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Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : cincbcat September 08, 2005, 06:30:16 AM
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First time poster here! We have a Pyr named Sadie, she's 5 1/2 months old, and honestly she is hard to handle for both my husband and I. We brought her home at 8 weeks from the breeder, and I think we were expecting her to be different than she is. I take full responsibility for not knowing everything about how to raise any dog, let alone a Pyr. But that doesn't mean I haven't tried! She is constantly underfoot, sticking her face in every part of our bodies, digging in every trash can in the house, trying to eat our cat, chewing up her blankets, and every time we let her out in the backyard, she immediately finds wood to chew on. And she doesn't just chew on it, she actually eats it if we're not watching her every move. Ok, I honestly do love this dog, she is absolutely beautiful and sweet, but she doesn't seem to learn anything! She knows sit, shake and lay down, without having any obedience training (which I regret now). Is it too late to do something about this behavior, or is this...normal? She reacts equally to both my husband and I. We share the responsibiliti es of feeding, watering, potty time and walking. My husband has only ever owned Labs, and he's super frustrated! I keep telling him, "she's not a lab"...but I think he's more frustrated just with the fact that he doesn't think she even acts like a dog (i.e., she practices "selective deafness", does whatever she wants). I really want to make this work, and if anyone out there wants to reprimand me for having done something wrong, I'll take it! I just want her to be a part of our family, without all the frustration that we feel right now. Thanks for any advice!
Rachel
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It's totally NOT too late for training. We didn't take Riley until he was 4 months old. I haven't owned any Pyrs, but if they are like most other dogs, Sadie is just being a puppy. All the big dogs are always "in the way" meaning under your every move just cause they are soooo big. I definitely recommend taking her to an obedience training class and use lots of treats for praise. She will definitely learn! Not sure what to say about the wood chewing. Riley will try to chew on anything he finds outside, you just have to keep your eyes on them. He even tries to eat rocks! Don't give up!!! :)
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Pyrs are dogs that have been bred to think independently. ..They are livestock gaurdians & needed to make descisions on their own when the shepard was away sometimes for 2 or 3 days...As you are finding out, Pyrs are not obedience based dogs...They know what you want them to do but they actually think about the command 1st & decide it there is a reason for it...If there's not they will no comply...Have no doubt they are extremely intelligent dogs!....I strongly reccomend obedience classes!...It is not too late!...Samson didn't take his 1st classes until he was exactly your dogs age & Pippin won't start until the 2nd of this month...He will be 7 months old then....Are you using treats as a reward for her complying with your commands?...If not start it...Immediatl y upon doing what you ask offer the treat...Eventu ally you can phase this out....Also, praise lavishly when a command is obeyed...Neith er of my dogs are 100% compliant...no t even close but I expect that from the breed & I enjoy their independant nature...As far as the garbage cans go, simply put them where the dog can't get at them...My kitchen garbage sits right in my front entry way across the baby gate boundery from the kitchen...Prob lem solved...Chewi ng on her blanket?...Remove the blanket...Prob lem solved...Pyr carry their own bedding...It's that big beautiful coat they have...No need for blankets...Wit h cat chasing try to keep a squirt bottle handy & when you see the dog is even thinking bout chasing the cat give a good squirt between the eyes & scold harsly...Consi stancy will pay off there...I promise...I have 8 house cats with little problems...The wood chewing...Try the squirt gun here too & try to keep branches & what not picked up to discourage this...Samson ate wood too...I did what I could but he still ate some & we never had any problems...Las t but NOT AT ALL least...PLEASE remember that, even though she is big, she is just a puppy still...Some of this she will grow out of....Giant Breed dogs don't mature fully mentally or physically until the age of 3...Samson turned 1 in July & is already becoming the picture of grace & serenity that can be expected from the breed as adults...I too remember thinking "I can't imagine him ever being like that" & now he is well on his way & I miss his puppy ways SO badly already!...Hang in there...It WILL get better!...B.t.w., tell your hubby that she' not a dog..She's a Pyr! ;D Anyone know of any good Pyr reading for this frustrated Pyr mommy?...I am drawing a blank right now. :-\ Lastly, no need to worry about being reprimanded... Yesterday can't be undone...We can only learn from our mistakes & move ahead. :)
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I don't have a pyr but...IMHO It's never too late for training, but pyrs are a different breed, and react differently because they were bred for independent thinking. We have alot of pyr parents here that can give you more info than I could.
