Retraining

by Christy Ashley
(Cabot, Arkansas, USA)

I have a friend (family of 5) whom has asked if I would like to take ownership of 1 of their female 10 month old Great Pyrenees,due to they cant care for it any longer. They currently have 2 female PYR's same age. Since Pyr's are protective dogs, and slow learners, is it difficult for them to change masters after they are adjusted to their 1st master?

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Oct 02, 2017
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by: Great Pyrenees Club

Make sure to do your research on this breed. They are not for most people. You can start here: https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/dog-behaviour.html

Pyrs are not aggressive by nature. If they are properly bred (lineage known) socialized and handled by many many different people in the first 13 weeks of life, they will be fine. They will allow invited guests into their home and onto their property.

On the contrary. Pyrs are not slow learners. They were bred to be independent thinkers. This allows them to look after their herds without human intervention. They only do anything like come, sit, down etc. if it's in their best interest.

Never underrate a Pyr. If you can't have them do what you want them to do that makes them smarter than you. Positive-reinforcement training only. You must work with them as partners with time, patience and consistency.

No. It is not difficult for them to adjust to new guardians but they need at least three weeks to start to feel comfortable and be themselves in a new home.

They must have a secure and fully-fenced yard/property of at least 5 feet as they will wander (bred to do this with their livestock).

If you do take her, make sure to have her spayed so unwanted dogs do not ensue.
Oct 02, 2017
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by: Nashville

I adopted a 2 year old great pyr and despite the adjustment, it has been every bit worthwhile.A 10 month old should be a bit easier to train as they may be more treat motivated. Mine is not so it was hard. However, ours is now a therapy dog and when he visits the hospitals or colleges he never tired of being hugged or petted. Things that I have learned are this -
crate train young or install a doggy door
be patient as it will be worth it in the long run
who cares about the fur - a house is not a home without it - buy several vacuums or swiffers
Ours does not bark and I spent two weeks and gave him a small hot dog piece for every time he came up for air after barking. He got a warning to come in when outside if he barked and then I dragged him in. He rarely barks and if he does, I always go to see what the scoop is. He wears a harness for those times when he really needs to come in but thinks it's too nice to come in.
Beautiful dog and independent thinker. They get by with a lot on their looks but gosh its been worth it. Also, there are several Facebook groups that meant for Pyr owners only and you can ask the world's dumbest question and they people will give you really great answers about health, training food and love. Best wishes!!
Oct 02, 2017
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by: Anonymous

I took a 18 month old GP from a friend who went through a divorce and could no longer keep him. It took a solid year for him to get past losing his previous owner. He was never very glad to see me when I came home and would get excited when he heard a car horn as his owner beeped when he came home. He had 2 other dogs to play with and he loved them but as far as human play he wanted that previous owner. keep the faith, after about a year he wagged his tale and cuddled with me and became one of my favorite dogs of all. Had him to the age of 10 when he was ill with cancer and had to have him put down. I WAS DEVASTATED! But he became that loyal boy to me that he was to the previous owner. Previous owner came to visit often but it was my side he stayed at.

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