I Need Feedback on Newfoundlands and Fences

[AGBF]

I'm an experienced dog owner who is about to take on a Newfoundland, since my daughter has her heart set on one, for the first time. I plan to do my due diligence on a breeder and health issues before I buy. I'm not there yet, however. Right now I am preparing the property.

In Virginia, where we actually own a home, we have a fenced-in back yard that successfully contained our large and energetic Lab and other Labs before him. I am not worried about that property (if the Newfoundland ever gets there...but that is another story).

In Connecticut my daughter and I are staying with my father, her grandfather, on a very small piece of land that has never been fenced in. We are planning to fence in the back yard for the new dog. He will have to be walked, but he will also have a safe play area of his own outside. My question is: how high does the fence have to be?

When I had a Golden Retriever the fence that successfully contained her was, I think, 3 feet high. My problem with her (she was, at her highest weight, about 90 lbs) was that she tried to burrow under the fence once when she was left confined. (I never did that again!) She didn't jump fences.

My 110 lb Lab, like my Golden, didn't leap fences. I am imagining that a 150 lb newfoundland won't leap a 3 foot fence, either. But one never knows with dogs and it's better to be safe than sorry! I thought that when my huge Lab died I would no longer have to worry about a dog eating the food on my table or counters. (The Lab casually grazed off the kitchen table as he strolled by.) Then we adopted a small cocker spaniel. To my utter amazement that cocker spaniel could leap onto the kitchen table the way a cat could and eat at will! So I thought I had better check out the Newfoundland and the fences thing!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Deb/AGBF

 

[dragonfly411]

AGBF - I've never had a Newfoundland, but I find that for bigger breeds, 4 ft is ideal. If you feel like that won't contain the dog then I'd go higher. In reference to digging, I usually recommend digging the fence down at least 6 inches.

 

[elrohwen]

Newfs really aren't jumpers (at least the ones that I've met) but since they are such large dogs I would imagine a 3.5' to 4' fence would be best, just to be safe. Hopefully NEL will chime in!

 

[AGBF]

I was searching the 'net for information on the preferred height of fencing for Newfoundlands and this photo came up with a caption that explained that, "this big beast bolted over and jumped up on the fence looking for attention...". Uh oh!!!

Deb/AGBF

 

[dragonfly411]

OMG HE IS SO CUTE!!!!!!!

He makes me think of big floppy stuffed animal haha!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Deb, I'm sure New England Lady will chime in here with her vast knowledge regarding Newfs. But until she does, I can tell you this:

You might remember that we had a Great Dane, so not a Newf but comparable in size. Our Dane was very well-contained by our five-foot wood privacy fence. (Except for that one time when DH left the gate open! I read him the riot act for that one!) For what it's worth, I really think a four-foot fence would have been enough. We didn't install the fence . . . it was already there when we moved into our house. Honestly though, I did feel better with a five-foot fence. Had we installed the fence ourselves, I probably still would have opted for five feet (even though I'm sure four feet would have been enough).

And congratulations on the new pup! I can't wait to see pics!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH, ANOTHER PS NEWFIE OWNER??!?! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Let me gather my thoughts. I'll post in a minute.


EEEEEEEE!!!!!

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

Yay for newfoundlands! My inlaws had one that recently passed away and they're getting a new newfie puppy this weekend!

They live on a farm and their last Newfoundland was free to roam when he was out of his kennel. I asked my husband if he ever ran off and I believe his reply was something to the effect of "That dog was waaaaaay too lazy to go anywhere." So in my very limited Newfoundland experience, there wasn't even a fence needed. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I can't wait to see pictures!!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Okay, I promise not to dive into all my newfie craziness, but I'm really excited for you. D and I started all of our newfie research a LONG time ago when we lived in DC--literally YEARS before we brought home Byron, so I'm somewhat familiar with the Colonial Newfoundland Club (your local breed club). It's a great resource--you can go to local events, meet reputable breeders (they have a breeders list). The first newf I ever met was in Virginia and I have been in love since that moment.