We have a 9 month old dane/wolfhound mix that LOVES sticks...He can spend hours outside gnawing on wood, and I'm sure he has ingested some at some point. We just take it away if he is getting too intense.
Our garbage is a galvanized steel container with a lock-tight lid because he and my dane will garbage raid, and that has taken care of that problem. All three of my dogs had/have destructive tendencies, especially when young. Take the object that she is not supposed to chew out of her mouth and replace it with one of her toys that she can chew. If she is eating her blankets at night when you are asleep, provide her with a kong filled with peanut butter or CheeseWhiz (My pup's favorite) that is frozen. When they have something that good to work over they concintrate on it and not their bedding for the most part. Most of us here can understand the under-foot thing, as big paws seem to have been genetically composed of velcro. They are soooo afraid that they are going to miss something if they are not attached to your hip. Once you have some obedience training under her belt you may be able to give her the down/stay command and keep her there for a bit while you can be free, but in my house it's a fleeting thing. I just got used to getting things done with furry appendages. Good luck, and I hope some of this was helpful for you.
Stella
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We must have been posting at the same time, Gyps. As usual you are so awesome.
Stella
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She is constantly underfoot, sticking her face in every part of our bodies, digging in every trash can in the house, trying to eat our cat, chewing up her blankets, and every time we let her out in the backyard, she immediately finds wood to chew on. And she doesn't just chew on it, she actually eats it if we're not watching her every move.Â
 I keep telling him, "she's not a lab"...but I think he's more frustrated just with the fact that he doesn't think she even acts like a dog (i.e., she practices "selective deafness", does whatever she wants). Rachel
Hi Rachel, welcome to the world of Pyrs. Great Pyrenees are very special which is why most of us can not ever have just one. She will never act like a lot of other dogs, she is a Great Pyrenees. If you are able to love what is special about a Great Pyrenees, her soul will touch you in a way that will change your life. I have been bless to love three Pyrs. I will never have a house with out a Pry for me that would not be a home.
She is still a baby at 5 1/2 months. She is learning from everyting you do and don't do that is why trainning is so important. Have you read alpha boot camp? I will try to find the link. It is best to read everything you can find on Great Pyrenees.
As for a few of the things she is doing:
"constantly underfoot" - she loves you and is a baby that wants to be with Mommy and Daddy. I take my two to work with me and have to make sure I do not roll my chair the wrong way or I will roll over them. Just remember she is still just a baby.
"sticking her face in every part of our bodies" - again she loves you and this is one of her ways to be close. After all she and her litter mates spent a lot of time smelling of each others parts. When you tell he 'NO" make sure you have a toy to give her close so that you can tell he r"good girl" when she is doing the things you want her to do.
"digging in every trash can in the house" Petsmart has a mousetrap looking thing that can be used to stop them from going in the trash. Once you teach her "leave it" you can use that when she goes into the trash.
"finds wood to chew on" ok I am going to get sappy here.... Rosie the Pyr I lost last year loved to chew on wood. Everytime my husband would build something she would wait for a scraps of wood to be her treasures. We even made her grave marker out of wood since she loved it. We added her treasures to he grave which included some of her wood, toys, treats, and blankets. As far as how to stop this as you can see after 9 1/2 year we did not. I am so so happy when I find something she chewed on. But this sappy crying I am doing is not helping you, sorry. :'( Is she chewing on the deck? If she does not eat it you could give her a block of wood as her toay. If she does eat it spray a little bitter apple or hot pepper sauce on the area she chews. The leave it command is great if you are around when she is doing it. It may help to make sure she has toys outside to play with.
