companion

Are Great Pyrs good for people that suffer PTSD or just need a pet to love on? I get stressed when in big groups.

Comments for companion

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		companion
by: Susan

I am not sure they would be good for people with PTSD. Because they are pretty well always on guard, they can have a tendency to suddenly jump up barking loudly while you are relaxing watching TV, or when you are sleeping, and startle you. So if loud noises bother you, this would not be the right dog for you. And they are very protective and alert to your emotions and anything they feel may be a threat to you. I think perhaps a Newfoundland dog may be a better choice.
Apr 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stressed
by: Dona

Almost any dog would be good for helping with stress.

Make sure to do your research on which dog you want before choosing. Pyrs do bark more than other dogs as they are guardian dogs who bark to warn away predators. Neighbours do not appreciate it but it can be managed in many cases.

They have two big sheds a year along with daily shedding so lots of hair in the house.

They dig holes in the garden/lawn to stay cool in the summer.

They are not eager-to-please dogs who dog things on their own time. This is why they are used as guardian livestock dogs.They are independent thinkers and do the job without having a human tell them how.

They need weekly grooming, exercise and training like any dog.

Again, do your research.
Apr 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Companion
by: Jean Lodge

A Pyr is wonderful to hug and love. Moreover, a Pyr is a guardian and perhaps will make you feel safer with your PTSD. I don't have PTSD but I have had some very difficult situations, including the prolonged dying of my mother almost 20 years ago due to extremely painful cancer, and my Pyr was there for me when I needed to hug him and just cry.

You can lose your soul in your Pyr when you need to. I've had other difficult situations that happened when I had different Pyrs over a 25-year-period and, every single time, my Pyr was there for me when I needed comfort.

As long as you understand the nature of the breed and what you must do for a Pyr (which includes socializing your Pyr), I think you will find that a Pyr will be extremely helpful for you. I wish you the best.
Apr 25, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		best match for person with PTSD?
by: Tressie

As a former counsellor who has worked with people with PTSD, whether or not a Pyr is a good match for you is entirely dependent on your individual personality as much as that of the dog's. Clearly, dogs are individuals as well but there are some traits inherent in Pyrs that have already been mentioned that may not make them suitable for someone with PTSD.

For example, a lot of people with PTSD have a strong startle reflex. If you are someone who is especially sensitive to sounds, a dog with a resounding, booming bark that can be set off at the drop of a hat is probably not a good choice.

Pyrs are independent and while they are affectionate, are not as a rule, cuddle bugs, nor are they velcro dogs. If you are looking for a snuggle bunny, one of the smaller breeds who have been bred specifically as lapdogs might be a better choice. However, these dogs need you as much as you need them, and don't do well left on their own.

Larger dogs, who are utterly devoted to their owners but are exclusively one-person dogs are breeds like the Akita or Chow. Those are the extremes! If you don't want a truly independent dog, nor are comfortable with a velcro dog, nor a dog who is exclusively loyal to you but wary of everyone else - then a compromise might be a friendly mutt, perhaps a lab mix.

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.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Bates

    Oct 13, 24 08:48 AM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* Location: Acton, ON DOB: Approx. September 3, 2022 Single-family home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced yard. This beautiful

    Read More

  2. Grace, our Hobo

    Sep 26, 24 08:28 AM

    Grace loved to jump on our retaining wall
    We met Susie in 2011 (later named Grace)when we went to see Dr. Carol Graham. We introduced Grace to our 4 year old Pyr, Max. She was about 8 months old

    Read More

  3. Coop

    Sep 24, 24 06:27 PM

    Coop is a two-year-old great Pyrenees mix that came into my life as a little kid. coop is my daily companion and we spend hours outside together every

    Read More

  4. Courtesy - Tux

    Sep 09, 24 01:29 PM

    DOB: December 3, 2022 Location: Mulmur, Ontario Breed: Pyr x Great Dane Single family home where he will be part of an active family. A very large

    Read More

  5. Anemone

    Sep 03, 24 08:52 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. July 2022 Location: Acton, Ontario Anemone is a sweetheart. This Great Pyr came from a neglect situation, and the SPCA asked

    Read More

  6. Courtesy Post - Princess

    Aug 30, 24 04:55 PM

    Princess DOB: February 6, 2020 (4-years-old) Location: Georgetown, Ontario Single dwelling home with secure fully-fenced yard of at least 5 feet. If

    Read More

  7. Courtesy - Maya

    Aug 19, 24 01:22 PM

    Location: Dunnville, ON DOB: Jan. 3, 2021 (3.5 years) Spayed Companion Dog, Pyr mix Good with children. Single family home. Raw diet (species-appropriate)

    Read More

  8. Halo ( formerly Ramona)

    Aug 19, 24 12:53 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. July 2023 Location: Acton, ON Children: Over 12 due to her lack manners at this time Dogs: Yes Cats: Unknown, but with proper

    Read More