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.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Hardy

    Jul 04, 25 04:44 PM

    Hardy Location: Acton, ON DOB: Approx. January 2025 Single-family home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced yard. Hardy is a big white fluffy.

    Read More

  2. Courtesy - Bear

    Jul 04, 25 04:34 PM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* Bear DOB:  October 2018 Location:  Midland, Ontario Pyr/Maremma? mix Single family home with a large securely-fenced property or

    Read More

  3. Rest in Peace, my Happy

    Jun 24, 25 06:33 AM

    My wife and I needed to mail two letters, so on the cold, cold afternoon of Sunday, January 31, 2021 we got in the pickup and headed for Red Cloud, Nebraska.

    Read More

  4. My Current Pyr Meeka

    Jun 07, 25 04:21 PM

    My Pyrenees Meeka turned 14 this May!! I pray she has a few years left in her.

    Read More

  5. Courtesy Post - Willow

    Jun 06, 25 01:49 PM

    *ADOPTED* Willow has a new family where she works looking after her sheep. DOB: March 26th, 2022 Location: London Ontario Cross Pyr/Collie Obtained

    Read More

  6. Remi

    Jun 02, 25 02:36 PM

    * ADOPTED * From his family: Remi is AWESOME! We love him, he is settling in just fine. Location: Acton, Ontario DOB: February 2024 This sweet white

    Read More

  7. Lucy

    May 17, 25 12:39 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: January 3, 2024 Location: Acton, Ontario She will need a single-family home with a securely fenced yard of at least 5 feet. Her owner

    Read More

  8. Courtesy - Tux

    Apr 27, 25 08:30 AM

    *Unknown* DOB: December 3, 2022 Location: Mulmur, Ontario Breed: Pyr x Great Dane Single family home where he will be part of an active family. A

    Read More