"chewing up her blankets" Sugar Bear (14 months) had one blanket that lasted him 8 months before we got Dixie (8 months). Dixie has chewed up so many that I purchased a chewproof dog bed cover. Then I filled it with stuffing and the old blankets.
"cats" ?????????????? I sorry I don't have cats, so I don't know about this one.
"selective deafness" This one is so a Pyr thing. The Great Pyrenees is a very independent breed which is vital when they are working dogs.
There is some great information on this site. http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library.htm#behavior
Hope this has helped, good luck with your baby.
Lisa
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We must have been posting at the same time, Gyps. As usual you are so awesome.
Stella
Awesome is a very strong word :)...I just have a strong desire to keep my sanity around this zoo...lol...so I do alot of research & listen closely to those who know what the h*ll is really going on!! ;D
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Nope it is definitely not too late to start training. I'm glad that more people are starting with puppy classes for the little ones, but that wasn't always the norm. Before the late 90's almost everyone didn't start their dog's obedience training until it was around 6 months old or older!
If you want to start working on Sadie before classes start, here's a good mantra that works for almost every "misbehaving" situation.
Interupt, Redirect & Praise....
Dogs find it hard to learn in negatives. Meaning, they don't really understand what you DON'T want them to do. Teach them instead what you DO want them to do. For example, you say that Sadie is trying to eat the cat. When you see her going after the cat, interupt her with a sound. I happen to say "AHT!", not yelling but sternly. Try not to use "no" too often, because then we start to just use it for everything. lol
After you've gotten Sadies attention, call her over to you and ask her to sit or laydown. Once she does, you reward her for the sit or down. The main thing is to focus on what you want her to do and reward that. :)
I've never had a Pyr, but from what I've heard they can be a bit stubborn, so make sure that whatever you decide remains consistent. Sadie will figure it out soon enough, just stick to it. Remember, most dogs that are rehomed or gotten rid of are between 6 months and 2yrs old. The adolescent stage is difficult, but its worth the work to have a loving companion at the end of it! ;D Best of luck to you, and let us know how her classes go!
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Hi Cincbcat,
I am a new puppy owner myself I have a Newfoundland that will be 14 weeks this monday. She is a sweet baby girl but also exhibits selective hearing at times. I know how frustrating that can be but I have done some reading and from what I have read just like kids they go through a rebellion stage. I really dont think you are to late to start an obediance class you would both benefit from a basic obediance class and she sounds like she is pretty smart. Trust me I still think sometimes what did I get myself into and it seems there is no end in sight. I think a lot of it is that I have never had a puppy that I raised on my own and there are many ups and downs. Good thing the "ups" make it all worth it. From what you explain it sounds a lot like my house Astrid (thats my puppy) is into everything the second you look away she eats anything and everything so I have done my best to puppy proof but they are smart little buggers mine chewed the plastic bolt off of the toilet seat when I thought she was just having a nap in the bathroom (quiet as a mouse). Well I am certainly no expert but I just want you to know that her behavier can be corrected but it will take some time and patience. I also dont think anything she is doing is abnormal of any puppy they can really test your patience. When Astrid has me on my last thread I look at her and think aww she just wants my love even though she is acting like a "little" spaz! Im sure you will get tons of advise from people on this board I did. Just hang in there just as everyone told me it will get better. I hate to even admit it but at one point I thought maybe this is just way to much for me and I should return her as I went through my fare share of sleepless nights well needless to say I was thinking out of exhaustion and my baby is not going anywhere. Im sure you may of read some books but my puppy bible is called puppys for dummies and I have found it very informative it walks you through all the phases and gives you a good idea of what to expect and how to handle those really tough times. Good Luck!!
