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

    Mar 01, 21 11:40 AM

    ADOPTED Shelby's family sent the photos along. She is a lovely dog and a great fit for their family. Congratulations! Her story: Shelby, a big white

    Read More

  2. Highway 281

    Mar 01, 21 10:26 AM

    Three weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon we decided to drive to Red Cloud, Ne to mail a couple of letters. We were sad because we had recently lost our beloved

    Read More

  3. Incontinence and humping

    Feb 26, 21 08:32 AM

    Has anyone had issues with their female Maremma puppy at 3 months old after being house trained started wetting herself at four months all of a sudden

    Read More

  4. Howling

    Feb 22, 21 10:57 AM

    Why does my Great Pyrenees howl when my rooster crows?

    Read More

  5. Always loving, always working

    Feb 22, 21 10:30 AM

    Samson was added to our family 15 months ago he’s not only growing in style and grace he’s growing in beauty as well. But, when you first meet Samson

    Read More

  6. Love this story

    Feb 16, 21 03:56 PM

    I have had a Great Pyrenees for the last 34 yrs. Not a “working” dog except in my home. Trust them with my life and I too, would do anything for them.

    Read More

  7. Cold - 6-week old pup outside in room

    Feb 16, 21 01:28 PM

    Its currently 36°F here outside in texas. I have a 6 week old GD pup. He is sleeping in a little room outside so its technically cold too. I go check up

    Read More

  8. Crate Training

    Feb 16, 21 01:16 PM

    We are providing a temporary home during the 12 month deployment for a now 13 month old GP, Luna. We've had her consistently for 4 months. Prior to the

    Read More