Help! How do I groom my Newfoundland on my own?

Grooming Your Newf

Your Newf needs love, food, a cool place to rest, age-appropriate exercise, training, outlets for his energy, good vet care, and lots of grooming. We’ve included some information about tools and processes you can use to make grooming fun and easy.

HOW TO BATHE AND DRY YOUR NEWF

Before you break out the hose, make sure you have combed through your dog. Wet the dog down to the skin (this is where the Rain Cane comes in handy) and then apply shampoo, either at full strength or diluted with water (a foamer does a great job), making sure you’ve reached the skin. Time to rinse all those suds away. Keep rinsing! Do it again and again until there’s no residue left. Then condition and rinse some more. Towel off and use a high-velocity dryer. Start from the front and comb while you dry. Dry in one direction, and try not to whip the dryer back and forth, or you’ll cause the hair to mat. When you’re done, take some aspirin and grab a cocktail—you’ve earned it!

We like to trim after the dog is completely dry, neatening around the ears, feet, and underside at a minimum, taking a few more steps for a show groom.