[PyrNet-L] A few questions for you professionals

[Mark Ripplinger <rip@forbin.com>]

Hello: I recently joined this discussion site and have a few questions
for all Pyrenees owners who want to provide me with their opinions or
information.

I am the proud owner of two dogs, a six year old female golden retriever

(spayed) and a 6.5 year old Border Collie/Collie mix (neutered). Just
recently I discovered that a one year old Great Pyrenees male (neutered)

was available at my local Humane Society. He is a beautiful dog and
seems well behaved when I have taken him for walks the past few days. He
has not barked once which I like but not sure if this a normal tendency.
He has a slight limp (front left leg) which the veterinarian says should
clear up in the next six months as his leg and/or shoulder growth catch
up with each other. The joints have been x-rayed and there does not seem
to be problems.

My background and questions for you (or any comments you can provide)
are these.

I am single and my dogs are "house" dogs. They are confined to the
kitchen while I am gone but have the run of the rest of the house while
I am here. Both dogs are exercised mildly (30 minute walk or so after
work) and occasional retrieving sessions. I am also able to come home
each day for lunch and let them out at that time. My yard is not fenced
but both dogs stay in the vicinity when let out to relieve themselves
and will return when done or when they are called. The Golden is healthy
and the Border Collie suffers from seizures (which he is medicated for
twice daily).

I am considering adopting the GP from the Humane Society. However I have
read a few FAQ's and still have some questions Does this
breed have the same tendencies or "ability with training" to act the
same as my existing dogs regarding staying in the yard when let out or
does the GP need to be on a leash or fenced yard at all times? (Before I

get scolded about letting my dogs run free I will say that I am in a
pretty rural setting and this has not been a problem since I got my dogs

in 1993 and 1994.) How does the GP act around other dogs in general? I
know I may be asking open-ended questions since you have not seen the GP
I am interested in but I am just interested in the tendencies of the
breed in general. SInce many of you have owned them for years I trust
your input. Also, I don't want to put the GP in a position to get
comfortable with my surroundings only to find out that he is not what I
thought he would be.

If you take time to answer, please forward all answer to my e-mail
instead of the list-serv. Thank you very much.

Happy Holidays!!

-mark