Activities For Newfypoos
Introduction
Newfypoos are a cross between a Newfoundland and a Poodle, resulting in a pup with the curly fur of a Poodle and the adorable face of a Newfie! They can be an unpredictable size -- large like a Newfie or medium-sized like a Poodle. Their personality will be ultra intelligent, as both parent breeds are very smart and driven.
Your pup might inherit the more active gene of the Poodle. Yep, Poodles are more active than giant Newfoundlands! Newfies are goofy, patient dogs who prefer to be indoors with their family just as much as they enjoy outdoor activities, but you should still be prepared to spend at least an hour exercising your Newfypoo.
Weighted Vest Walking
Weighted walking involves putting a weighted vest or a backpack with weight on your pup and taking them for a walk. Newfypoos love to work, and this will make them feel like they are doing a job, when they are really getting healthy exercise.
Newfypoos love any type of weather, so this activity can be done rain or shine. But given your pup’s thick fur, mornings and evenings are better during hot weather. Dog backpacks and weighted vests can be purchased at any local pet store.
Keep in mind that a half-hour walk feels more like an hour-long walk for your pup with the weights, so start the activity with minimal weights and add as your pup’s muscles strengthen.
Pet Parade
The only thing better than regular parades are dog parades. Bigger cities such as NYC often have dog parades for holidays. Halloween dog parades are a huge hit and many smaller pet stores have pet costume contests.
If you want your dog to the walk in the parade, contact the parade’s organizer. Maybe your pup will be the Grand Marshall! If your pup isn’t ready for their big debut, you can always stand on the sidelines and watch the parade go by with Fido in costume.
Parades happen mostly during warmer months, so make sure your pup can handle the heat. Bring water and a collapsible water dish.
Boat Ride & Swim Adventure
For the most part, Newfoundlands love to be in the water. They are great swimmers, despite their large size. Due to their heritage, there is a strong chance that your Newfypoo will love water, too.
Taking your pup on a boat and letting them swim is something Fido would enjoy, as Newfypoos like to be involved in the action and spending most of their time with the "pack." Boats are usually taken out in sunny, warm weather. The life vest is the only real expense unless you need to rent a boat for the day. Your pup will love the fun in the sun!
More Fun Ideas...
Tracking
Your Newfypoo's history is full of dogs who tracked for hunters or farmers. Going to a class will help your pup hone this natural instinct. You can even sign your dog up as a search and rescue volunteer after training is complete, or just track for fun. Give treats and praise to help train your dog to track.
Attend a Newfy Gathering
Yes, this is an actual thing, where owners of Newfoundlands gather in parks so their dogs can play together. It’s called Newfapalooza. Yes, your pup is a Newfie/Poodle cross, but their bloodline still dates back to the original Newfoundlands. Check your local bulletin boards to see if there is a gathering where you live.
Conclusion
You want your Newfypoo to be socialized with both dogs and other people. Attending a Newfie gathering and pet parades are great ways to introduce your dog and work on their manners.
Newfypoos have double the working dog ancestry, as both Poodles and Newfoundlands were used in tracking and other jobs. You can take your Newfypoo to a tracking class or work with them yourself. Weighted walking is a great exercise for your pup. Newfies actually shouldn’t jump up too much or they can hurt their hips. Swimming is relaxing and a favorite activity of Newfoundlands.