash manners, but he's a very wimpy dog. Like, scared of a car door shutting wimpy! Any loud noise and he'd literally drag me back home. The prong collar stopped that immediately.

If we're just in our neighborhood, I don't worry about it since everyone here is used to him and loves him regardless of what he is wearing. If we take him out in the general public though, I just tie a bandanna (okay, TWO bandannas since he's so big!) around his neck to hide the prongs. Works like a charm!!

I hope you feel better soon. ENJOY Hagrid!!

 

[JackandKelly]

I bypassed the prong thing completely, but wanted to touch on that.
Lola used to hang her head when I would get the prong out. Not because they hurt (they don't, just some discomfort if they misbehave) but because she knew she had to behave. After awhile she now runs to me when I get it out because she knows it means she is going for a walk. She is thrilled to have it put on and almost never pulls. Notice I said "almost". She never needed it until she was around a year old, Sophie started needing it at 8 months old. I would not use it on a puppy (how old is Hagrid).
It really is a safety issue. Lola is not very big, but she is strong. It is for her safety and mine to be able to control her if something excites or scares her. With Sophie it is an issue of running to strangers. Sh eloves them so much she wants to tackle them and lick them like crazy. Obviously this is not acceptable and we are working on it, but Sophie is my super sweet girl, that is too sweet and sometimes hard to train.
Ty is 5 months and is a dream on a leash. He wonders slowly beside me...*knock on wood* but we have already purchased his prong. There will be a time when he needs it. He will not be neutered for over a year and that will be 100+ pounds of testosterone pulling on the other end of that leash

 

[Thule's Mom]

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I have not had much patience lately because of all the intense pain I am going through. Even with all my pain I still try to walk Hagrid every day I really thought this site was to vent without being judged, and I am very sad and mortified to be put in the category or a name caller and ignorant of other people's feelings. I have never given back nasty retorts. I have just meant I reply in a kind of joking manner not to insult anyone. Please forgive me if Hurt anyone's feelings. I just felt like venting and have someone laugh with me. Jack and Kelly I apolagise to you and will make sure when I vent I am more clear. Thules Mom Thanks for the hugs , I have been soo down since my back has been broken. It seems like it will never heal, and sometimes I just want to be invisible when I walk my baby.

I get it totally; I haven't been feeling well myself the last month or so; something that just won't go away, and I find myself taking Thule to places where I know I 'm not going to run into a lot of people... we can't be UP all the time. It'll pass. You need to heal first.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

One thing I would contemplate if I were you at the moment is a Prong collar, usually with the long Newf hair they are not that noticible and quite honestly they are very safe.
Hope you're feeling better really soon, ouch, that must have been soooo painful.

Ditto on the prong collar. As my Mom says, Snuffles is a "show stopper". Personally I love the attention etc.

Snuffles acted up one day in class many moons ago, and the trainer suggested a prong collar. Not that Snuffles is bad normally, but he IS collar aware and tends to behave very well. I do use it when going to the vets, pets stores or dog events, and carry it in my bag with his brushes, small water bowl, extra bags etc on our longer walks.

When I fell on the ice in 2008, and tore up my knee requiring emergency surgery, I was in a full leg brace. Toward the end of the 6 weeks and after switching to a cane, two things I found that helped for my own pain and stability. I used a prong collar, because even the slightest pulling, it was hard to keep my leg in control as well as not being pulled off balance. As much as I hate flexi leashes for general walking etc, I did use it so it allowed me to be less attached to Snuffles so to say. He could move about a bit and me not having to keep total control or stress my muscles/tendons. When I throw out my back, I do the same thing.

Hope you get better quick!

 

[4ondafloor]

Don't take offense. None was directed at you. I know Kel personally and the last thing she would do is hurt your feelings intentionally.
Since you've been in so much pain I too would highly suggest that you use the prong. It was suggested to me over a year ago and at first my Little Freak Show, Pae, would do the same thing...hang her head as if she was being punished. In essence she was beigh taught to be respectful on lead. Same here with the exuberance now when she sees it. I have three in prongs when we go out in publice and OH MY!! what well behaved babies.
There are some here on NN that live in other countries where they are banned or they simply scoff at the use of them. Some view them as torturous. They are NOT. They are, when used properly, an excellent training tool.
It will also help you in being able to walk Hagrid a little more without pulling.
Just make sure that it is fitted properly to get the maximum effect out of its use.
Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Thule's Mom]

I haven't used the prong collar, but in our puppy class there was a border collie that just wasn't going to 'get it', so the instructor brought in a prong collar (the owners looked horrified) but when they were shown how safe it is and it doesn't hurt (the instructor put it on the arm of the owner to show how it worked), they tried it and were very impressed and continued to use it.