[PyrNet-L] have to ask......

["Murden, Deanna" <Deanna.Murden@wl.com>]

With so much discussion about the natural guard duties of the Great
Pyrenees,  I have to ask when they begin to use their instincts.

I have a 5.5 mo old pyr, when we take her for walks she is very aware of
her surroundings, stopping at anything she doesn't recognize.  We stop,
I show her it's okay (trash can, car starting, person getting paper etc.
etc.) and encourage her along.  I realize she is learning and needs to
know about all these things, so we take our time.  Her stance is
definately "guard dog" while checking out the new item.  It's cute.  But
she's waaayyyy behind me, feet planted, ears up, chest forward, the
whole bit.  After a few seconds, and some encouragement, off we go.  I
never ever show disapproval at her stopping to check things out.

It is my assumption that she is building her "library" of environmental
things.  At a later date, she will use them in her "duties" of guarding
me and the cats.  Is this true? Will I just be surprised some day when
she jumps forward and stops to alert me of something?  I'm curious.

Deanna Murden