The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog – also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog – is a large, majestic breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Cattle are bred for protection from predators such as wolves and bears, and have a strong instinct to protect their family and territory. Most agree that they are calm, gentle, loyal companions and get along well with children and other animals.
However, owning this breed can come with challenges. Their protective heritage and independent nature are the basis of some problematic behavior. In this article, we will discuss some common behavior problems in Great Pyrenees and find ways to solve them with expert advice.
Why do Great Pyrenees become aggressive?
Dealing with aggression in a Bear can be difficult and frustrating for many pet owners. Although these dogs are unlikely to attack, they may exhibit such behavior if they feel threatened, agitated, or have not been properly trained and socialized.
Natural livestock keepers must protect their herds, including their human families and other domestic animals. As a result, these dogs may view anyone or anything near their territory as a potential threat and may react aggressively.
Dealing With Aggressive Behavior
Early training is important to prevent or correct aggression in this breed. The idea is to expose puppies to different people, animals, and situations from an early age to help them develop confidence and friendly behavior.
Basic commands like sit, stay, come, leave, and depart will lay the foundation well. Rewarding good behavior and redirecting or ignoring unwanted behavior are great ways to reinforce good behavior.
To establish yourself as a group leader:
Always set clear rules and boundaries.
Do not encourage them to jump on you, pull on the leash, or sleep on the furniture without permission.
Do not tolerate any signs of aggression, such as growling or biting, and immediately confront them with a “no” or a time-out.
Engaging them in positive activities such as playtime, exercise, and teaching new skills can help build trust and respect between you and your pet.
If aggression persists or worsens, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a veterinarian, behaviorist or trainer. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan that may include medications, behavior modification, or management strategies.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Bark So Much?
Dealing with excessive barking is a common challenge that many Pyr owners face. Although barking is a natural way of communication between dogs, this breed is known for barking more than others. So why is this?
Because of their history as guardians of livestock, their mission was to patrol the mountains at night and warn herders of potential dangers. They have a deep, high-pitched bark that can be heard miles away, and they are extremely alert and attentive to their surroundings, barking at anything that catches their attention or piques their curiosity.
Dealing With Excessive Barking
In order to prevent or correct this behavior, it is important to understand the reasons behind this breed’s barking behavior. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is to praise them for warning or warning and then ask them to stop or be silent.
It’s always a good idea to give positive attention and acknowledge their behavior if they bark to greet or play. Likewise, if barking is a way to get attention or express boredom, ignoring them or offering them an alternative activity is a powerful tactic.
Give your dog plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, this keeps him happy and relaxed.
Limit their exposure to stimuli that cause barking, such as other dogs, squirrels, or cars.
Try using gentle devices that prevent your dog from barking without causing pain, such as collars that vibrate, beep, or spray a harmless scent.
In our training efforts, we must remember the instincts of this breed and its need for alertness and ensure that it does not become a nuisance to neighbors or passers-by.
Why is the Grand Pyrenees so hard to control?
Pyr’s stubbornness can be difficult to deal with. This behavioral trait usually manifests itself when they ignore commands, refuse to move, or follow their own way of doing things.
Since these dogs are known for their independence, self-confidence and intelligence, they are difficult to tame. His experience working independently in the mountains made him accustomed to making his own decisions. They have a strong will and show a sense of independence.
Although they are quick learners, they lose interest in repetitive tasks, which can make them appear stubborn. However, becoming obedient and cooperative partners is possible with proper training and engagement.
Dealing with stubbornness
Most importantly, we must approach training positively. Doing this involves using rewards such as praise, treats, and games to keep them motivated and excited about learning. Introducing new skills and challenges during training sessions is also a great way to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
Consistency and patience in training and approach from an early age are key. It’s helpful to keep your dog’s personality in mind so you don’t force him to do things he’s not comfortable with. Using harsh and unrecommended methods such as yelling, hitting or scolding will only damage your relationship with your pet and make them more resistant to training.
By having a positive and respectful attitude towards your pups, you can build a strong bond with your pup and help develop them into well-behaved companions.
Why do the Great Pyrenees wander?
Many dog owners have to deal with the problem of their dogs escaping the yard, roaming the neighborhood, or chasing wildlife. The natural curiosity, adventure and instinct of these dogs makes them prone to wandering.
As livestock keepers, they are accustomed to roaming freely over a large area. Therefore, they have a natural desire to explore new places and discover new things, and their strong hunting instincts can lead them to chase small animals or moving objects.
Dealing With Wandering and Roaming
To prevent this problem, providing a stimulating and safe environment for these dogs helps. Making sure your yard is fenced and gated is a great first step while checking for gaps or holes where your dog could squeeze. You may also want to supervise your dogs outside and keep them on a leash when you walk them.
Proper physical and mental activity can satisfy any type of dog. So, by engaging them in agility, obedience or tracking activities, you can use their intelligence and positive energy to improve their focus.
Why do Great Pyrenees wake up at night?
Excessive nocturnal activity is another common complaint: waking up at night, grinding, barking, or digging. But we must remember that this behavior is deeply rooted in their instincts. They are most alert and active at night and prefer to rest during the day due to their instinct to protect livestock. In addition, their thick coat also makes them more comfortable in cold temperatures.
While this nocturnal behavior is normal to cause discomfort to their owners, it makes sense to approach the problem with patience and an understanding of their natural tendencies.
Reset the clock
One way to prevent or deal with nocturnal behavior in a Pyr is to adjust their sleep routine and put them in a comfortable sleeping position. The trick is to keep your dog active and occupied during the day to help him stay awake, and not let him sleep in the evening.
To help your dog feel relaxed and tired, give him an interactive sniff mat to keep him occupied and satisfied before bed.
You can also use a calming aid like Adaptal or veterinary-approved melatonin to help them sleep when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts:
Although these gentle giants are wonderful dogs with many positive traits, Great Pyrenees have unique behavioral issues. This article describes some of their specific difficult characteristics such as aggression, barking, stubbornness, wandering, and nocturnal activity.
Although complex and frustrating, experts say many defects can be prevented or corrected with proper care, socialization and training. In general, Great Pyrenees are not prone to misbehavior and can behave best with proper guidance and support from their owners.
