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.

Comments for wondering about a behavior

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 22, 2016
Rating
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
Rating
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
Rating
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.

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. Twiggy

    Nov 27, 22 01:19 PM

    Location: Erin, Ontario D.O.B: July 8, 2022 An experienced Pyr adopter required. Children over 12 only. The sweetie was with her family for only a week

    Read More

  2. Arthur

    Nov 27, 22 12:49 PM

    DOB: 16. September 2021 Location: Erin, Ontario Please do not take dogs to dog parks as not all people are as responsible as you are. Find some like-minded

    Read More

  3. Magik

    Nov 05, 22 12:53 PM

    My wife and I lost both of our great pyr’s in the last two years and just found a 9 week old great pyr pup we named her magik . People don’t understand

    Read More

  4. Barry

    Oct 08, 22 01:22 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: June 15, 2020 Location: Erin, Ontario Barry, who is very exuberant in his love of life, needs a new family who will make him a part of

    Read More

  5. Courtesy Post - Marley

    Oct 02, 22 01:21 PM

    Sadly, he squeezed through the gate to go after a member of his livestock got through. RIP, Marley. *ADOPTION* DOB: August 8, 2019 Location: London

    Read More

  6. Tina

    Oct 01, 22 06:12 PM

    D.O.B. July 12, 2017 Located in Erin, Ontario This sweetheart Great Pyr is looking for an experienced Pyr person. She will go to a home with children

    Read More

  7. Hendricks

    Oct 01, 22 03:42 PM

    *ADOPTED* We didn't even get a chance to post Hendricks as we found a suitable adopter who had already sent in an adoption application. His short story:

    Read More

  8. Sophie

    Sep 13, 22 01:43 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Guesstimate 2012 - 10-years-old Located in Erin, ON Sweet Sophie was surrendered to a shelter after her owner died. We brought her into

    Read More