3 common Newfoundland behaviour problems (and how to fix them)

Your Newfoundland was bred to work in freezing water, pulling drowning sailors to safety. That gentle giant currently dragging you towards the pool isn't misbehaving. They're doing exactly what generations of breeding trained them to do.

Where Newfoundlands come from

Newfoundlands are an old breed, developed by fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, through the 1700s and 1800s for maritime work in harsh North Atlantic conditions.

What they were bred to do:

• Water rescue, pulling drowning sailors to safety
• Hauling fishing nets from the water
• Cart pulling on land
• Ship work, carrying rope between ship and shore
• Working alongside fishermen in dangerous conditions

Key breeding traits

Powerful swimmers with waterproof coats and webbed feet, bred to make independent decisions during water rescues and work in freezing conditions. The giant size, gentle temperament, and strong water rescue drive are still there today. Their thick double coat and heavy build also mean they overheat easily, even in mild weather.

Why these behaviour problems show up

Modern Newfoundlands still carry the water rescue instinct their ancestors needed to survive. Your dog genuinely believes people swimming need help. That's centuries of breeding talking, not a training failure.

Problem 1: water obsession

Your Newfoundland jumps into pools, lakes, or any water in sight. Some try to "rescue" swimmers who are doing fine, grabbing an arm or a swimsuit and dragging them towards shore.

This is genetic. You won't train it out completely, but you can manage and redirect it.

• Give the drive an outlet: supervised swimming, dock diving, or water-based games
• Build a rock-solid recall from water before allowing free swimming
• Start recall training in shallow water where you have control
• If you have a pool, either fence it off completely or manage access every time. There's no in-between
• Use a swim as the reward after a training session rather than letting it happen on its own terms

If recall around water isn't holding up no matter what you try, book a 1:1 session and we'll work on it hands-on.

Problem 2: heat sensitivity and exercise limits

Excessive panting, more drooling than usual, lethargy, or collapse in warm weather. Newfoundlands were bred for icy water, so a thick double coat, dark colouring, and heavy build all work against them once the temperature climbs.

• Temperate or cool climates suit this breed best. Hot regions don't
• Air conditioning in summer isn't optional for a Newfoundland
• Keep outdoor time short on warm days
• Cooling mats, a kiddie pool, and ice cubes in the water bowl all help
• Watch for bright red tongue, heavy panting, and lethargy. These are early heat stress signs
• Swimming is the safest form of summer exercise for this breed
• Treat suspected heat stroke as an emergency and get to a vet immediately

Problem 3: drooling and mess

Long strings of drool on furniture, floors, and clothes. Muddy paw prints through the house. Heavy shedding most of the year.

Loose jowls mean constant drooling that increases around water, food, heat, or excitement. Large paws track mess, and the double coat sheds heavily.

• This is breed reality, not a training problem. If the mess is a dealbreaker, a Newfoundland probably isn't the right fit
• Keep drool rags in every room
• Leather or washable furniture covers save a lot of cleaning
• Hard flooring in main living areas makes cleanup faster
• Towels by every door for paws coming in from outside
• Weekly brushing clears the dead undercoat and cuts down shedding
• Professional grooming every 2 to 3 months keeps the coat manageable

Getting support with a Newfoundland

Our head trainer is Red Cross-certified in pet first aid, so the guidance in our free Skool community comes from hands-on experience with breeds like this one, not generic advice. If you're raising a Newfoundland puppy from 8 weeks, the Complete Puppy Program covers water safety and heat management from the start.