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After watching my mother work with her miniature goldendoodle as a puppy I swore my family would never get a puppy (especially not while I have a 4 and 2 year old), but we got one, and not just any puppy, a GREAT PYRENEES! We were actually supposed to be fostering her, but low and behold, mama (and dad perhaps) caved and the dog is ours forever. 🙂
I’m assuming you are reading this because you have acquired one too, so for some fun, here are some fun facts about these big white cliffords.
1. HISTORY – The exact origin of Great Pyrenees dogs is somewhat of a mystery, but it is believed that they were bred in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain over 10,000 years ago. These dogs were used to protect flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves and bears, and were highly valued by shepherds for their loyalty and protective nature. Over time, Great Pyrenees dogs became popular with French nobility, who began breeding them for their size and beauty. These dogs were then imported to England and other parts of Europe in the 17th century, where they were used as guard dogs for estates and castles.
2. SIZE – Great Pyrenees dogs are large, and muscular. They can weigh anywhere from 85 to 160 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that is usually white or cream-colored, with some gray or tan markings. Their fur is long and silky, and requires regular brushing to keep it free of mats and tangles. We are going to work on brushing Dolly once a day, if it doesn’t happen no big deal, but it’s best to get started when they are puppies so they’re used to it. One of the most striking features of Great Pyrenees dogs is their size. I honestly have ALWAYS loved big lovable dogs and will ask a random stranger if I can pet theirs (literally anywhere, anytime:). Despite their size though, Great Pyrenees dogs are surprisingly agile and graceful, and are known for their endurance and strength.
3. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT – Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their calm and gentle nature, and are often described as “majestic” or “regal.” They are fiercely loyal to their owners and are excellent watchdogs, but can be aloof or wary of strangers. Despite their protective instincts, Great Pyrenees dogs are usually friendly and affectionate with their families. They are known for their patience with children and other pets, and are often described as “gentle giants”.
4. TRAINING AND EXERCISE – A Great Pyrenees dog can be a challenge, as these dogs are independent by nature and can be stubborn at times. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained to be well-behaved and obedient. Great Pyrenees dogs require moderate exercise, such as daily walks or runs in a fenced yard. They are not high-energy dogs, but do need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
5. HEALTH AND CARE – Great Pyrenees dogs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues in Great Pyrenees dogs include hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. To keep your Great Pyrenees dog healthy, it is important to provide them with regular veterinary care, including annual check-ups and vaccinations. They also require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles.
After researching this breed and finding out everything that there is to know about them I STILL wanted to keep her. Problems have arisen and here is what we are doing to combat them.
Problem 1 – Puppy Biting
I am finding out that those little teeth HURT, and she is going after my kids and cat because she views them as her “brothers and sisters” experts say. The strategy that I have learned that is working the best with Dolly is literally redirecting her to another toy. I am following a girl on youtube that says redirecting is your best bet. Grabbing a toy and saying, “Puppy, puppy, puppy!” has actually helped. She even says we could try yelping really loudly like a mother dog would do, I have tried it, and it actually stops her as well. There are times when she doesn’t stop, my husband will either grab her mouth and say, “No biting,” and she stops. They say not to yell at them because they are pretty sensitive, but he is old school. I sometimes will just bring her outside or into another room to remove her from the family to have her calm down. Our dog does love stuffed animals to chew on and this Chew Toy is available on Amazon.
Problem 2 – Peeing and Pooping in the House
I knew we would deal with this going into having a puppy and I was prepared, but accidents may still happen. The same girl on youtube talked about how to house train puppies and her main method is that you don’t let them out of your sight. You literally watch them like a hawk. We did this and saw GREAT results, until we became too confident in her abilities and would leave her alone downstairs while we went upstairs to get ready for the day. The accidents that happen after you feel like they have finally become housebroken are the WORST, just because they are a let down. Just try to remember that google says puppies take 4 – 6 months to become potty trained and show patience.
Problem 3 – Barking to Get What They Want
This is an ABSOLUTE no no for me. I feel like dogs who bark at you because they want food, or are upset you aren’t letting them jump on the counters (getting to this later) just screams that they are spoiled, and if any dog barks at me they can be sure they won’t be getting what they want! Barking is obviously what a dog will do sometimes, and I don’t mind it if someone comes to the door, but she CAN’T be doing that to get her way. Great Pyrenees dogs are EXTREMELY barky because they are bred to be guardian dogs and sound the alarm if there is a predator around. Knowing this going into it, I have given her a little grace, but when she is scolded she seems to respond well. She responds even better to a treat and a, “good girl” after she stops barking. I just say, “good girl, no barking” and repeat myself. We made supper and she whined a little bit, but had no barks come out of her to which I responded with the same positive reinforcement. This is the Barking Device we bought on Amazon. We haven’t had to use it yet, but maybe someday we will.
Problem 4 – Jumping Up on Counters/People
I have heard that Great Pyrenees and all larger dogs can potentially be REALLY good at counter surfing. I feel blessed to have bar stool chairs and a high dinner table, but my cat eats dry food and that has been the biggest obstacle because the cat gets wet food as well twice a day. I have been taking the strategy of just not allowing it to happen and if it does I’m on her with me hand putter her down and saying DOWN. The moment I see a behavior from her that I like I come back with the, “good girl,” approach and give her a treat. I was told to give treats ANY time I see her behaving like she is supposed to, and that actually has been the MOST beneficial in her behaving how we would like.
I know that maybe these strategies might not work for every great pyrenees puppy, but just in case you are at a loss. These are the things that have been helping us so far. I have signed up to have her trained with the goal of making her a licensed therapy dog, so I will be posting what I learn through that to hopefully help other great pyrenees owners like yourself out there as well. God bless you and enjoy your pup!:)