Heat

Can Great Pyrenees tolerate the heat living in southern florida

Comments for Heat

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 10, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Heat tolerance
by: Donna

They can tolerate heat providing you provide plenty of shade. You won't be able to exercise your dog, much. Many short walks in a day will need to suffice. Plenty of water, as well.

Make sure to do your research on this breed. They are not the breed for most people.

In short, here are some of the things to be expected from a Pyr:

They are beautiful dogs with great temperaments given the right breeding, socialization, care including diet and training.

They require a good weekly grooming to keep them mat free and their skin healthy (hence, pain free from the pulling of mats as they move), and cutting their nails including their dew claws every couple of weeks to a month.They molt twice a year and all year round so your vacuum stays full. NEVER shave a Pyr. Their double coats keep them cool in summer and warm in winter.

Their instinct it to wander. Therefore, they require at least a 6-foot secure fence in a large yard in which they can play, run and watch over. No tie outs for these guys. It can lead to aggression since they cannot fully watch over their territory. If they are out all day, as they usually prefer, they need shelter from the elements.

They bark more than most dogs and neighbours do complain. That is a common reason for people surrendering their Pyrs (they didn't do their research). Their bark is what deters predators and it is instinct to them. That and marking their territory. To take away their bark is to take away who they are. The barking can be managed but it takes time, patience and consistency with positive-reinforcement training.

They dig holes in your garden to stay cool in summer.

They require a lot of socialization as pups onward with people and other dogs. They also require positive-reinforcement training (a trainer who shows you how to work with a clicker). Pyrs, nor any dogs, take kindly to any kind of punishment. It will lead to aggression.

It's important to work with the dogs as if in a dance and you are leading. Rewards for good behaviour and redirect for unwanted behaviour. It's up to you to make them a good canine citizen. When engaging a trainer, ensure they use positive-reinforcement training and show you how to manage your dog. Never send a dog away for training. You are the one working with the dog, not a trainer.

To train a Pyr is not like training some other dogs. They are not eager-to-please and just as soon walk away from you than do as you say. They have been used for years as guardian livestock dogs because they do not require human intervention to tell them how to do their job. Lots of patience, consistency and time is required to work with them. If you want an obedient dog, this is not the dog for you.

They require regular walks, of course, so they get out and see the world. They must be leashed because they will wander. Again, because they are so good at wandering they have been used to wander with sheep as they watch over them.

There are those in need of a home because someone didn't realize they would get so big, bark so much, leave so much hair in the house, wander, and require work. Or, they ended up going to a backyard breeder or farmer and ended up with a dog who was aggressive because of bad breeding. Or, they forgot they travel a lot or a baby is on the way and they just don't want the dog, anymore.

It is very important to do your research on any breed before deciding if they are a good match for your family. Please start here:

https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/Great-Pyrenees.html

We never want to see these dogs fail so it's important that children learn how to behave with dogs and that parents never leave their children alone with a dog. Here is a link on that subject:

https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/bestdogsforchildren.html

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. Jake

    Sep 20, 18 02:20 PM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* Best guess: Pyr/Leonberger mix Companion dog Children: Over 16 due to his size - guess of 95 pounds Cats: Probably be fine but proper

    Read More

  2. Water - Drinking too much?

    Sep 19, 18 09:45 AM

    My Great Pyrenees drinks excessively. Is this normal? He is mainly indoors where it is cool and he is not high energy.

    Read More

  3. Diet

    Aug 30, 18 08:05 AM

    What age do you switch from Puppy food to Dog food with a Great Pyrenees ?

    Read More

  4. Daisy

    Aug 28, 18 08:15 AM

    Angel and Daisy came to us because someone did not do their research. They wanted dogs they could just let loose and expected them to hang around the home.

    Read More

  5. Angel

    Aug 28, 18 08:14 AM

    Angel and Daisy came to us because someone did not do their research. They wanted dogs they could just let loose and expected them to hang around the home.

    Read More

  6. Dew Claws - Single or Double

    Aug 27, 18 10:47 AM

    Is it a bad trait to have 1 or 0 dew claws on the back paws?

    Read More

  7. Milo walks fence line why does he do this ?

    Aug 26, 18 08:18 AM

    Milo walks fence line at the dog park. He is serious and dedicated in his attitude. If he meets any dogs that are submissive in thier personalitys .

    Read More

  8. Lion roar and wolf howl

    Aug 26, 18 08:17 AM

    We live in the country with Gabriel (Pyr) and Patches(mix). They are our much-loved house companions and guardians. Nothing passes their notice unannounced.

    Read More