How to Train Your Newfoundland: 6 Tips for Taming the Gentle Giant
So, you’ve decided to take on the task of training a Newfoundland? Kudos to you! These dogs are massive, drool-prone, and incredibly sweet, but don’t let their calm demeanor fool you—they can be just as stubborn as any other breed when they want to be.
Training a Newfoundland is all about patience, consistency, and a willingness to embrace the occasional puddle of drool on your floor.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with six tips to help you navigate the waters of Newfoundland training.
1. Start Early: Don’t Let Their Size Fool You

Newfoundlands grow fast—like, blink and they’re 100 pounds fast. If you’re not starting their training early, you’re going to have a 150-pound dog that thinks it’s still a lap puppy. Trust me, that’s not as cute as it sounds.
From the moment you bring your Newfoundland puppy home, start working on basic commands. “Sit,” “stay,” and “come” are non-negotiable. These gentle giants may be sweet-natured, but once they’re full-grown, you need them to listen. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re trying to physically move a dog that weighs more than a small adult.
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Start Training Today! 🐾When I’ve trained Newfoundlands in the past, I’ve always found that starting with simple commands and building up from there makes a world of difference. These dogs are smart, so don’t underestimate them just because they’re big and fluffy. They’ll pick up on things quickly—if you’re consistent.
2. Socialization: Big Dog, Big Responsibility

Newfoundlands are naturally friendly dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can skip socialization. These dogs are huge, and a poorly socialized Newfoundland can be a handful—literally. Early and consistent socialization is key to ensuring your Newfie is comfortable around other dogs, people, and new environments.
Take them to dog parks, introduce them to new people, and expose them to different sights and sounds. The more they experience as puppies, the more adaptable they’ll be as adults. Remember, a scared Newfoundland is like a scared bear—not something you want to deal with.
When I work with Newfoundlands, I always make sure they’re exposed to a variety of situations early on. This helps them grow into confident, well-rounded dogs who can handle anything life throws at them—whether it’s a trip to the vet or a visit from the delivery person.
3. Patience Is Key: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, and Neither Is a Well-Behaved Newfie

If there’s one thing you’ll need in spades when training a Newfoundland, it’s patience. These dogs are gentle, but they can also be incredibly stubborn. They’re not going to learn everything overnight, and you shouldn’t expect them to.
Newfoundlands are known for their calm demeanor, which is great, but it also means they’re not always in a hurry to do anything—training included. You need to be patient and persistent. Keep training sessions short, sweet, and positive. Five to ten minutes at a time is perfect. And remember, consistency is your best friend. If you let your Newfie get away with ignoring a command once, they’ll try to do it again.
When training a Newfoundland, I’ve always found that gentle, consistent repetition works best. These dogs respond well to calm, positive reinforcement. Shouting or harsh corrections? Yeah, that’s just going to make them shut down. Keep your cool, even when they’re being a little… slow to catch on.
4. Exercise Is Essential: Keep That Big Body Moving

Let’s be real—Newfoundlands are not the most athletic dogs out there. They’re more about gentle strolls than marathon runs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular exercise. Keeping your Newfoundland active is crucial for their physical and mental health. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, and a bored Newfoundland might decide that chewing up your furniture is a great way to pass the time.
Daily walks are a must, but don’t push them too hard. Newfoundlands are prone to joint issues, so it’s important to find a balance between enough exercise and overdoing it. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for them—after all, these dogs were bred for water rescue. If you have access to a safe body of water, let your Newfie splash around to their heart’s content. Just be prepared for the wet dog smell afterward. Pro tip: keep plenty of towels on hand.
5. Positive Reinforcement: Because Bribery Totally Works

When it comes to training Newfoundlands, positive reinforcement is your secret weapon. These dogs respond incredibly well to treats, praise, and affection. They’re eager to please, but only if they know there’s something in it for them.
Whenever your Newfoundland does something right, reward them immediately with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Over time, they’ll start to associate good behavior with positive outcomes. But don’t overdo it with the treats—Newfoundlands are prone to weight gain, and the last thing you want is an overweight giant on your hands.
In my experience, positive reinforcement not only makes training more effective, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a Newfie hug after a job well done?
6. Don’t Skip on the Grooming: Yes, It’s Part of Training
Okay, so grooming might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about training, but with a Newfoundland, it absolutely should be. These dogs have a ton of fur, and if you’re not on top of it, things can get out of control fast. Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping them looking good; it’s about their health and comfort.

Start grooming your Newfie from a young age so they get used to it. Brushing should be a regular part of your routine—at least a few times a week. Trust me, your vacuum cleaner will thank you. And don’t forget about regular baths (as much as they might protest) and nail trims.
When I train Newfoundlands, I always make grooming a part of the process. Teaching them to stand still while you brush them, trim their nails, or clean their ears is just as important as teaching them to sit or stay. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your dog and keep them looking as majestic as they are.
Final Thoughts: Training a Newfie Is a Labor of Love
Training a Newfoundland is a big commitment—literally and figuratively. These dogs are gentle giants with hearts of gold, but they need guidance to become well-behaved members of the family. By starting early, being patient, keeping up with socialization, and using plenty of positive reinforcement, you’ll be well on your way to success.
And remember, training a Newfoundland isn’t just about teaching commands. It’s about building a relationship based on trust, respect, and yes, a little bit of drool. Embrace the process, and enjoy every slobbery moment with your gentle giant. 🐾

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