The ideal time to begin training is when you bring your new puppy home.  Puppies should be taught to walk on a loose lead, come when called and stay.  Praise and encouragement when training your puppy are paramount.  By starting training early you avoid developing any bad habits.  Remember, now is the time to work on teaching your Newf to have manners and be a “canine good citizen.” 

Puppies can generally be housebroken within a few weeks of bringing them home.  The key is to be consistent and watchful.  Accidents can happen from time to time even after your puppy is housebroken.  This is not from disobedience but because young dogs do not have the muscles to wait until they are let outside.  Take your puppy out to relieve himself when he wakes from a nap, finishes eating, after a play period and whenever you see him circling and sniffing the floor.  Once an accident has occurred, do not scold your puppy.  NEVER rub your puppy’s nose in the accident; swat the puppy with a rolled up newspaper, etc.  Always reinforce good behaviour and ignore accidents.  Consistency and patience is the key to all training.

Puppy kindergarten and obedience classes may be offered in your area.  Contact instructors recommended to you by fellow dog owners and sit in on some of their classes prior to bringing or enrolling your puppy.  If at any time you feel uncomfortable with their training methods – leave!  It is not in your best interest or your puppy’s, to continue with methods or instructors you do not have total confidence in.