Guarding ducks

We rescued a Great Pyrenees 2 years ago and he has been a wonderful addition family. We extended the fence in our yard to cover about an acre, but that wasn't enough for Baxter. He dug holes underneath and all my little dogs got out as well. We fenced in an area around our barn where he spends part of the day, I take him on walks and hikes a few times a week, but that doesn't seem to be enough to satisfy him.

My husband and I were thinking of adding a few ducks to our family to give Baxter something to do. Will he instinctively know to guard them or will he walk away or even worse kill them?
I wake each day wondering what I can do to make him happy. Thank you, I look forward to you reply.

Anne

Comments for Guarding ducks

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Guarding Ducks

That is the Pyr. Man bred them to wander with their herds/flocks and be independent thinkers. Give then 1 acres they'll take ten. That's the way it is. He'll be fine. It's instinct to wander. You just need to contain him.

But, having a job is always nice for these natural guardians. Does he have the temperament for work do you think?

You would need to train him with ducks. They flutter and move around differently from sheep etc. But, all Pyrs need to be trained to different livestock.

He can't be alone with them until he shows he has taken a liking to them. When working in the yard, keep him leashed to you and if he goes to try anything, check him and 'ah ah'.

When you aren't there, keep him in a pen where he is close to the ducks just to get used to them. He knows how to do the guarding part it's just whether he'll take to ducks.

There is no guarantee it will work but you never know and won't know until you try.
Nov 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Room to roam
by: Anonymous

I have 1,500 acers for mine and she likes the space, based on my 16 years of ownership of this breed, they will stake out an area of THEIR choosing and will defend it beyond your expectations. As far as being protective of other livestock (especially domesticated ones) introduce them and interact with them in a group setting and you will have no problems. Some will dig holes as a way to cool off, not much you can do about it because.....they are seeking a way to cool their core temp.In my opinion you have one of the absolute best breads of dogs you will ever own,but each has their own distinct personality but the will give you unconditional love if you will do the same

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. Chance

    Nov 06, 19 07:01 AM

    DOB: April 2018 Great Pyrenees Cross He is house broken and has basic training. He is getting better on the leash and is currently walked using a gentle

    Read More

  2. Kane

    Nov 03, 19 04:51 PM

    DOB: October 3, 2016 Kane came in with Marley. He is three-years-old and a real sweetheart. He is a big boy which is why children are not a good fit

    Read More

  3. Sensitive back feet

    Oct 22, 19 07:07 PM

    My Pyr is just 1 yr old. Has double dews on back feet. Sometimes, if he is running or playing, he will stop abruptly and limp for a few minutes, as if

    Read More

  4. White vs Badger

    Oct 01, 19 06:00 PM

    Which side/country of the Pyrenees Mountains produces white vs badger Great Pyrenees?

    Read More

  5. Anxiety - Jumps out windows, though screens

    Sep 29, 19 04:45 PM

    Our 4 year old male golden mix boy has historically destroyed screens by clawing at them and jumping out of windows (even second story). He was better

    Read More

  6. Chloe

    Sep 26, 19 07:43 AM

    *If you don't plan on reading the whole profile, this is not the dog for you.* DOB: April 24, 2018 Crate-trained: She may need some work on this. Chloe,

    Read More

  7. Quincy

    Sep 20, 19 07:52 AM

    We are please to announce Quincy's adoption is now final. He is a puppy who gets into mischief but with ongoing positive-reinforcement training, he'll

    Read More

  8. Training

    Sep 17, 19 07:57 AM

    I was told getting a PYR at 5 months would be a mistake , he would be difficult to train and bond with. Is this so, is there a advantage to getting a PYR

    Read More