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hi i have a 13 week old newfoundland called archie he is a smashing pup but keeps nipping our hands feet and ripping our clothes as we walk or sit can anyone help with this problem

can anyone help with my newfoundland archie he keep nipping our hands feet and clothes

We have hardy who is nearly 3 now. Over the last year he has taken to occassionally growling at people including us who 'disturb' him or ask him to do something he doesn't really want to do. Having had Newfies before this is out of character with what we've experienced. The vet has suggested castration just to take the 'edge' off him. Any views please?

Hi,

Regarding Archie nipping - A lot of Newfs can have a tendency to want to hold your hand. I recommend you discourage this because they will not discriminate between who they do this to and it can seem scary when a giant dog wants to hold someones hand !

Fortnately you are asking about nipping at the right time - You have to pretend extreme pain evrey time he does this - and all of you must do the same. the first time you try he will stop after 3rd attempt. It will then decrease over the next days. Owain

Hi- regarding your 'growler'. Regardless of your previous experience this is very common in Newfs. Something you have done in the past has now taught him to be stressed in certain situations and he is asking you/others to keep away. Under no circumstances must you force him or tell him off. He has to be retrained that people approaching are a good thing. Castration is unlikely to make any difference in this case - but he should have been done anyway. I will e-mail you separately on this. Owain

Hi - Archie nipping.

On top of pretending pain with contact - as regards clothes and feet you need to distract him with something else to hold - and do not ever tell him off. Owain

Hi,

We have a 2 yr old newf called Bosun and lately he's started to have massive tantrums, mostly in the evenings. He barks, growls, nips and slaps his paws on us, and generally isn't very nice. Its not just us he behaves like this for, sometimes he'll start on our guests too which isn't ideal! He can also be very naughty and unbelievably stubborn too, both of which i know are newfie traits! The thing is, when he's being well behaved, he is compliant, obedient and a joy to have around. But he really does seem to have a split personality and will not take no for an answer. He has a well maintained daily routine and swims weekly along with good walks. When he's having a tantrum we lead him out of the room into the kitchen that has a baby gate at the door, so the door is never shut and he can always see, hear and smell us. he normally settles down after this but sometimes he'll whinge for ages over the gate.

When i read about how gentle and docile newfs are I wonder if we've got the same breed!

I'd be most grateful for any advice on how to stop this behaviour as its exhausting and upsetting at times!

Sorry for not replying sooner- been a bit hectic !

Contrary to the image of Newfies -his behaviour is competely normal. Newfs love to play and when you add the stubborn streak this is what you get ! I am assuming he does this after his evening meal at some point (it is a raised blood sugar link) - and that you are feeding him twice a day (if not you should). The hand holding and pawing are absolute typical breed traits and how you respond is how the behaviour is escalated.He is only 2 - still a teenager. In order to channel this you must interact constructively, positively and calmly. When he starts off play tug games indoors, fetch outdoors and do training at the same time - stays will calm him and recalls burn off energy. never shout or punish - this will make it worse. Hand holding is the same - -fake extreme pain EVERY time and give him something different to do. Pawing means he wants stroking and attention - what's wrong with that ? !!

regards Owain