Fences. The fact that you have a fence is great. The breeder of our younger newf did requre a 4-foot fence, but I think that's very rare in a breeder. Every other breeder I've interviewed is happy with a fence of any height, as long as there was a fence. That being said, Bo, our youngest newf, is VERY active. He jumps. In fact, he jumps pretty high. We recently moved to a house with a 5 foot fence in the front yard and a low stone fence in the back (only a couple of feet high in places). We thought our first project would be putting up a fence in the back, but lo and behold, our acive jumper has never once tried to scale the fence. He enjoys exploring the woods, but once he gets to the stone wall, he isn't interested in what's on the other side.

So my long-winded point is that I do think 3 feet is sufficient. It has been sufficient for us, at least, and any other newf I've known. If you notice the pup developing any urge to jump the fence, you might have to deal with it at that point. But to be honest, since the dog is going to be walked every day, I seriously doubt you'll be using the yard much. Ours are in a daily playgroup, so we only use the yard occasionally to play fetch or to go potty--if we're playing, I'm obviously with them. If they're pottying, I watch them from the window, so it's not like you'll be leaving the dog out there on his own for hours, anyway. At least until winter comes and he/she lies in the snow and refuses to come in.

I'm really excited for you, Deb! I know I already said that, but whatever, I am!

 

[JewelFreak]

How exciting for you! Newfs are such wonderful dogs! I am a Siberian Husky person, have had them for 25 yrs, but have known a good many Newfs in our showing & obedience training careers & my dog behavior work. NewEnglandLady sounds like the ultimate authority but I'll go ahead & concur with her. As long as you don't have a young bored one in the back yard for hours, I doubt you'll have to worry about a 3' or 4' fence. Especially once past the puppy stage, Newfs see very little advantage in bothering to go over a fence. Why go to the trouble when you can lie on your back in your own grass? is what their owners report.

Pics & pics & pics please, when you find THE one!

--- Laurie

 

[AGBF]

Thank you for your enthusiasm and your your helpful suggestions, dragonfly, Elrohwen, Irishgrrrl, NewEnglandLady, TravelGoddess, and JewelFreak! I appreciated what each of you had to say. You have all been sweet about the dog; you may even cause me to become enthusiastic about getting the dog!

Deb

 

[lyra]

We've always had 6ft fences because that is the norm in Canada, generally speaking. The only issue I have with large dogs and fences is if snow piles up and the dog can at some point easily get over the fence. For us that was rarely a problem, but again, higher fences. We did know of a breeder (Bouvier) who lost a dog in the winter in Alberta because the dog got over the fence and was shot by a neighbour who thought it was a bear. So, keeping snow or lack of snow in mind might be worth considering.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

We've always had 6ft fences because that is the norm in Canada, generally speaking. The only issue I have with large dogs and fences is if snow piles up and the dog can at some point easily get over the fence. For us that was rarely a problem, but again, higher fences. We did know of a breeder (Bouvier) who lost a dog in the winter in Alberta because the dog got over the fence and was shot by a neighbour who thought it was a bear. So, keeping snow or lack of snow in mind might be worth considering.

That's such a sad story, Lyra

AGBF, congrats on being a soon-to-be-newfie-owner! I've never known a newfie that jumped fences, but I suppose it could happen. 3 is probably fine, but if I was in your shoes I might consider a 4ft... *just* in case. Perhaps local breeders can provide some additional insight.

Start stock piling the slobber rags now I hope you'll share photos of the pup once he or she has been chosen! What an exciting time!

 

[AGBF]

We did know of a breeder (Bouvier) who lost a dog in the winter in Alberta because the dog got over the fence and was shot by a neighbour who thought it was a bear.

This is scary! Just a day ago my daughter and I were discussing how much the brown Newfoundlands resemble bears and I was telling her that if a Newfie got loose in Virginia I would be afraid someone might shoot it thinking it was a bear! Any dog is at risk if he gets loose, but it's worse if your dog is at risk of being shot! I guess at least one knows he won't be eaten by a coyote!

