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. Shelby

    Oct 17, 21 03:48 PM

    D.O.B. December 11, 2015 Shelby is a big white fluffy mix. Maybe she is the girl for you. Shelby is very smart. She jumps for the opportunity for a walk,

    Read More

  2. Odin

    Oct 17, 21 03:22 PM

    Odin is a 14 month old white fluffy. *ADOPTED* From his family: Odin is the sweetest boy. He absolutely never hesitated to show us that he needed us

    Read More

  3. Kobi

    Oct 15, 21 08:59 AM

    *Courtesy Posting* DOB: 17. March 2020 Located in Maple, Ontariobr Kobi is an extremely intelligent, happy, healthy 16 month old white fluffy. He is

    Read More

  4. Walk about in the woods

    Oct 09, 21 07:10 PM

    We rescued our female ivy 4 year old and has been with us for 2 1/2 years. We rescued a GP / Caucasian shepherd/ Tibetan mastif male sully 1 year old and

    Read More

  5. Molly

    Oct 03, 21 01:41 PM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* Congratulations to her new family! She lives with children and her guiding people. Her family and Molly are learning together. Her

    Read More

  6. Chewing Kibble

    Oct 02, 21 01:47 PM

    Hello, I have a 7 year old great Pyrenees. I don't buy expensive dog food, I buy hard Purina for smaller dogs. If I buy hard food for adult dogs, she

    Read More

  7. Tina

    Sep 29, 21 09:22 AM

    D.O.B. July 12, 2017 Located in Erin, Ontario This sweetheart Great Pyr is looking for an experienced Pyr person. She will go to a home with children

    Read More

  8. Male Pyr leads females away from job

    Sep 21, 21 10:53 AM

    We have an older male who was the lone guardian of our sheep for several years. He needed help to protect the sheep from coyotes so now we have a nine

    Read More