A Visitor asked the following question on 11/18/2005
I actually have two questions. I am interested in owning a Newfoundland period. Just as a companion, a furry kid. But I'm also interested in using it (if it has the apptitude) as a search and rescue dog. I'm insistant on adopting, not purchasing a puppy from a breeder. So my question is, can an older, rescued Newfoundland be trained in search and rescue, or do you have to have a puppy? My second question is, I have a horse, and at some point would like to adopt a pig. Will a Newfoundland get along with these other animals?
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4/26/06
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Search and Rescue training takes a minimum of two year and therefore trainers recommend that very young dogs only should be considered. A Newfoundland is usually retired by 7 or 8 years of age so their career is rather brief. If the animal has any sort of health issue or infirmity, he/she will not be a good candidate for search and rescue training. He/She must be both sound in mind and body with an aptitude for the traininng involved.
Newfoundlands are like people some will be good with all kinds of animals and some won't. It is usually best to make sure a puppy is raised with the animals you have so they are well adjusted to them and respect them by the time they reach adulthood. This applies to living with cats as well. Rescued dogs are not always good candidates for introduction to strange animals they have never encountered before--or even other dogs, cats, or children unless extensively tested by the rescue organization and foster family. They must prove safe with all of
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Marie
Evarista Newfoundlands
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