Big Paws Only Dog Forums
Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : heartofwisdom November 16, 2007, 04:15:34 AM
-
On another post Mary mentioned not needing a fence. That got me hopeful. I have 2 pry pups now and need to prepare for when they get bigger.
We have 20 acres. My house is in the middle. Parts are fenced for horses but a Pry can get in and out. Will I really need adog fence after I get both dogs fixed? I was hoping to let them run the whole property.
If you think I will need one--by what age?
Thanks,
Robin
-
Pyrs need to guard a huge territory...th ere is no limit for them. If you have an acre they need five, if you have five...they need 20 and so on. They will run away no matter how much you will train them.
Lily pretty much stopped listening and following me around at 4 months. At 5 I almost lost her :'( stinker >:(
They don't need a huge fenced area. Half of an acre will do ;)
-
Fencing with a Pyr is mandatory if you do not want to lose them. Pyrenees are known to take off and just keep going, thats why so many end up in rescue or the shelters. We have 5 foot field fencing that is double reinforced in some areas and we are seriously considering a hot wire. Dont take the chance that they wont leave,chances are, they will.
-
One of the reasons we chose a Newfie over a Pyr was that most of the Pyr breeders I emailed mentioned that they like to wander and bark. I'd fence in at least an acre now.
-
My pyrs can easily jump a four foot fence, so we have six foot fencing all around. They will sometimes try to dig under the front gate, so we dug about a foot down and filled it with cement. They will also occasionally check the latch with their noses, so we've had to put brackets at the top, middle and bottom of the front gate that we keep 2 X 4's in. This also ensures that nobody can get into our backyard and accidentally let the dogs escape.
-
We have 6 acres of land...but fenced in 3/4 of an acre with 6-foot chain link. I would have liked to have Invisible Fencing but Samson, our 'Malamutt' was epileptic and any proximity to electric current could set off a seizure. Sam went to the Rainbow Bridge last year, but we've left the fence up. Some of our dogs can be trusted to run our land, but Zildjian (dalmatian) and Ribbit (cocker mix) will run off any chance they get....and Bodhi will bumble along behind them! They all got loose last summer....we got Zilly and Ribbit back within an hour, but Bodhi was missing for 3 days. It was the worst 72 hours of my life, not knowing where he was or if he was safe!
Someone mentioned that their BP can jump a 4 foot fence...most of them can, so I recommend at least 5'. Also, get some tent stakes to secure the fence to the ground. Many dogs tunnel under if they can't get over!
-
We have 700 acres of farm land, with the barn not 50' away from the house. The way everything is situated for us makes fencing off certain areas very difficult. Needless to say that although we definately need a fence at least around the house, we don't have one "yet". This is not as much of a problem as you would think having a Pyr puppy around. We're just very careful with her. She never goes outside without a leash or lead on. And she stays on leash untill we're far enough into the back fields that she can run as far as she likes and still not be near any roads. However my girl is very food motivated so I always make sure I have her favorite treats in my pocket so I can call her back when I feel the need. ;) :D
So although having a fenced yard does make life alot easier, it isn't always exactly neccessary as long as you are diligent, or don't mind keeping your pups on leash. If having a fence installed isn't in the immediate future for you. Make some time every day to go to a fenced in dog park if your in the city. Or if in the country just find a big wide open space where they can explore and run, but still stay within eyesight. And make sure you bring LOTS of they're fav treats. Freeze dried Liver works every time. Just get them used to the sound of it in the tin, and bring the tin with you with some pieces in it. As soon as they hear that distinctive sound they'll come arunnin. ;)
-
I don't think that a fully grown Pyr in case of "emergency" will listen to anyone or anything, even with favorite treats...he will take off and go as far as the instinct will take him
For example...Lily loves dog parks. She goes deaf to anything I say and plays like it is the last time she can do it. Yesterday we were at the park. Lily was playing with a bunch of dogs. Then, all the sudden, she lifted her head and started sniffing the air. She left everyone and was following the smell until she got to the fence and could not go further. When I went to see what it was, I saw a fox not far away. The next was barking, of course!
