wondering about a behavior

WE adopted a pyrenees mix about a month ago and are getting used to each other. I wonder what this behavior is--the second night we had her she jumped on the bed and after I got her off, she stood between me and the bed and it looked like she did not want me to get on the bed. She was not growling, was not being fierce-just weird.
A few times when I told her down from the sofa and my husband was sitting on it, she jumped up and put her mouth on my hand, but not in a fierce way,kind of playful, but not sure.
Sometimes she is on the floor near the sofa and if I should reach over her, she does the same thing. I went to pick up the newspaper for trash and she did not want to let me. Just weird-not like she jumped up and tried to hurt me-seems half play and half something else. What is this?
She is always happy to see me, is playful, but this behavior is a little worriesome.

She does exhibit many of the other traits you have mentioned-barks alot, hates the neighborhood dogs, can bark aggressively at strangers.

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May 22, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Behaviour
by: Donna

You have a mix so it's hard to say what is going on. It might depend on the other breed.

I would highly recommend getting in a positive-reinforcement trainer into show you how to manage her.

Never use force (it doesn't sound like you have) but always praise for wanted behaviour and redirect for unwanted behaviour (go lie down, turn your back on dog, etc.)

Pyrs are not aggressive by nature (again, she is a mix). They do not automatically hate other dogs, in fact, given a proper upbringing, they will get along with other animals. They are guardian livestock dogs by trade.

They also are not aggressive with strangers unless being protective of their territory when you are not home. They should welcome all guests into your home if you have invited them. Again, if they have had the proper socialization and handling at a young age.

However, she is a rescue, a mix and you may not know her background. Many rescues have not had a proper upbringing which is why they end up in rescue in some cases.

Get a positive-reinforcement trainer in to help you out. You haven't said where you live but if in Ontario, here is a list to start:
http://www.arfontario.com/EndorsedTrainers.asp

Never send your dog away for training. You are the one working with the dog so have someone come in to assess your dog and help you out.

Best of luck.
May 23, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Isabella, Great Pyr, patience, love, loyalty
by: Cheryl

My Isabella, Great Pyr. when I got here was not a year old yet,but getting much bigger, she barked alot and took me a while to figure out the best way to deal with it. She was never on the furniture or beds as she is way to large,she has her own bed in my living room,sleeps next to my bed at night. She is so gentle and loving, but also can bare those teeth and turn into a frightening watch dog. Which I love about her. She is 5 now, and she is definitely my dog. No one else can manage her as I do,gently, lovinly, calmly. If someone raises their voice or tries to tell her what to do its quite interesting how she just does not do it... But for me she is always right there. I invested in a training colar and have a large fenced yard so she does not wander off. Without the large yard, I would never have been able to keep her... Patience, lots of love and respecting her space and all will go well. Good Luck
May 26, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Behaviour
by: Donna

I would not recommend a shock collar or any kind of training collar unless you can use it on yourself and say the shock is okay.

Use patience, time and consistency. Nothing happens overnight.

They do bark but that is part of their nature. That is their tool to deter what they deem a predator from coming near. Do not take that away from them. You can manage it, however.

Again, get a positive-reinforcement trainer in to help you.
May 29, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		orders from headquarters
by: Anonymous

Takes time to adjust to a way a Pyr reacts to us and vice versa. Verbal orders are generally ignored unless you become firm. Firmness would be regarded by the dog as a challenge. Put an old blanket on the floor and invite her to join you. When she does give a tasty treat, little pat, get into your own bed. Might have to do this a few times. Not because she doesn't understand what you want (they're very smart) but because she wants it her way. A month isn't a long time with a new dog of any breed. Especially if she's a rescue or has been left to her own devices a lot in her former life. Its amazing how they can get us to do what they want, totally without the use of words. 'Intention' is the key for communication with her. Not words. You will have to prove to her you are her equal. She'll learn this over time if you stay calm, relaxed and respect her boundaries. Good luck.

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