How to Stop a Newfoundland From Chewing Everything
Newfoundlands are giant, gentle dogs with remarkable patience and a deep desire to please their owners—but their size and slow maturity mean destructive chewing can cause serious household damage if not properly managed. Unlike high-energy breeds that chew from boredom, Newfoundlands often chew as a way to self-soothe, explore their environment, and test boundaries during their extended puppy phase, which can last well into their third year. Since Newfoundlands are highly trainable and respond beautifully to positive reinforcement, managing chewing is absolutely achievable with consistency and the right approach. This guide will teach you how to redirect your Newfoundland's natural chewing instincts toward appropriate outlets, establish clear boundaries, and build a calm, well-behaved companion.
Step-by-step
- 1
Create a Safe Chewing Zone
Designate a specific area or crate where your Newfoundland can chew freely without supervision. Stock it with durable, appropriately-sized chew toys (Nylabones, rubber Kong Extremes, and rope toys work well for giant breeds) that won't splinter or break their large teeth. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and interest, which is especially important for Newfoundlands since their low-to-moderate energy means they need mental engagement.
- 2
Supervise and Interrupt Inappropriate Chewing
Keep your Newfoundland in sight during waking hours, especially during their extended juvenile phase. When you catch them chewing something forbidden, calmly interrupt with a gentle 'no' or redirect command, then immediately guide them to an appropriate toy with enthusiasm and praise. Avoid punishment—Newfoundlands are sensitive and respond far better to positive redirection than scolding.
- 3
Tire Them Out with Appropriate Exercise
Provide the recommended 45 minutes of daily exercise, which helps reduce anxiety-driven chewing and excess energy. Since Newfoundlands are calm by nature, this can include leisurely walks, gentle swimming (which they adore), or low-impact play rather than intense activities. A mildly exercised Newfoundland is calmer and less likely to resort to destructive chewing.
- 4
Use Positive Reinforcement and Reward Choices
Catch your Newfoundland chewing on appropriate toys and immediately reward with treats, praise, and affection. This trains their brain to choose the right objects independently. Since Newfoundlands are eager to please and food-motivated, this method is especially effective and aligns with their temperament.
- 5
Manage the Environment
Remove temptation by picking up shoes, socks, cushions, and other chewable items from reach. Keep electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects secured, as a curious Newfoundland can accidentally ingest dangerous items. Since they mature slowly, environmental management is just as important as training during their early years.
- 6
Stay Consistent Across All Caregivers
Ensure everyone in your household applies the same rules, rewards, and redirects so your Newfoundland doesn't receive mixed messages. This consistency is crucial for teaching calm, well-adjusted behavior in this patient, devoted breed. After 4-8 weeks of consistent training, you should see significant improvement.
Pro tips
- Newfoundlands are sensitive souls who respond beautifully to praise and affection—skip punishment entirely and use enthusiastic rewards when they make good choices. This breed's devoted nature means they genuinely want to please, so positive reinforcement works far better than corrections.
- Since Newfoundlands drool significantly and stay puppy-like for years, consider washable furniture covers and keep their chewing zone easy to clean. This breed-specific management takes pressure off you and lets your dog explore safely.
- Swimming and water activities are a Newfoundland's favorite form of exercise and mental enrichment—combine your daily activity with water time when possible to tire them out while playing to their breed strengths.
Frequently asked questions
My Newfoundland is 18 months old and still destroying things. Is this normal?+
Yes, Newfoundlands mature very slowly and can remain in a destructive juvenile phase until age 3 or beyond. This extended puppyhood is breed-typical, so patience and consistent training are essential. Ensure you're providing adequate exercise, appropriate chew toys, and positive reinforcement—the chewing should gradually decrease as they mature.
What chew toys are best for a giant breed Newfoundland?+
Look for tough, large toys like Kong Extreme Black (sized for giants), heavy-duty rope toys, bully sticks, and yak cheese chews. Avoid rawhide and thin plastic toys that can splinter. Always supervise with new toys, and rotate them regularly to keep your Newfoundland engaged. When toys become worn or damaged, replace them immediately.
My Newfoundland has already chewed through drywall and baseboards. Is it too late to train?+
It's never too late. Use bitter-apple spray on vulnerable areas as a deterrent, increase daily exercise and mental enrichment, and implement the steps above consistently. If chewing is severe or driven by anxiety, consult your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer to rule out medical issues or separation anxiety.
How long until I see improvement from this training?+
With consistent positive reinforcement and environmental management, most owners see meaningful progress within 2-4 weeks. Significant improvement typically appears within 8-12 weeks. Remember, Newfoundlands are trainable but slow to mature, so patience is key—celebrate small victories and stay consistent.