Their instinct is VERY VERY strong and when it's time to go, they will go!
-
I don't think that a fully grown Pyr in case of "emergency" will listen to anyone or anything, even with favorite treats...he will take off and go as far as the instinct will take him
For example...Lily loves dog parks. She goes deaf to anything I say and plays like it is the last time she can do it. Yesterday we were at the park. Lily was playing with a bunch of dogs. Then, all the sudden, she lifted her head and started sniffing the air. She left everyone and was following the smell until she got to the fence and could not go further. When I went to see what it was, I saw a fox not far away. The next was barking, of course!
Their instinct is VERY VERY strong and when it's time to go, they will go!
You're absolutely right. I probably should've mentioned that when given the opportunity, Naja will and has taken off. If we hold the front door open just a little too long bringing in groceries or whatever. She will be gone with the wind following whatever scent her little nose has her on!
-
We have underground fencing and it has worked great for Phoebe she learned her boundries very quickly and she is able to be out on her own in the yard. We back up to a large pond and there is alot of ducks and geese that she really likes to keep her eye on. I will say the biggest challenge for her is when the kids are out playing in the cul de sac she wants to be with them, andall I have to say is "Phoebe stay". She will even stay in her boundry when her favorite nieghbor dog is out for a potty break she just watches and wags her tale. We had a pyr. mix prior to Phoebe and she also did excellant with the undergroud fencing and we had her for 9 yrs.
I know that people have warned against underground fencing and in fact we really wanted to rescue a Pyr. but because we did'nt have visible fencing we were not given that option. It has worked great for us, each case is different.
-
I don't want to step on anyone's toes, or seem overly critical. However, this is a very good reason - or reasons - that good Breeders, dedicated Rescues, and those who have been owned by Pyrs for many years stress the importance of a visable fence for a Pyrenees or for a person to be completely dedicated to leash walking.
When a Pyr decides to "take off" there is no invisable fence in the world that can hold him/her back. Nor any electric fence. While still a puppy or a young dog they may appear to listen to commands and take a treat. But believe me, as they become older that ancient instint kicks in.
I don't want to hurt anyones feelings. But it would be far worse to have something happen that would hurt even more. Believe me. They're not going to look both ways when crossing a road. And they can travel 10 miles in the blink of an eye. Therefor being at risk of harm or being stolen.
-
Don't worry, there is no toe stepping here, I am still an inexperianced Pyr owner. :) However Naja is still good at the moment for coming when called *usually*. ;) She will be 7 months old on December the 1st, and is getting into what I would assume would be the "bratty teenager stage" right now. Should I start keeping her on leash now, or do you think that I still have a bit of time left before she starts realizing that treats are not worth coming back to mum for. I do so love to watch her running through the hay fields, it looks like so much fun. :D
-
And they can travel 10 miles in the blink of an eye. Therefor being at risk of harm or being stolen.
One of the person I know had lost her Pyrs (well, they got out of the fence) for less than a day and they were found 13 miles down the road :o :o :o Just a thought ;)
-
Don't worry, there is no toe stepping here, I am still an inexperianced Pyr owner. :) However Naja is still good at the moment for coming when called *usually*. ;) She will be 7 months old on December the 1st, and is getting into what I would assume would be the "bratty teenager stage" right now. Should I start keeping her on leash now, or do you think that I still have a bit of time left before she starts realizing that treats are not worth coming back to mum for. I do so love to watch her running through the hay fields, it looks like so much fun. :D
Well Jack was always a pretty good listener and so occasionally (late at night or very early in the morning) I would take him out to go potty off leash. We live in a new development so at these times of day there is absolutely no traffic. Jack (now 11 months old) also usually moves pretty slowly and is predictable so I wasn't concerned about him running off. However, last week I took him out at about 11pm and he was doing his business when he noticed the neighbor's little maltese/poodle across the street. Usually he ignores him, but this time he decided he wanted to play I guess and he took off, way faster than I thought he could move, and ran right across the street to see the other dog. He completely ignored my commands to "stop", "come" and even the old faithful "treat". So even though it wasn't that big of a deal - the two dogs just said "hi", I went over and retrieved him and brought him back home - I learned my lesson and now he doesn't go out offleash - EVER. That particular time there was no car, but next time there could be, and that particular dog & owner were nice, but next time he could encounter a not nice dog or a not very understanding owner.
