Guarding Instinct and Attacking


(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

Does the G.P. ever actually attack a threat? We have one and he only barks at the skunks and the one that actually kills them is the border collie cross, and hes not even a guard dog. Just wondering if they do more than just bark at threats, as we will be getting sheep, and it won't be of any use if he just barks and doesn't attack intruders as half the flock will disappear, and we simply cant afford that. Thanks :]

Comments for Guarding Instinct and Attacking

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 02, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Your Sheep Will Be Safe
by: Great Pyrenees Club

Pyrs do far more than bark. Very smart dogs they are. Why bother killing a skunk when the Border Collie will do it?

If you really want to know about real life stories about livestock protection I recommend that you read the stories on our site by Dennis Loxton.

You will find them on the left hand navigation buttons titled Working Great Pyrs and Working Pyrs Part 2.
Jul 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Guarding does not equal Attacking
by: Bill E.

Guarding means protecting the flock or family from harm. Not mindlessly attacking everything that gets close ... and a single Pyr is less likely to engage until it is absolutely necessary because it can't fight and watch at the same time. These guys and gals work best in teams and hopefully if you are going to have your Pyr on livestock then you have made plans to have it joined by a second LGD.

As recommended read Mr. Loxton's posts and also search for the story of Frank and the bear. Will Pyrs engage? Oh yeah and if you ever see the transition you will never look at your Pyr the same way again. They are just smart enough to know when it is really necessary and have the self control to resist the urge to mindlessly attack every nuisance.
Jul 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		threat?
by: Anonymous

So what level of "threat" is a skunk anyway? And who is it that considers this small furry grub eating creature a threat? I'd be very concerned about the intensity and lack of judgment your collie displays and his need to kill a creature that is not a predator. The Pyr is smarter than all of you. He showed you he knows the difference and decided there is no need to expend any energy in that situation. Your sheep will be safer with him than with that collie-cross you seem to value. Go get yourself another pure bred Pyr so they are a team, and keep the collie at home.
Jul 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No Dandy Lion
by: Ed A from NJ

Do not under estimate that dog. He does not see the skunk as a threat so there is no need for a attack. Trust me if he feels his flock is in danger he will respond with the proper amount of force to get the invader out up to and including a fight to the death. My Pyrenees is a city boy not a county boy and he has dispatched a proper whipping on a aggressive Akita and a large red fox. Both times in protection mode for my safety and he took the Akita out so fast it scared me because I thought he killed it. I guess if you will face off with a wolf or bear a dog is no contest. Don't worry when the time comes he will respond correctly.
Jul 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Guarding
by: Donna

Their bark is usually enough to deter but if they need to, they will kill. I've never heard of a Pyr allowing any predators to take their livestock down.

Depending on the size of your flock, you may need more than one Pyr.

Yes, do read the articles starting with:

https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/livestock-guardian-dogs.html
Jul 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		training will be needed
by: Tressie

A good livestock guardian dog DOES NOT kill predators but keeps them away! A dog that attacks a predator is likely to sustain injury, which can involve pretty expensive veterinary care and the loss of your guardian while she recoups from the injuries.

Pyrs do not automatically know how to be livestock guardian dogs, they have to be trained, and trained properly to do their jobs. You can't just throw a Pyr in with some sheep and expect it to know what to do. A young inexperienced dog could very well kill your sheep.

You really need to do some knowledge gathering and connecting with experienced livestock guardian dog owners who have working dogs.

Here's some links for starters:

http://kangal.ca/uncategorized/livestock-guarding-dogs-by-dan-paula-lane/

http://www.bountifulfarm.com/greatpyrs.htm

Dan and Paula Lane have decades of experience and it would be wise to contact them BEFORE you get your sheep.

I strongly suggest you join the Working LGDs online group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/workingLGDs/info


Good luck!
Jul 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Guardian
by: Donna

I'm not sure if you are bringing in a dog who has already worked or a pup who will need training (pups cannot be left alone with sheep until they are 1.5 years to 3 years depending on the dog).

Here is some great information about the guardian livestock dog:

http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library.htm

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