NEWFOUNDLAND PUPPY

Adopting a Newfoundland pup, particularly if it is your first dog, represents a major event in your life. To ensure that it begins on the best possible note, some advance preparation is needed (not unlike preparing for a human baby).

The key areas are outlined below. Please feel free to contact us at any time; we are available to help you locate the resources that you need.

Please discuss your plans for a pup with adjacent neighbours. Of particular importance is your proposed location of the pen, especially if it is to be along a perimeter fence.

It is a good policy to be sensitive to your neighbours' concerns, especially with regard to their sleep times.

If they are willing, try to arrange for your neighbours to meet the new pup when it arrives, or as soon as possible afterwards. Newfs often become neighbourhood pets and it is always beneficial if your neighbours like dog well enough to look out for it.

When your pup moves to your house, virtually everything will be different. One of the few things that can and should be the same is his food. Ensuring that you have the proper food on hand for his arrival will help him cope with the transition.

Since the premium food that your pup is on (Purina Pro Plan Performance) is not sold by all retailers, we recommend that you locate a convenient supplier in your area, and if necessary, place your first order.

Alternatively, you can buy your first bag of feed from us; we will sell it to you at our cost.

It is most essential that the pen and/or fencing plus the dog house or shelter be in place before your pup arrives. Without this, toilet training could be become a nightmare.

Fencing must be a minimum of five feet high and the area must be a minimum of 196 square feet. Dog run panels are highly recommended. We prefer a 12' by 16' pen.

The shelter should have a wooden platform or other suitable floor of at least two feet by four feet. If possible, you should consider making it double that size. [PLANS FOR A DOG HOUSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM US ON REQUEST.]

The ideal surface is crushed stone with a minimum depth of three inches. The usual stone is "clear" or "clean" 3/4 inch and up crushed stone. You will need a minimum of two yards to cover a 12 by 16 pen; however since stone is inexpensive and trucking is very costly, you might consider ordering a whole truck load. Store the extra stone in a convenient place (possibly in your driveway) as you will need it to fill in holes and to add as the original packs down.

It is a good idea to put railway ties or some other border material around your pen area to prevent the spread of the stone onto your lawn.

Natural or made (e.g. overhead tarp) shade is absolutely crucial for the hot months.

Since every situation is different, you should discuss the outside accommodation with us in detail before investing in the materials.

The basic equipment that you should have BEFORE the pup arrives is as listed below:

We will tell you about the grooming equipment needed at your first grooming lesson (usually when you pick up the pup).

This should be planned in advance so that you are ready for the pup's arrival. Methods vary from using the regular garbage (double bagging) to composting to mini-septic systems. If you have any questions on this, please ask us.

If you do not already have a veterinarian, you should try to locate one before you take possession of your pup. Neighbours with pets (preferably large ones) are a good source. Also, we may be able to put you in touch with other owners of Newfs in your area so that you can get the name of a vet who is particularly good with this breed.

Ideally the vet clinic should be available for emergencies on a 24 hour basis.

We will arrange for the pup's initial wormings and first shots at eight to nine weeks with our vet. Your vet will advise you of his recommended schedule for further shots (boosters and rabies). If his schedule does not include parvo virus boosters at 16 - 18 weeks, you should request it at the same time as the rabies shot.

Most vets recommend a daily or monthly preventative medication for heartworm. After the first year this is no problem; however, in the first year, should you and your vet decide to put the pup on this medication, please ensure that the pup's weight is monitored closely to ensure the correct dosage.

You should contact local Kennel and Obedience Clubs and/or private trainers to find out the availability of group lessons and minimum age for such classes. We can give you the phone numbers for clubs in your area.