As for letting them run around to play, we still do that in the backyard but they have 30 foot leashes attached to them and we each stay on one end of the yard so that if they try to make an escape you can grab the long leash. You can still let them have some freedom in safe areas, but the leash is like a safety net that allows you a little more control.
And who knows, as he grows and those instincts kick in we may not even feel comfortable having him loose with the long leash, we'll just have to see and make adjustments as time progresses. Better safe than sorry is always my motto when it comes to my pups.
-
We have occasionally let Binky off leash in our field but she is definitely not too trustworthy. However, I have a question: How do working Pyrs guard their flocks? I mean, if they're out in a giant field with goats, don't they just take off? There's no way those Pyrs are fenced in and their instinct is supposed to be to protect their flock, so why aren't they more likely to stay around home?
-
Just from my experience, most of the Pyrs that I have known that were live stock dogs, they were bonded with thier live stock. I think that Pyrs wander when they get bored. We are trying to figure out what happened with the 2 that I pulled out of the shelter. They are obviously field dogs. So maybe there was a change with thier livestock? Maybe the owners were selling the live stock or possibly the owners were elderly and the kids sold the live stock? Its hard to say. Pyrs get bored easily and if they dont have a job to do- they wander and then they get lost.
-
Wow, I'm in a weird place after reading everything everyone has said about the wandering-eyed Pyrs. I lost my beloved Beau 3 months ago and have been longing for a big dog ever since. For a Lab, Beau was a big guy at 130 pounds. He was a gift as my boss found him wandering and couldn't find the owner, and I bonded immediately with him. I've never had a dog like him. He came fully trained, highly intelligent, and was more like a helper and daily companion. He's one of the large-chested, full-bodied dark gold Labs. But--as any teenager--he would occasionally get an urge to wander.
I've been seriously considering Pyrs ever since I found the local rescue site. I didn't know anything about them but they sounded very much like dogs I would love. I even found one that I think I'd like to adopt. I knew they had a possible tendency to wander and fences were needed but this discussion has really given me--sorry--pause. I don't know how I'd feel if my Pyr took off like that. I had planned to install a fence but it looks like even Ft. Knox isn't enough. All my dogs are homebodies. All my dogs are on leashes. (Beau was so well-trained he could generally be depended upon to just hit the perimeter for his needs and return immediately. I just kept him on a leash at night.)
I confess I'm now a little nervous and wondering if I should go forward.
-
I don't have a fence either, but am fully committed to exercising my dogs on leash and sometimes off leash at our local dog park. We go for an hour or more long walk daily either in our neighborhood or on wooded trails near where we live.
You can definitely have a Pyr without a fence, you just have to be fully committed to leash walking and knowing the breed! I agree with tobeysmum, you can find a way, fence or no fence...
-
I would hate to discourage anyone from getting a Pyrenees, because so many are in rescue and need homes. I think that it is possible, if you are willing to commit to giving the dog the time and exercise that they need,to have one with out a fence, but you would always have to be diligent.
We spent about 20 miutes this morning chasing Bella and Zoey. We have a 5 foot fence and now they have learned that if they run fast enough and jump- then they are over it. We are going to run a hot wire about 1 foot above the fence line. We are fortunate because we live out in the country and it is safer than in the city as far as traffic, but there are other dangers like wild pigs, coyotes and crazy red neck neighbors with guns.
