Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Susan Downes

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biologist wrote at 2009-01-29 05:12:48
Emma needs a lot more than a walk.  New Foundland dogs need companionship and a family, and are bred to be working dogs with demanding chores.  Emma, in contrast, has the opportunity go slowly mad in loneliness and boredom.  No dog is a plant, to be left outside in isolation.  This is not a "dominance" problem; it's a socialization problem.  yes, Newfies drool; yes, hairy dogs need grooming.  That means accepting this sort of extra work and cleaning, so that a flock animal such as a dog, has companionship and access to touch and the presence of others; the most basic need for a dog short of food, water, and shelter.



If the people surrounding Emma are unable to supply more than half an hour a day or so, then perhaps a friendly neighbor can help or other dogs in the neighborhood can "babysit", so that Emma's isolation is less severe.  That she does not respond is not surprising -- why should she bond with you?? Without access to the house, Emma is a one-dog pack, and you are invading her only available space each time you go out in the garden — no wonder she humps legs and generally acts disturbed — isolation often causes hyperactivity and sexualized syndrome, too, so the humping may or may not have anything to do with dominance.  Young dogs need a lot of supervision, which they would have gotten from a lot of playmates and "aunties" in a flock — or she would have learnt manners from early puppyhood by folllowing the fishermen around up in Canada.   The least you need to do, is to train her to be inside when you are home.  If you cannot do this, then grow Camelias for a hobby and find a better-suited home for your giant, who, in normal circumstances, is an affectionate, calm, dignified, and pleasant dog.

Incidentally, outdoors working dogs have plenty of things to occupy themselves with and are usually around humans all day, so their social needs are met, even if they sleep in a stable, unlike Emma who is alone perhaps 23 hours out of 24.  Or, if it's "only" 22 or 21 hours, that still does not make up for her loneliness the rest of the time.

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