Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Shelby is 19 months now and she does get hot indoors.  Likes to rest on the back porch when she's too warm... can watch over what's going on in the pasture 'cause it's elevated.  She wants to be where her people are and where the action is too.  The dining area is best as the floors have linoleum over the carpet (great for reducing carpet cleaning from muddy winter paws), it's cooler, and the living room is right there.  She absolutely LOVES to be snuggled and relishes every chance she gets, but when she's warm, she has to cool off.  She gets to go with me to work and is polite when people greet her.  She also seems to know children are delicate and is somewhat restrained when they come to pet her... ie no paws, less licking.  She loves my grandkids.  She doesn't sleep ON the bed (we only have a queen sized and the cocker has dibbs) but sleeps in the bathroom on the linoleum again when she's warm or in front of the constantly running fan.  She pants and paces from the door to my side of the bed when she has to go potty.  Wakes me up instantly!  If I could speak for her I'd have to say she will take all the snuggling she could get, especially if the temps were below freezing!!!

Thought I'd post some pictures of Shelby now at nine months, although the snow pic was from last Nov! 

She's growing fast and we're learning alot...

Things like; We can't leave the soda on the floor in the kitchen.  If you do, it makes for a terrific time filler for her while you're out.  Came home to a whole case of cans "popped" all over a light grey carpet!  She had a blast, no pun intended! 

Also, always close the shower door.  There are cool things like shaving cream in there that are almost as much fun as soda cans!  The shampoo isn't nearly as much fun as the shaving cream though, just oozes when you bite it. 

We've learned that she can also be incredibly gentle with her mouth; fetching eggs from the chickens before mom can get to them will earn you a tasty treat you must first carry to the deck, deposit, and then step on to crack.  I guess the eggs don't fizz enough to pop open, your paw works better?    

Anyhow, we love her!  Newf's are not for everyone, but for those of us who love them, they are priceless!

One note of caution..

Any of these are good, but - on the off chance the dog does get out past the "fence" they won't go home as they will recieve another shock if they do.  My local animal control has picked up numerous dogs with a invisible fence type collar on.  They simply won't go back home.  It may work better in conjunction with a real fence.  The suggestion is usually to purchase a electric fence charger, the doggy strength ones (don't need to contain cows here, right?) and to run a wire around the base of the fence or the top if they are going over.  It usually only takes once or twice for them to be "bitten" by the fence to change their minds about going out of it.  I think it'd be cheaper to use the electric fence too and no need to worry about collars, etc.  If you've already got the real fence in place, it'd be a cinch to modify. 

Just my 3 cents worth!   

 Â  Those are great pictures everyone!  It's amazing they can look so fierce when they are playing! 

I'd love to see water play pictures too!  Oh, and by "puppy" I meant anything with four paws and fur!  hehee

Just wanted to say on Wednesday Shelby will be five months old!  My how time flies and LORD how she grows!!!  She's doing great with her manners, has "sit" pretty well learned, we are working on "down".  She "heeled" almost immediately and really wants to please.  If she makes a mistake, you can see the disappointment all over her whole self. 

She is great big and really squishy when you squeeze her - I LOVE that!  We are having sooo much fun with her.

I need to really take some more photos as she seems to grow overnight.  Thanks for the warm welcome.

Hi there,

I'm new here, and haven't posted yet.  We just got our first newf girl about a month ago and she LOVES the water.  I've not seen a dog so devoted to liquid!  Anyway, as I was sitting while she played in the wading pool the other day, I decided that if anyone was thinking of getting a newfoundland, the first thing they should do is get a large auto washing type sponge, wet it with cold water, and then plop it on their lap in their best clothes!!!  (The next best thing to water, for our girl, is coming to share after she has been playing.  )  If you can handle that, you are well on your way to being owned by a Newf!

I'm not sure how to add pictures yet or I'd show you!  All in all, we absolutely love her and I'm sure you'll be just as thrilled with your new pup.  Congrats!