Pyrenees are extremely incredible smart dogs. Maybe go and visit a rescue foster home. Some pyrenees are more active than others.
-
I work some pet fairs and do some home visits for pyr rescue in Florida. One of the things I encourage people to do who are thinking about adopting a pyr if they have any concerns at all is to foster one. That way, there is no commitment other than to take care of the dog until it is adopted. If you decide that it is definitely the breed for you, you can opt to adopt the dog you are fostering. Lots of people do that. The pyr club here takes in well over 100 dogs a year and is constantly looking for good foster and permanent homes. If you think it might be the dog for you, check out your local rescue and see what you come up with.
-
Wow, thanks for all your comments. I truly appreciate you taking the time to offer your insight. I'm not backing down, just slowing down to make sure it will work. I'm willing to work, even willing to put up a fence--although it doesn't sound like they're a real help--but I have to think hard about the Pyrs ability jump fences, etc. I had knee surgery a year ago and running after dogs is a lot harder than it once was. :) I live in a semi-rural area but ten miles and you easily come upon traffic, etc.
My only problem with fostering is that I think I would get too attached. :) I am looking at one Pyr. I've been invited to a some kind of get-together for the rescue group where they'll have the dogs and the one I've looked at--online only. I'm going to try and attend and talk more to owners and actually meet the dogs in person.
If I go forward sounds like I'll need some advice on what kind of fence will keep a Pyr inside. Short of a covered dome stadium, I'm not sure there is one. :-\
-
I really think it depends so much on the individual dog about how determined a Pyr might be to jump a fence...their energy levels vary, which is one reason why I adopted an adult Pyr--you can get a much better sense of how the dog will be in terms of temperament, energy level, personality, etc., in contrast to a puppy, who will most likely have more energy and a certain puppy rambunctiousne ss(sp?),and not knowing for sure how the puppy will be as an adult dog. There are so many adult dogs, including Pyrs, out there waiting for a home--my Jenny was already housetrained, doesn't chew or destroy anything, and is very mellow and laid back, which is exactly what I was looking for in my life right now. Pyrs cannot be off leash and need fencing or dedicated leash exercise, but not all Pyrs will scale fences or leap tall buildings in a single bound! ;D
-
I agree not all of the Pyrs are so motivated to go over the fence. I think that meeting the rescue group and the dog that you are interested in is fantastic. Also a older Pyr usually is less likely to go over the fence. I have 2 extremely active females right now and they are my problem. The youngest foster and the old lady could care less about leaving. Tugs hasnt seem to have figured it out and Dolly (mom to the pups) is not going to leave those babies anytime soon. I agree with the option of fostering. You may fall in love with a Pyr who will not jump a fence. Keep us updated, take a camera.
-
Bo doens't have problems with fence jumping/burrowing. She's easily stopped by a visual barrier like a baby gate, but if she thinks there's an opportunity to take off, she most definitely will. I can't tell you HOW many times we've chased her through creekbeds, the neighbors yards, the park, etc. She get what we refer to as "the trots" where she trots just faster than we're running after her...then she takes off like a bolt of lightening chasing god knows what until she feels like stopping. No amount of shouting commands, threats, etc. will change her mind. I have learned (the hard way) that even though she has good obedience skills and knows EXACTLY what I'm asking her to do, her urge to roam is far more powerful than anything I can dream up.
-
My Lab had that selective hearing and a small dash of wanderlust. It seemed like he was this perfect dog except for this slightly small teenage spasm he'd have every now and then. He seemed to figure that if he didn't look at me, I didn't exist. So when he wanted to take a hike, he'd avoid eye contact. Needless to say he became a huge leash baby, particularly at night. Seemed to be the same thought process when he did his business. Whoever had trained him had him go to the perimeter of the property.
Beau would go in the bushes and as long as his head was covered and he couldn't see me, he figured he had it made. Didn't matter if his golden butt was hanging out. :)
Dogs can be so funny. Luckily he didn't have an attack of the teenager very often.