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As a first time big dog owner myself I can see where your fustration is coming from. I have a 4 mth old male newf, Angus, who is growing up in an extremely busy household, my 3 children ages 6, 4 and 4mths, my sister and her 2 year old daughter and a border who has a 1½ month old son!! Adding Angus to the family was not the easiest thing to do, and the stress was evident in our house. But we are managing to do it. The biggest stumbling block is realizing Angus is just a puppy (he is getting so big so fast it is easy to forget). Angus to has selective hearing and has quickly learned the basic commands but does not always comply, he is learning his place in our household slowly but surely. Persistance and patience are paying off for us (and lots of baby gates). He loves chewing wood too and I have a lot of scap wood so I let him chew that and he seems to know what wood he can and cannot chew now (though he likes to forget now and then). We provide him with lots of toys inside the house and always make sure they are avalable for him if he decides to chew up something else. We always have small treats in our pockets and reward him whenever he does something we want him to do. When he is inside he likes sitting and lying on everyones feet and tries to sneak in a lick to the face whenever he can. Most of the time he has a 6 foot leash on inside so we can quickly grab that and get his attention. Oh there is so much we had to learn and still have to learn and everyday we remind ourselves "he is just a puppy". With BPO always standing behind us we can get through any problems we have.
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Hi Cincbcat,
Just hang in there just as everyone told me it will get better. I hate to even admit it but at one point I thought maybe this is just way to much for me and I should return her as I went through my fare share of sleepless nights well needless to say I was thinking out of exhaustion
I hear that!!!...Samson was my 1st dog...I can't count the number of times I sat in tears at the end of the day & told him "tomorrow you are going back to the breeder's"!!...Of coarse after a good nights sleep it was always, "we're gonna get through this together baby"! :)
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I have a six month old pyr. We are starting training classes this month, so it's not to late. Kiah does have selective hearing. She likes to chew on wood which I try to stop and give her toys to chew on outside. I have three cats that Kiah loves to chase. Two of my cats like to play with her. When it does get out of control then the squirt bottle works wonders. I feel blessed because Kiah hasn't gotten into the garbage or hasn't chewed on anything she wasn't suppose to except a mcdonalds happy meal toy. I think that was only because it smelled like a cheese burger. I love my pyr and would get another in a second. Pyrs are different then other breeds. They have been refered to "as cat like". That is so true. Very independent creatures. Is she crate trained?
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Hi from PupDaddy, father to 5 pyrs, or pyr mixs:
Earl 3 years
Kendra 10 months
and fosters:
Fluffy 4 months
Deuce 3 months
Donut 2 months
I didn't read everything everyone posted here, but I'm sure it's all good advice, since I taught them all everything they know!
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Hi from PupDaddy, father to 5 pyrs, or pyr mixs:
Earl 3 years
Kendra 10 months
and fosters:
Fluffy 4 months
Deuce 3 months
Donut 2 months
I didn't read everything everyone posted here, but I'm sure it's all good advice, since I taught them all everything they know!
You are a riot! :P :D
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Moose is a Newfie/Great Pyr cross so I have the best of both worlds, lol. This morning I woke up to one of the pillows being totally destroyed and Moose sitting in the middle of the fluff grinning at me . Most of my quilts now have holes in them so once winter sets in I'll have to repair them . While it's frustrating , I try and see it as 'puppy' phase and try to remove temptation as much as I can . One of the problems that is temporary is that we are fostering a momma cat with babies right now and they are in our bedroom so the door is closed all the time, which means Moose and Fwirly are out in the rest of the house by themselves ( well , our son the sleeping teen is out there too ) so Moose is having a field day. Each morning I check and see if the couch is still in one piece and count myself lucky when it is. In another month the fosters will be gone and life can get back to normal.
With all these little frustrations, the huge amount of love radiating from our Moose is worth every piece of fluff I find each morning. He's unlike any other dog we've ever had and he makes me laugh, he's my best friend, my snuggle buddy, my baby , and also my serenity checker, lol.
btw, my garbage is up high so Moose can't reach it, even the cats are learning to play with their cat toys high up on their perches for if they reach the ground Moose eats it.
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Hi from PupDaddy, father to 5 pyrs, or pyr mixs:
Earl 3 years
Kendra 10 months
and fosters:
Fluffy 4 months
Deuce 3 months
Donut 2 months
I didn't read everything everyone posted here, but I'm sure it's all good advice, since I taught them all everything they know!
