How to Stop a Newfoundland Dog or Puppy Barking
Dogs bark for a number of different reasons, but most of all because it is natural behavior for them and their primary means of communicating with others. Some barking is definitely a good thing, such as when an intruder is lurking around outside the house in the middle of the night, but some Newfoundland dogs and puppies bark to excess regardless of the reason. But, fortunately there are some rather effective methods of curbing this often annoying yet common behavior.
First keep in mind that your Newfoundland, an extremely intelligent breed, considers themselves to be a regular member of the family and the excessive barking may simply be to get your attention or out of boredom.
Your Newf dog or puppy will need plenty of stimulation to keep their active mind from resorting to destructive or unwanted behavior such as barking, chewing, or digging. A bored dog is going to find ways of amusing themselves or getting the attention of others and barking is one of the very best ways to do just that.
If you can’t take your Newfoundland for daily walks make sure that they are getting enough exercise as well as mental stimulation. Start teaching your dog or puppy some basic commands if you haven’t already done so such as sit, stay, giving their paw, or rolling over. You can also teach your Newfoundland to retrieve the paper or mail or anything to make this working breed “feel useful.”
Some dog owners have found great success using the clicker training method using a simple clicker that makes a noise when pressed. When your dog starts to bark, press the clicker to get their attention and hopefully stop the barking. When they do stop, offer a small treat as a reward. Remember that persistence and patience are both terribly important when it comes to training your Newfoundland to stop barking.
And, the proper socialization is an absolute imperative for all breeds of dogs, and the sooner this is accomplished, the better for everyone involved. Dogs should be socialized with other dogs and people as young puppies if at all possible. Start by introducing them to a few new people at a time and supply your guests with treats to give your dog should they exhibit good behavior, such as not barking.
If your Newfoundland dog or puppy is barking excessively for some unknown reason, don’t attempt to comfort them or console them in any way as this tends to exacerbate the problem you’re trying to control. Your dog will most likely feel as if your comfort is a reward of some sort which will encourage the behavior rather than send the message that he or she should stop.
You also won’t want to raise your voice or yell at your dog when they are barking as this will send mixed messages. Some dogs may think you are barking right along with them and will just continue as they simply cannot understand what you’re saying even though all dogs love to please their owners.