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A black Newfoundland sits beside a Christmas tree with its nose near a red ornament hanging on a low branch. 12 / 23

A Giant Black Dog Studied the Lowest Ornament on the Tree

AI imagenewfoundlandornamentchristmas tree

A black Newfoundland sits beside the Christmas tree with his nose level with a shiny red ornament on a low branch. He holds perfectly still, glossy black fur catching a little light from the window, and eyes aimed at the bauble as if daring it to move. A pinecone and a few other ornaments hang nearby, and the couch, a rack of coats, and a scattering of toys fill the room behind him.

A big dog and a Christmas tree make for a classic holiday balancing act. Newfoundlands are gentle and patient, but their size and thick tails can easily knock decorations loose. The easiest solution is to put ornaments higher up, with soft or unbreakable ones at the bottom, and anchor the tree to a wall or ceiling hook so it cannot topple. Glass ornaments can break into sharp pieces, and salt dough decorations are dangerous for dogs if eaten. Tinsel should also stay off. Training helps: teach him a solid leave it, and reward him when he looks away from the tree.

Newfoundlands are known for being calm and sweet, so he is probably only curious and not planning mischief.

The ornament is still on its branch, which means the standoff is going well for everyone. Give him a gentle word and a treat, and the tree will probably still be standing, bauble and all, when the evening ends.

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