Watch out for him, folks.... Not only does he ask people if they want to see his "Big Earl", he is responsible for THIS....
I am not sure it is a Pyr, though - I think it is one of those white Newfoundlands. ... ;D
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Hi from PupDaddy, father to 5 pyrs, or pyr mixs:
Earl 3 years
Kendra 10 months
and fosters:
Fluffy 4 months
Deuce 3 months
Donut 2 months
I didn't read everything everyone posted here, but I'm sure it's all good advice, since I taught them all everything they know!
Watch out for him, folks.... Not only does he ask people if they want to see his "Big Earl", he is responsible for THIS.... Â
I am not sure it is a Pyr, though - I think it is one of those white Newfoundlands. ...  ;D
That's too bad!....You know those white Newfies have just awful temperment! :D :D :D LOL!
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Ok, Im going to get in the middle of this.... you guys didn't expect me to keep my mouth shut did ya?
As a note of introduction I will only say, that I am a breeder of Pyrs and have raised and been raised by them for 20 years now.
You ask if you are too late? No. You have a puppy here and she has to be given time to grow up. With a Pyr that will be from 2 to 3 years of age with puppy hood starting to disapyr at about age 1. So hang in there, because the end result will be a majestic, loving, protective creature that you will love more than life it'self.
The only mistake I see that you have made and that is corrected easily, is that you did not research the breed before getting a puppy. If you had, then you would have been more prepared. But since you didn't lets correct that problem.
First of all, to get to the point where you can be successful with this pup, you need to understand the breed. They are so highly specialized that they do not fit the profile of most other breeds, so you need to understand their character.
I recommend you read this .. It's quite lengthy but it's very helpful in understanding what makes your dog tick, and very interesting. We can go from here when you have read it and you can ask the questions that will no doubt arise from it. I've read it and it is a true picture of the great pyrenees breed.
Patou's Journal
http://www.pyrenean-journal.com/patous.htm
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Hello, I always have my pups on a leash for the first couple of months. That way if they are doing something wrong you can step on the leash and prevent them from doing it. It also prevents them from learning to avoid you and playing the chase me game :) I lalso like to umbilical cord them to me with the leash, that way I am in control of where they are going and what they are doing. ( if they chew the leash you can try spraying bitter apple on the leash or rubbing in some vicks vapor rub)
If I cannot give them 100% attention I will crate them. I believe it is easier to prevent mistakes than to fix them, and having a pup in a crate is a sure way to make sure they are not in trouble. ( I do not use the crate as punishment, and the pup is never in ther for more than 2 hours)
A tired pup is a good pup. Mental and physical excercise is SO important. Incorporating training session thru out the day, and also going for a walk, playing some ball or swimming are all great ways. I always have my pockets full with treats so I can reward the pup if it does something right. I also teach my dogs that before they get anything ( petting, food, water, going out) that they have to sit.
The first 4-5 months with a puppy is the hardest, because they know nothing, and it is our job to teach them. It is also soooo special because you get to expereince there "awe" for life :) I tell people that when they are getting a puppy, it is often like putting money in a bank. You have to put money in to get any out. All your hard work will be rewarded though if you put the time and effort in.
Keep us updated on your progress!!!
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She is getting there, as far as crate training goes. She only sleeps in it while we are at work, we let her sleep in our bedroom with the door closed at night...as a sort of "trust experiment". So far so good, no accidents or anything! (fingers crossed)!!!
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Ok, Im going to get in the middle of this.... you guys didn't expect me to keep my mouth shut did ya?
.... With a Pyr that will be from 2 to 3 years of age with puppy hood starting to disapyr at about age 1.Â
Kenrda's 10 or 11 months now!!!
Hurry Father Time, Hurry!!!
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Ok, Im going to get in the middle of this.... you guys didn't expect me to keep my mouth shut did ya?