Deb/AGBF

 

[elrohwen]

We did know of a breeder (Bouvier) who lost a dog in the winter in Alberta because the dog got over the fence and was shot by a neighbour who thought it was a bear.

This is scary! Just a day ago my daughter and I were discussing how much the brown Newfoundlands resemble bears and I was telling her that if a Newfie got loose in Virginia I would be afraid someone might shoot it thinking it was a bear! Any dog is at risk if he gets loose, but it's worse if your dog is at risk of being shot! I guess at least one knows he won't be eaten by a coyote!

Deb/AGBF

And up in CT, getting eaten by a coyote is becoming a real fear for little dogs!!

 

[AGBF]

AGBF, congrats on being a soon-to-be-newfie-owner! I've never known a newfie that jumped fences, but I suppose it could happen. 3 is probably fine, but if I was in your shoes I might consider a 4ft... *just* in case. Perhaps local breeders can provide some additional insight.

Start stock piling the slobber rags now I hope you'll share photos of the pup once he or she has been chosen! What an exciting time!

Thanks, PPM-

I am writing up a contract with my daughter about what she will do in exchange for having this animal! So far we have listed a ten minute daily walk for the dog; vacuuming the house; doing the poop-scooping once a week; and grooming the dog daily. I think it's a pipe dream. I have always had total care of all dogs we have had...but I am pushing hard this time!

Deb/AGBF

 

[AGBF]

And up in CT, getting eaten by a coyote is becoming a real fear for little dogs!!

Not to mention little children! Their fathers do not get eaten, but they certainly seem to get bitten frequently nowadays, too. It is dangerous to be the parent of a small child in Connecticut! One is at risk for coyote mauling!!!

Deb

 

[NewEnglandLady]

AGBF, congrats on being a soon-to-be-newfie-owner! I've never known a newfie that jumped fences, but I suppose it could happen. 3 is probably fine, but if I was in your shoes I might consider a 4ft... *just* in case. Perhaps local breeders can provide some additional insight.

Start stock piling the slobber rags now I hope you'll share photos of the pup once he or she has been chosen! What an exciting time!

Thanks, PPM-

I am writing up a contract with my daughter about what she will do in exchange for having this animal! So far we have listed a ten minute daily walk for the dog; vacuuming the house; doing the poop-scooping once a week; and grooming the dog daily. I think it's a pipe dream. I have always had total care of all dogs we have had...but I am pushing hard this time!

Deb/AGBF

You should add "weekly drool removal from walls" to the list

 

[JewelFreak]

A reputable breeder will have plenty of advice for you on fence height as well as everything else good for the dog. As somebody else advised, a local Newf club will have a list of them, or you can google the National Newfoundland Club & find references there. Can't say enough about how helpful a responsible breeder is throughout a dog's life. They become good friends of yours too.

When we lived in Conn. we listened to coyotes howl through many nights. The sad part is that they are the ones with a people problem; we have moved into their territories. We can watch our pets & kids -- what can they do except be coyotes?

--- Laurie

 

[AGBF]

You should add "weekly drool removal from walls" to the list

Hi, NEL-

I hope you'll be checking this thread again because my daughter wants to know more about you and your dogs than I know. (Two Newfoundlands. One younger than the other. The younger one male. Younger one leaps. Younger one did not leap fences or walls although you feared that he might originally. He is very energetic.) If your ears have been burning (maybe it's you dogs' ears that have been burning which would be really mean!) it's been my daughter's fault. Can you tell me more? Then invite her over to live with you until I get her dog?

Deb

 

[elrohwen]

A reputable breeder will have plenty of advice for you on fence height as well as everything else good for the dog. As somebody else advised, a local Newf club will have a list of them, or you can google the National Newfoundland Club & find references there. Can't say enough about how helpful a responsible breeder is throughout a dog's life. They become good friends of yours too.

