A Newfoundland dog is a little bundle of joy that will soon grow into a rather large bundle of joy. In order to make sure your Newf grows up healthy and happy, there are a few guidelines that should be followed from the get-go. If your puppy is presenting unusual signs, it is good to talk to the breeder about your concerns.

Diet and eating habits are vital for your Newf to thrive. As a puppy, he or she should not be getting table scraps for the first six months. After that, it is okay once in a while, if you really feel that this is necessary, but you should never give your pet food from the table if there is food in their bowl.

Newfs drink a lot of water, so this should always be available, whether they are inside or outside. This is especially important if you live in a warm environment, or if the dog is eating. Food should always be accompanied by water for this dog.

At times you might notice that your dog has stopped eating for a day or two. As alarming as this might appear, this is actually quite common among Newfoundlands and should not be cause for concern. If, however, the problem persists or your dog shows a lack of interest in food repeatedly within a short period, it is advisable to consult a vet or the original breeder.

Grooming is big one for Newfs. They need regular weekly grooming throughout the year, and when they are shedding, brushing or raking should occur at least every second day. Bathing, on the other hand, depends on your personal situation. Most people will say that a Newf should get a bath bimonthly or biannually, so anywhere in that range should be fine. In hot or wet climates, washing might be necessary more often, so it is largely up to the owner to determine what works best.

Newfoundlands' fur develops as they grow, so you might find that you need to change your habits over time. Again, you can get advice at the various stages from any professional dog handler, breeder, or vet.

Wherever your dog poops should be cleaned regularly. Leaving poop lying around and failing to disinfect that area can lead to intestinal parasites and viruses for your dog, and it also leaves you and your family open to disease. Bleach and water should be enough to clean any area or tools that you use. For those who live in regions where the temperature drops below freezing, sanitation isn't as big an issue. If it gets that cold even once during the day, you don't really need to worry about contamination through feces, although it can still stink and create a mess.

In spite of their size, Newfoundlands are great for kids, due to their gentle and protective nature. They need some special attention to the amount of exercise they get, because they are not as active as many other dogs their size. On the one hand, they need to run around as much as the next dog, but on the other hand, they can injure their joints from too much activity.

Newfs are sensitive, easygoing pets that can be trained with very little exertion. They respond well to encouragement and badly to reprimands. They can get a bit sulky, so it is important that they have a lot of company. For this reason, they are well suited to families and owners who intend to spend a lot of time with their dog.