.... With a Pyr that will be from 2 to 3 years of age with puppy hood starting to disapyr at about age 1.Â
Kenrda's 10 or 11 months now!!!
Hurry Father Time, Hurry!!!
LOL!...I swear at 10 months Sam was still driving me nuts...Sometim e between then & 1 yr. he became a real dog. :'(
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...I recommend you read this .. It's quite lengthy but it's very helpful in understanding what makes your dog tick, and very interesting. We can go from here when you have read it and you can ask the questions that will no doubt arise from it. I've read it and it is a true picture of the great pyrenees breed.
Patou's Journal
http://www.pyrenean-journal.com/patous.htm
Patou's Journal ends in 1998. What or where is the rest of his story? At age 15, I doubt that he's still with his goats, but I'd like to know the ending.
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I'll see what i can find out Walter. I know his breeder.
Jackie
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Ok, Im going to get in the middle of this.... you guys didn't expect me to keep my mouth shut did ya?
As a note of introduction I will only say, that I am a breeder of Pyrs and have raised and been raised by them for 20 years now.
You ask if you are too late? No. You have a puppy here and she has to be given time to grow up. With a Pyr that will be from 2 to 3 years of age with puppy hood starting to disapyr at about age 1. So hang in there, because the end result will be a majestic, loving, protective creature that you will love more than life it'self.
The only mistake I see that you have made and that is corrected easily, is that you did not research the breed before getting a puppy. If you had, then you would have been more prepared. But since you didn't lets correct that problem.
First of all, to get to the point where you can be successful with this pup, you need to understand the breed. They are so highly specialized that they do not fit the profile of most other breeds, so you need to understand their character.
I recommend you read this .. It's quite lengthy but it's very helpful in understanding what makes your dog tick, and very interesting. We can go from here when you have read it and you can ask the questions that will no doubt arise from it. I've read it and it is a true picture of the great pyrenees breed.
Patou's Journal
http://www.pyrenean-journal.com/patous.htm
Wow Jackie!!...Patou's Journal is incredible!!...I really want to get those goats next spring for my boys!!!
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I love reading Patou's Journal. Sugar Bear is from the Aneto Kennel in north Georgia.Â
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I read the journal, and at some points I got chills. Last night, after reading your posts and advice, I began to look at Sadie in a different way. She's always under my feet because she loves me and doesn't want to miss anything...I will hide the garbage cans and she'll get lots of baths from the squirt bottle if she goes for the cat. I think we are going to bite the (expensive) bullet and enroll her in school too. My husband seems to think he knows how to train a dog (HA!)...but as you all reminded me, she's not a dog, she's a pyr. I really do appreciate all the wonderful advice you guys gave me, just the sheer number of responses blew me away. I look forward to posting more of our story in the future.
Rachel
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Rachel, it has happen that cute little pyr as made a place in your soul. She will now forever be a part of you. She will still make you crazy at times but she will love you with everything she is. Take lots of photos and try your best to remember every little crazy thing she does. After all the 10-12 years we are given with our special babies will never be enough for us. Keep in mind two Pyrs are twice the fun ;) I got Dixie when Sugar Bear was 9 months old and they have the best time together.
Lisa
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Hi Cincbcat,
I had the same moment as you are having now. You just realize that all they want is your love and attention. I have had to adjust many aspects of my life that I really was not prepared for but it is worth it. I also have the same problem with the kitties and Astrid she thinks they are fun to chase around but they cant stand it. I cried many times thinking what have I done to my kitties lifes they are living in fear and are very mad at me (oh the guilt). I'm so glad that you have a different view on things. I know what you mean about the # of responces blowing you away the folks on this board are grrrrreat!!!!!! Cant wait to hear more. Heres to surviving puppy hood together! Erika
P.S. Is she potty trained yet? This is the really tough one for me.
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I know Willow is not a Pyr, but there were some thoughts at 2am and 4am running through my head like "what the H%^& have I done?" or "things were so peacefull with just the little dogs", But it does get better and I am so happy that we have her...she is such a doll and I look forward to spending my life with her!