When we lived in Conn. we listened to coyotes howl through many nights. The sad part is that they are the ones with a people problem; we have moved into their territories. We can watch our pets & kids -- what can they do except be coyotes?

--- Laurie

I'm jealous that you're heard them howl! I don't live in a rural enough area I think for them to be vocal, though they're around because I've seen them many times - I even got out of the car one day to help a lost "puppy" on the side of the road that turned out to be a wild coyote puppy! Haha. Oops!

 

[AGBF]

When we lived in Conn. we listened to coyotes howl through many nights. The sad part is that they are the ones with a people problem; we have moved into their territories. We can watch our pets & kids -- what can they do except be coyotes?

Hi, Laurie-

We were posting at the same time. You are right about the coyotes having a "people problem", of course. I am far more conscious of it with the deer. They never used to live in this area, but now do. Obviously they were pushed out of their natural, more deeply wooded habitat. I guess with the coyotes all I saw was that I had always lived here and I wasn't building (nor was anyone else in this area). (The area where we live is old and well-established.) But of course they had to come from somewhere!

Deb/AGBF

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I am always happy to talk about the boys! If your daughter has any questions, send them my way. And she's more than welcome to come and live with us--in fact, she can join our daily playgroup which has 4 other newfs (including an adorable 4-month-old!). I can put her to work

 

[JewelFreak]

And she's more than welcome to come and live with us--in fact, she can join our daily playgroup which has 4 other newfs (including an adorable 4-month-old!).

Can I come too? I love Newfies. (And bring my Siberians, of course, just what you need to get 'em stirred up.)

Deb, you're right -- they do come from somewhere else, both deer & coyotes, foxes too. We weren't real rural in Conn., but backed up to a reservoir w/woods around it, all owned by the water co. Quite a number of coyotes out there, though I only saw one once, very shy. They were noisy at night though. Here in North Carolina, it was rural at the time we moved into an old neighborhood in the midst of horse farms & regular farms. Since then it has become a chic suburb & is just totally building out, breaks my heart. We had no deer around then, but now the place is crammed with them -- for the past 3 yrs in a row, fawns have been born in our back yard. Their living space, forests, are dozed down acre upon acre & replaced by townhouses & tracts; they have nowhere to go. Too many people in this world for its own good -- only I'd like to be the one who decides which ones we do without!

--- Laurie

 

[NewEnglandLady]

And she's more than welcome to come and live with us--in fact, she can join our daily playgroup which has 4 other newfs (including an adorable 4-month-old!).

Can I come too? I love Newfies. (And bring my Siberians, of course, just what you need to get 'em stirred up.)

Byron's best doggie friend is a Siberian Husky. They've played together since Byron was about 18 months. Byron rarely plays at the dog park anymore, but he'll play with the husky if he's there. It makes my heart melt a little every time I see them play because it reminds me of Byron's puppy years.

We have a lot of wildlife around our house as well since our house backs to woods. I regularly see deer and turkey in our yard (I saw about 30 turkeys this morning!) and occasionally see a fox. I hear the cayotes--we have a few hundred-acre park down the street which is where the howls seem to be--but I've never seen one. When trying to decide where we wanted to buy a house we knew we either wanted to be in the woods or on the water (the dogs love both) and woods won out. I'm thankful we live in town with 1-acre minimum land requirement, especially being in the suburbs of a major city, and now I'm glad we chose woods over water, though the boys might disagree They still swim regularly in the playgroup, at least.

ETA: I forgot to add that neither of our dogs chase the wildlife--a few weeks ago a deer walked through our yard while I was doing yardwork. I had the boys outside and they just ignored it. They won't even chase squirrels. Newfs don't seem to be prey-driven at all and I'm glad because I don't want to scare the wildlife away.

