How to stop my pyr from barking at the "herd" he should be guarding?

by Jennifer
(Colorado, USA)

I just adopted a 3 year old great pyrenees from a rescue. She's a fantastic new member of the family. We have several horses and a flock of chickens. She loves to run up to the fence to see the chickens scatter. She also loves to bark at the horses. If she sees them out the window walking in the pasture or if she comes outside and sees them, she goes into a barking frenzy. I'd like her to know that they're part of the family and not something she should be barking at. Will she grow out of it as she gets more used to them (it's day 4 with us)?

On a related note, as soon as the sun goes down, she wants to be outside and barks nonstop until we put her to bed. Is there something we can do about this or just learn to love it?

Comments for How to stop my pyr from barking at the "herd" he should be guarding?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 15, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Behaviour & Genetics
by: Anonymous

Your Pyr's herd interest, her need to be with them, nite-time vigilance and barking are all encoded guardian behavior. "Frenzy" may kick in when she confronts a predator(re:Frankie & the bear). Honour her breed encoding with walks on the leash and redirect behavior, gradually moving from perimeter walks around the herd to walks thru the herd. Your intention, calm & self confidence, will have a positive effect on her. Keep your shoulders relaxed, no tension on the leash, and hum softly or keep up a cozy conversation with her on your walks. Every time her focus on the animals becomes intense, quietly bring her focus back to you with a "sit" command & treat. She will mirror your behavior so you must remain calm (breathe). This will take time and much patience as you are building trust. Make her a part of your routine in the barn and fowl enclosure... always redirect excitement & reward calm. Keep her with you leashed, until she shows consistently that she reacts with calm to all in your care. Good luck with her. Shower her with love. She is absolutely worth it.

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. House Training - Not understanding

    Aug 17, 18 08:02 AM

    My female great pyreene is 5 months old and just doesn't get it. She will look at me squat and pee afterjust being outside. I have a male great dane that

    Read More

  2. Seth

    Aug 13, 18 08:29 AM

    *ADOPTED* Our little man went through arthroscopic surgery on both elbows and a neuter all at the same time. Normally, we wouldn't go through elbow surgery

    Read More

  3. Dew Claws - At what age for they get them?

    Aug 12, 18 02:58 PM

    At what age do the get their double few claws?

    Read More

  4. Athena

    Aug 10, 18 09:43 AM

    This sweet 5-year old girl was surrendered to us by his very reluctant guardian. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, he let her come to us

    Read More

  5. Aggression - Resource Guarding

    Aug 06, 18 12:11 PM

    We very recently adopted a female pyr mix, she looks pure but it’s guessed that she’s also retriever or lab. We know she’s one year and three months old,

    Read More

  6. Testicles on female Pyr?

    Jul 27, 18 12:07 PM

    Can a female great pryenees female have testicals?

    Read More

  7. Bathe or not to bathe

    Jul 27, 18 12:06 PM

    We have a rescue named Duke! Not sure how old he is,but believe at least 6.He was apox 75 pounds and now is at least 120. very loving dog but does not

    Read More

  8. My two are the same

    Jul 27, 18 11:56 AM

    I haven't had any incidents like that. But my two, Sargent and Shelby have always been cautious. They're very friendly. But when they immediately sense

    Read More