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I read the journal, and at some points I got chills. Last night, after reading your posts and advice, I began to look at Sadie in a different way. She's always under my feet because she loves me and doesn't want to miss anything...I will hide the garbage cans and she'll get lots of baths from the squirt bottle if she goes for the cat. I think we are going to bite the (expensive) bullet and enroll her in school too. My husband seems to think he knows how to train a dog (HA!)...but as you all reminded me, she's not a dog, she's a pyr. I really do appreciate all the wonderful advice you guys gave me, just the sheer number of responses blew me away. I look forward to posting more of our story in the future.Â
Rachel
Good for you!...I am sure that training a Lab is a bit different than training a Pyr...I never had a Lab but I would wager to guess...Your Pyr will never be an obedience based dog but she will learn...It is just that often she won't comply if she doesn't see a reason to...It is recommended that you only train a Pyr for minutes a day because they see no need for repetition... Pyrs will roam so I hope you have a fenced area for her...The rescue I was talking with said the #1 reason for Pyrs being surrendered is that people always think they will get the one that can be boundery trained & this just doesn't happen...If you learn to love her independant nature you will find years of joy with your sweet, complicated minded girl!!!...Please look for a trainer that understands how the mind of a dog works...Not one that uses force!!...Pyrs are very sensative & you want your girl to trust you!...I have had to be a bit firmer with Samson than I would have liked too & had to take to using the alpha roll on him on occasion when he was around 8 months old but the times were few &far between...I am so happy you are going the extra mile with her!...Around the age of 1 she will start to turn into the serene girl she will be as an adult...Enjoy this puppy time!...Samson turned 1 & started turing into a "real dog"...I miss his puppy days so much! :'( When you are at wits end try to remember this "3 years a young dog, 3 years a good dog, 3 years an old dog & anything else is a gift from God....I am looking forward to many stories about your sweet girl!
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You guys are all great! I feel like Sadie and I have found a new home :-) To answer a question, yes she is potty trained already. She even barks at the door to go out now which is awesome. We boarded her for the first time when she was just 16 weeks, and boy that was really hard. She hated it! She came home and immediately peed in the house, it was like everything we taught her flew right out the window when she went to puppy camp. And OH, the insubordinatio n!!! LOL I am a teacher and I have students who aren't as insubordinate as this dog!! She cracks me up though, we just had her spayed and the doc said no stairs or rough play or anything for two weeks. Soon as she came in the door, she was up and down the stairs just like nothing happened. Guess he doesn't understand her mind very well. Come to think of it, our vet asked us what kind of dog she was the first time we brought her in. HE-LLO! Isn't that like, his job? For those of you with Berners and GSMD's, I'm jealous. I really want to get another "rare" breed, I see some serious butt-kissing happening in this house!
Rachel
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"I see some serious butt-kissing happening in this house!" I so doing that, working on getting Pry # 3.
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You guys are all great! I feel like Sadie and I have found a new home :-) To answer a question, yes she is potty trained already. She even barks at the door to go out now which is awesome. We boarded her for the first time when she was just 16 weeks, and boy that was really hard. She hated it! She came home and immediately peed in the house, it was like everything we taught her flew right out the window when she went to puppy camp. And OH, the insubordinatio n!!! LOL I am a teacher and I have students who aren't as insubordinate as this dog!! She cracks me up though, we just had her spayed and the doc said no stairs or rough play or anything for two weeks. Soon as she came in the door, she was up and down the stairs just like nothing happened. Guess he doesn't understand her mind very well. Come to think of it, our vet asked us what kind of dog she was the first time we brought her in. HE-LLO! Isn't that like, his job? For those of you with Berners and GSMD's, I'm jealous. I really want to get another "rare" breed, I see some serious butt-kissing happening in this house!
Rachel
Be very careful with a vet that isn't familiar with Pyrs!...Because of their very slow metabolism there can be a tragic outcome when the proper anestheia isn't used...You want to make sure, if she ever has to be put under again, that the anestheia is reversible.