 

[argylemarionette]

I would recommend poop scooping more frequently than once a week. That's 14 poops sitting in the yard. It can encourage some doggies to eat their poop if it's laying around. Also, a "ten minute" walk is once around the block. Hardly sufficient for a large breed

 

[AGBF]

I would recommend poop scooping more frequently than once a week. That's 14 poops sitting in the yard. It can encourage some doggies to eat their poop if it's laying around. Also, a "ten minute" walk is once around the block. Hardly sufficient for a large breed

Thank you for the advice, argylemarionette-

I think you are right about the frequency of clean-ups! I am not used to having a postage stamp sized yard (which is what we have here). In Virginia we have between 2 and 3 acres and a once a week clean-up for a Lab (even though he was a giant Lab) was sufficient. His main filthy delight was not coprophagia, but rolling on dead animals, which really, really, really grossed me out although I knew its origins in nature. I used to bathe him in anti-baterial stuff and later myself. And, like New England lady's property, our Virgina property, although technically suburban, is pretty rural! We have foxes and deer in the yard all the time. The dog had plenty of dead animals (including dirds) to throw himself onto and wallow in. Never did he look more in heaven than when he was rolling on something dead. Often it was his total bliss that clued me in to what he was up to!

As to the length of walk, I would like NEL's opinion. I was led to believe that Newfies, like Great Danes, didn't require a lot of walking!

Deb/AGBF

 

[NewEnglandLady]

IMO, a quick 10-minute walk a couple of times a day is ideal for a pup. As he/she gets older, you can extend the walks.

That being said, both of our dogs are in a 2-hour playgroup every day. The walk is only around 2 miles (the newf pup I mentioned earlier sits out the walk), but that leaves them lots of "play time" so that the more energetic dogs can still run around while the older dogs can relax more.

On weekends, our regular routine is a 2-mile walk (+ half of an hour break to swim) or 2 hours of swimming. Granted, I focused on more energetic lines with my newfs, but I would push for a least a 30-minute to 1 hour walk per day. Newfs are a laid-back breed, but they still need regular exercise to keep them healthy and keep he weight off.

 

[AGBF]

I would recommend poop scooping more frequently than once a week. That's 14 poops sitting in the yard. It can encourage some doggies to eat their poop if it's laying around. Also, a "ten minute" walk is once around the block. Hardly sufficient for a large breed

PS-Cute nick for a "sock" (argyll) "puppet" (marionette). I was wondering who would make up a name just to post to me once.

Deb

 

[JewelFreak]

NewEnglandLady, I didn't realize Newfs would do that much exercise! Guess I've known lazy ones (more likely lazy owners). You said you focus on more energetic lines, which makes a difference. I'll bet yours live longer with such a healthy schedule.

I am trying to imagine life with dogs that don't turn into Godzilla at the sight of prey, yowza! What a dream. Siberians have a very strong prey drive -- when they get old, like my 13-yr-old male, they don't bother with deer, etc., but even that old rickety boy can pull my shoulder halfway out of the socket if a squirrel gets close enough to tempt him. And speaking of exercise, it's impossible to give them too much -- even enough, if you don't sled, is a challenge. Neat that your dog likes them -- one of mine adores Corgis for the same reason, used to play w/ 2 neighbor ones when he was a pup. He'd run & knock 'em over like bowling pins; they got up & came back happily for more.

We have one-acre zoning in this town too, but unfortunately our house is on the border of 2 other towns without that requirement. We have a lot of woods around us -- mainly because sewers are not installed so far & much land doesn't perc for septic so hasn't yet been developed; when that happens, I'm outta here in a heartbeat. Anyway, this summer a fox zoomed through our yard one morning, on the attack at the twin fawns born here. They were only 8 wks old; Mom came to feed & check on them 2 or 3 times a day, then left, knowing they were safe inside our fencing. Not. I scared the fox away before he made breakfast of the babies & we left the gates open so Mom took the fawns out with her to a safer place. Fish in a barrel, to my regret. We had empty nest syndrome for a week -- usually they stay till they're big enough to jump the fence, about 3 months. The fox, though, was absolutely gorgeous!

--- Laurie