Are Great Pyrenees Dogs Easy To Train?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Training a Great Pyrenees

can be difficult, but it can also be easy if you start early and maintain kindness and consistency

. Originally bred for guarding livestock, the Pyr is used to working and thinking on his own. This trait is still strong, whether he comes from a line of pet dogs or working dogs.

Are Great Pyrenees good house dogs?


The Great Pyrenees can be a wonderful companion if you live in a suburban or rural area and lead a fairly placid life

. These dogs like having quiet time in the house and enjoy a predictable, orderly routine. The guarding nature of this breed makes socialization especially important.

Are Great Pyrenees good for first time owners?

Great Pyrenees have earned a reputation of being “willful and stubborn” animals.

Many people say that this is not a good breed for first-time dog owners

. However, if you are aware of, and accept, the negative breed traits, we promise that the positive traits will make Pyrenean ownership more than worthwhile.

Do Great Pyrenees train well?

Pyrs have a strong independent streak—it’s what makes a Pyr a Pyr—and are

not easily obedience-trained

. We joke that “Come” is only a request for most Pyrs. Training is a challenge for some owners, so if you require a dog who will display unquestioning obedience, you should probably look elsewhere.

Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?

If your Great Pyrenees is prone to barking, rest assured you are not alone.

Barking in this breed is very common

—so common that it’s rare to see one that doesn’t exhibit this behavior.

Will Great Pyrenees bite?

They will not attack other people on sight, and

there are not many cases of the Great Pyrenees biting other people

. Only about 22% of Great Pyrenees are aggressive towards strangers.

Are Great Pyrenees Snow dogs?

3. Great Pyrenees. With their thick, double fur coats and love of winter,

great Pyrenees dogs love the snow

. According to the Great Pyrenees Club of America, they are considered mountain dogs and were once used to herd and guard sheep in Asia and Europe.

Is it better to get a male or female Great Pyrenees?


Female pyrs tend to rule the show and be more strong-willed than the males

, so it is often advised not to adopt two females together or a female with a strong-willed male. Of course, this varies per dog, so it is important to consider the individual personalities.

Do Great Pyrenees like to swim?

While the Great Pyrenees has been used as a hunting dog in the past, the modern Pyr isn’t a sporting dog. Aside from being likely to wander, they don’t have the stamina for days spent in the field. And

swimming may be difficult for many Great Pyrenees

, so retrieving is not a likely task for this breed.

Do Great Pyrenees like to snuggle?


Your Great Pyrenees Just Wants to Cuddle

Many dogs love cuddling with the people they love, and the Great Pyrenees is no exception. As a result your Great Pyrenees may be trying to curl up in your lap simply because he wants to snuggle with one of his favorite people.

Do Great Pyrenees like to fetch?


They do not fetch

and they won’t reward your bad behavior by bringing back a perfectly good object you threw away.

At what age do Great Pyrenees start guarding?

Usually

around six months

, a Great Pyrenees will find his voice and begin his job of guarding and protecting.

What’s the easiest dog to train?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Miniature Schnauzer. …
  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Bearded Collie.

What’s the best way to train a Great Pyrenees?

  1. Be patient. I cannot express how important patience is when training a Great Pyrenees. …
  2. Be confident. A continuation of “be patient” is to be confident. …
  3. Keep it positive. …
  4. Focus on bonding. …
  5. Keep a sense of humor. …
  6. Take it slow. …
  7. Practice everywhere. …
  8. Use the right tools.

Are Great Pyrenees puppies calm?


Placid and calm

, the Great Pyrenees is a gentle and affectionate breed great for families. They’re patient and tolerant with kids, although they can sometimes be overly protective around strangers and unfamiliar pets.

Can I train my Great Pyrenees not to bark?


You cannot train a Great Pyrenees not to bark

.

Yes, you can absolutely manage the barking, reduce its frequency and intensity, and remain on the good side of your neighbors, but attempting to eliminate pyr barking is going against their natural instincts.

Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot at night?

The Root of the Behavior

Shepherds used these dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains in France. Their original job was to protect sheep by blending in with their white fur and then barking loudly to scare off predators.

Great Pyrenees dogs were essential during the night to protect the sheep from many nocturnal predators.

Why Do Great Pyrenees have extra toes?

I was confused. Everything I read about the Great Pyrenees breed stated that the double dew claws should never be removed.

The rear dew claws serve a purpose and are attached by a bone, which means removing them is akin to removing a human thumb

.

Do Pyrenees like other dogs?

Do Great Pyrenees Get Along with Other Dogs?

Generally, Great Pyrenees get along well with other dogs

. The two most important factors will be your Pyrenees’ personality and the way that they are introduced to other dogs. Like all dogs, Great Pyrenees have instincts that can make first impressions less than appealing.

What are common problems with Great Pyrenees?

The Great Pyrenees dog, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, may suffer from minor health problems like

entropion, osteosarcoma, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), skin problems, cataract, chondrodysplasia, and panosteitis

; it is also prone to serious problems like canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and patellar …

Do Great Pyrenees get aggressive with age?

Do Great Pyrenees dogs get aggressive with age?

No, any properly trained Great Pyrenees dog will become more mellow with age, not more aggressive

. As Great Pyrenees grow with age, they prefer to use their large size to intimidate strangers, rather than attack them.

Where Should Great Pyrenees sleep?

Then watch the dog bed sit in the corner collecting dust while your Great Pyrenees prefers to lay

on the cool, hard floor

. Or completely take over your couch.

Do Great Pyrenees overheat easily?

Summer has started early this year and temperatures have been in the 80’s and 90’s now for a while. While it is important to walk our dogs the high outside temperatures can also be a bit tough on a Pyr’s body.

Canines can easily get overheated

.

Are Great Pyrenees OK in hot weather?

Great Pyrenees do best in cooler climates, but

don’t clip his hair during hot weather

. His coat insulates him and keeps him cool, so when you shave the hair you compromise his natural protection from the sun.

Why Do Great Pyrenees paw you?

Pretty much, he does it

when he wants attention

, which is all the time. Sometimes, this behavior can be sweet or funny. It can make you want to engage with your dog or make you feel more affectionate. It can also help you know when your dog needs something.

How do I get my Great Pyrenees puppy to stop biting?


Turn your back with your hands folded over your chest so she can’t reach them

. Don’t give her any attention until she settles down. When she settles and stops trying to get your attention, give her attention and positive praise for not biting. When she bites again, immediately stop what you are doing and ignore her.

Is it better to have 2 Great Pyrenees?

“Pyrs are like potato chips – nobody can have just one.” Most of our Pyrs seem to enjoy the company of other Pyrs and thrive with their companionship. If we can find a potential new home for a dog with another Pyr and IF the temperaments of the 2 (or more) dogs are compatible, this is probably the ideal placement.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.