how to keep my newfoundland occupied when alone?

Question

i have a 2 year old male newfoundland dog who is in good health and seems very satisfied and easygoing. But sometimes on weekdays, everyone goes to work or school, and the newfoundland is left alone in the house for several hours on his own. Lots of food and water is provided to him, along with some toys.

But some neighbors complain that there is lots of loud afternoon barking coming from my newfie and he doesn't seem to stop. One of my neighbor threatened that he will call animal control, if next time my dog barks continuously, in the day.

How to make sure the newfie doesn't bark when he's left alone in house?

he kind of becomes destructive and chews things too, when alone.

should i get second dog to keep him company?

Answer 1

My female Newf was the same way! She is very vocal when we leave... I think she felt as though if she yelled for me long/loud enough I would come home! Good old seperation anxiety :)

I am not telling you to add another dog to your family to help your Newfie's anxiety, that is a poor reason to get another dog. Many many other factors go into making that huge decision. However, I do have to tell you once we added another dog to the family, her anxiety did go away. It is important that you know we did not adopt another dog just to soothe our Newfie.

Here is a suggestion that was shared with me by other Newf moms: as you know Newfies are very smart and like to be challenged with a "job". So, what I started to do was hide cookies (mini carrots, string cheese bits, liver, etc.) around the house for her to find when I know I am going to be away for a while. You will have to get pretty creative and (this is a big one) I suggest you write down where you hid the cookies!!!

At this point, if he is becoming destructive it would be in your best interest and safest for your boy to attempt to either crate him or gate him in an area in which he cannot destroy. You would hate for him to injure himself in the process. I would also be worrying about the added stress he is feeling and bloat. Have you ever looked into doggie daycare when you are gone? Or perhaps having someone stop by for a walk or just to spend time with him?

Smooch to your Newfie!!!

Answer 2

Do Internet search for pets. It will take time but you'll get plenty of good advice instead of criticism.
Try leaving a TV on and or radio. Select stations that do a lot of talking. No music.
Another option is finding a trust worthy soul out there willing to watch him.
This breed of dog is a people dog.
What you might have going for you temporarily is if it's day time when the dog starts barking. Yes, you'll get reported, but it buys you time. Best of luck with that wonderful dog.

Answer 3

Make sure your dog has at least 2 walks a day preferably one in the morning and one in the evening.
Make the morning walk as long as possible to tire the dog so he will sleep longer while you are out.

Leave some music on that makes it seem someone is at home and its comforting.

I wouldnt leave a dog on its own with food incase it choked.
When you leave the house give the dog a buiscuit and put him in his bed.

Make sure he has gone to the toilet before you leave and make sure he has plenty of toys to play with when your out.
when someone comes home they should praise him and that way he knows he has been good.

While you are at home give him a chew a day. This helps to stop them chewing on other things and if he does chew something he shouldnt you should show him what he has done and say its naughty in a stern voice.

Only get another dog if you want one and you can handle it financialy and if your dog you have now will be happy with one.

Answer 4

some good treats that keep dogs occupied are pig ears

they love them!! and they are crunchy, arent impossible to eat, but arent too soft theyre gone right away either

also, kongs keep them occupied, you could buy the kong cheese type of sprays that you can put in them and then freeze, or you could put peanut butter in them and freeze them

i have a lot of squeaky toys outside for my dogs and i let them run around freely

i got another dog because i wanted one, but after i got my second dog, i realized how lonely my first one had been alone. he would always just sleep.

for he barking, there are barking collars at petsmart and petco

also at pet stores are sprays that you can spray around your house at the wood part and on furniture, etc. so that when your dog bites it, it tastes bad and then he wont bite it anymore.

just remember to spend a lot of time with him and play with him the times that you are home.


best of luck!

Answer 5

Yeah...adding ANOTHER dog rarely works. IF anything, you find someone that you can PAY to give the dog an afternoon walk and play. The dog is BORED and you are not home enough. I am not a fan of part-time dog ownership. This is usually what happens.
Usually you can find a college kid that will take $5-10 bucks to spend some time with your dog. Even if they are sitiing in your house doing homeowrk, at least the dog has some company.

Answer 6

newfoundland occupied

Answer 7

If you are going to be gone just for a little while, turn on the TV or radio. Something soothing. Play toys are good too.

Answer 8

The scrolling up and down made me dizzy and throw up on my keyboard. Why do blondes have TGIF on their shoes? Toes Go In First