Guardianship Traits

What is the link between guardianship and separation anxiety? Lots of questions (and helpful answers) on these pages!
The guardian genetics of the Pyrenees is generally thought to be its strongest character trait. It's also safe to say that the degree of guardianship tendencies may vary with individuals of this breed.
This site has been a lifeline for 2 experienced dog people with their first Pyr, I can tell you, as we quickly realised that our new dog is unique in every way by comparison to every other canine that lived their life with us.
A 'real busybody', we call him. He lives with 2 retired humans, an older dog and a cat (who thinks he's a dog). Separation anxiety has not been an issue with him. So, why is this so? And why is it so extreme in some other Pyrs, that they engage in destructive coping behaviour when left alone at home?
Perhaps the key to that is: a)guardian genetics as opposed to learned (trained) guarding
b)inability to cope with separation from their 'flock' that is stronger in some individuals than others and,
c) genetic programming that will not allow these dogs to over-ride the need to be with their flock at all hours, in all conditions and circumstances.
So, 'learned guarding' can be refined, added to, and specific coping skills taught, right?
Is this even possible with a Pyrenees, whose guardianship is inborn? Whose 'flock' could be comprised of individuals in a home or, stock in a field? And, whose other best character trait is having their own mind about all things?
Weigh in, readers! I'd like to know!



Comments for Guardianship Traits

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I too wonder about this
by: Nancy from Texas

I too have wondered about the difference between guardianship traits vs separation anxiety issues. My Brutus is almost 10 now. I've had him for 5 years. There have been several instances involving his behavior where I don't know if he is protecting me or wanting me to protect him. Brutus is a house pet with lots of access to outside as he has trained himself to go out and come in on his own using our front door storm door. When the entry door is open, he can let himself out and back in the storm door using the handle. He is terrified of gunshot and fireworks. When he hears either and he happens to be outside, he will hurriedly comes back inside, goes to the bedroom and won't come out till a long time with no sounds from outside. He stays close to me but will not go outside till the sounds are over. In other circumstances if I'm outside and a neighbor dog comes into the yard, he gets close to me almost shoving me while barking at the stranger dog. Sometimes he will go sniff the other dog but has never really been aggressive in trying to run them off so that's when I'm not sure if he's protecting me or not. I had rather him run other animals off rather than let them stay in the yard while he stays close by my side. He has never shown anything resembling protecting me from other people, strangers or known people, only animals. So how do you know what is protective behavior vs. simple anxiety issues?
Aug 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		protective boy
by: Anonymous

I believe your dog is protecting you when he barks and leans up against you. That is definitely possessive. I believe when he sniffs the other dog and is not aggressive he simply does not see the other dog as a threat so there is no need to be aggressive. As far as people go, just an idea he may see people as dominant or alpha and you never challenge alpha. Don't underestimate him if someone came at you your dog would jump into action to protect his alpha in the pack. Good luck, he sounds like a lovely dog!!
Sep 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Please Don't Leave
by: Anonymous

I have a one year old male and he has always been excellent when I leave him at home and go to work however, if the family goes downstairs to the basement for an extended period, he does exhibit destructive behaviour (ripping our items to tatters) to show us his dissatisfaction.

We have tried to get him to come down into the basement with us but he strongly resists this. I believe he is afraid so we don't force him.
Sep 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		basement fears
by: Anonymous

Oh yeah, your dog is livid when u go downstairs and if he sees the downstairs as a scary place then his most cherished people are going into danger. I believe he is destructive as he is so frustrated that he channels it into that behavior. Other thing is the basement may represent a memory that he is afraid of. just a suggestion, sit on the top step and slowly eat a piece of bacon. Don't offer it to him first as he is cautious but if you slowly nibble he wants what you have so you may be able to coax him. Once he is on the 1st step go back up that one step or go down not coaxing him. Shoot for step 2 the next day. Slow progression but it worked for me with a dog that would not go upstairs to bedrooms.

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. Heaving breathing in pups

    May 08, 21 12:25 PM

    My husband and I recently lost our American Pitbull terrier to cancer when I came across an ad for Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mixed puppies. We brought

    Read More

  2. Indy

    May 02, 21 09:44 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: February 19, 2020 Indy is an Akbash mix. Indy needed more time than her family could give her. They made the tough decision to surrender

    Read More

  3. Charlie

    Apr 28, 21 10:06 AM

    Charlie, only 7-years-old, Hound?/Pyr mix, came to us when his owner felt that he was depressed after moving from the country to the city. She wanted to

    Read More

  4. Disinterested in Owners

    Apr 20, 21 03:59 PM

    Our 10+ year old female Pyrenees has recently become very distant and even runs from us when we try to pet her or give her a treat. We have had her since

    Read More

  5. Fecal Incontinence

    Apr 15, 21 11:52 AM

    my daughter just rescued a 7 yo male hes pooping in his sleep and while sleeping his back half will shake and at times his tail moves to please hel

    Read More

  6. Harmonius living with parent and pup?

    Apr 13, 21 09:11 AM

    We have a male and female and they just had their first litter. Is it a good ideal to keep one of their pups? Or will they fight?

    Read More

  7. Constipation

    Apr 08, 21 08:45 AM

    My PYR is two years old, I just rescued him from a bad situation, he is constipated, is this an issue with the breed or an issue specific to this PYR

    Read More

  8. Pregnant?

    Apr 05, 21 01:32 PM

    What is the lengthy of gestation for a Pyrenese? Today would be 50 days and there's no sign of weight gain or puppies showing/moving. Do these dogs take

    Read More