Adopting a GP who lived at the house we just bought

by Melissa
(Missouri)

The previous owners of our new home and acreage want us to keep their 3-yr old neutered male. He is strictly an outdoor farm/guard dog. We will have fowl, which he has never guarded. How well do GPs adjust to a change in situations like this? Is there a specific way we should socialize the GP to new animals we bring onto the property? Or will he realize that if we bring it onto his property, then he is charged with guarding it? I know they are very smart. He is a sweet boy, but mostly stand-offish with people.

Also, his owners have shaved him for the summer, and I wondered if that was an appropriate thing to do. I would guess that they have that much hair to prevent bites in a battle, and shaving is detrimental. Also, wouldn't the fur be an insulator from the heat, just as it protects from the cold?

These answers will help me decide whether to keep this big guy where he has always lived, so thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Comments for Adopting a GP who lived at the house we just bought

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 06, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		GP
by: Donna

Has he been in charge of livestock before? Fowl are a different kind of 'animal'. Yes, you will need to socialize him to the animals on your property. Keep him on leash until everyone seems happy. Do not let them focus on each other. Walk around for a bit and keep them separate until you are sure they will get along. Even then, watch them.

As for the fowl, keep him on leash with them when you go in with him. When you aren't there, keep a fenced in area in the middle of the chickens so he can acclimatize to them.

Here is a great link:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library.htm

NEVER shave a double-coated dog such as a Pyr. They sweat through their paws and pant to cool off. You are correct. The coat acts as insulation. Pyrs actually are quite embarrassed when they are shaven. He will need regular grooming to keep his coat in good shape and so he feels good. Also, keep his nails trimmed including his dew claws.

Here is another link for bringing a new dog to your home even though he will be a working dog. Make sure you have sufficient shelter for him and a penned in area. Give him at least 3 weeks to adjust to you and trust you. More time to adjust to the chickens. They are a little different than the furry lambs and goats.

http://www.nationalpyr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/NGPR_QuickStartGuide.pdf

I hope this helps. Pleasea contact us if you need futher help.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Wolf and Spirit - Courtesy Posting

    Jan 25, 20 02:51 PM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* These two handsome boys, Wolf and Spirit, are a bonded pair of white fluffies looking for a farm on which to retire. One looks to be

    Read More

  2. Mindy

    Jan 24, 20 11:54 AM

    *ADOPTED* Mindy went to a hobby farm with chickens, goats, cats, and companion dogs. She has fit in like a dream, and they could not imagine life without

    Read More

  3. Intact Males and Females

    Jan 22, 20 06:18 AM

    Can I own a pack of un-neutered great Pyrenees and expect them to gaurd my livestock without being distracted, or is their away I can make rotation so

    Read More

  4. Chance

    Jan 19, 20 07:00 PM

    DOB: April 2018 Akbash Cross Note that the reason these big whites come in is usually because no one has done the work with them. We do work with them

    Read More

  5. Socialization

    Jan 19, 20 03:11 PM

    My Pyr is 11 months old, and she barks at all the neighbors and children. What do I need to do to make her more social?

    Read More

  6. Urinating in home

    Jan 17, 20 06:49 AM

    I bought a Great Pyrenees pup at 7 weeks. I already have a 3 year old neutered Australian Shepherd. I have been trying to house break her for months.

    Read More

  7. Euthanasia?

    Jan 14, 20 02:15 PM

    great pyrnees 12 yrs old, hearing loss, trouble getting up and down back legs, Just wondered if its getting time for old girl to go home, ???

    Read More

  8. George

    Jan 13, 20 06:44 PM

    George has found the life he deserves with alumni Umka. He gets to hang out with livestock and put smiles on people's faces because he is such a doll.

    Read More