My Newfoundland Won’t Come Inside During the Winter

You beg and you plead with you Newfoundland to please come in. It’s “cold” outside. Even with all the cooing and coaxing, possibly with their favorite treats, they still stare at you from across the yard like they are saying, “As if, human.”

What could they possibly thinking? It’s cold out and if you are cold when you’re outside, they likely will be too.

That’s not actually the case. Cold is relative. I can guarantee your Newf loves snow and the winter more than you will ever know.

Newfoundlands have a thick double coat designed to keep them warm in the icy waters of Atlantic Canada when helping the fisherman to pull the nets from the ocean. This thick double coat is like us wearing a coat designed specially for the cold of Antarctica. I don’t know about you, but I personally would not want to be in a heated house, wearing an coat designed for cold like that.

There are a few things you can do to make your Newf happier inside during the winter. But do keep in mind that no matter what you do, they are winter dogs. They love the cold and the season in a way that I don’t think I ever could.

Turn the Heat Off

I know, I know, this is far easier for the true northerners to say than the southerners. I, just like the Newfs, thrive in the cold. I can be 20 degrees F outside and I will still be wearing shorts and flipflops and probably even a tank top. The point is, you don’t need to have your heat turned all the way up to 80F or even 75F. Try the 65F-70F range. You Newfie and your wallet will thank you.

Moisturize Their Paws

Winter is harsh on our skin and just as harsh on your Newfie’s paws. Keep them well moisturized with an all natural paw balm specially made for dogs to keep them from cracking in the colder temps.

Sleeping in the Bathtub

Some dogs are weird and they absolutely hate baths, but they will happily sleep in the bathtub if it means they are in contact with a cooler surface than carpet. Let them sleep in the bathtub in the winter. Let them sleep on the tile or wood floors. By doing so, they might be more inclined to stay in the house with you longer before wanting to go out.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Did you know that dogs go crazy for ice cubes. They act like it is some form of rare delicacy and they just can’t get enough of it! In the winter, it’s a good idea to leave a bowl of ice near their food and water, or maybe even fill their water bucket halfway with ice. It will cool the water which will make them very happy dogs.

Let Them Outside

If they’re panting at the door and begging to go outside, let them out! They might not need to go the the bathroom and might just want to romp around in the snow and be a happy dog. Newfs are always happy in the snow.

How do you help your Newf survive winter indoors?

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