Re: [PyrNet-L] New Owner With Questions

[wetheri@emmanuel.edu (Ann K. Wetherilt)]

Welcome to the list, Kris, and congratulations on your puppy! My
experience is limited with raising a puppy (just one!) but will share what
I can.

klbyrd@tampabay.rr.com writes:
 
>
>   Have any of you had difficulty finding a vet that knew much
>   about your dog? Our's is one of the better clinics in the area and
>   they didn't even have the breed in their computer. Then, we
>   were told that the double de-claws in the back are a fault in the
>   breed and even after we corrected him, he insisted that we must
>   be mistaken. He also seemed to have anegative attitude about
>   the breed because of their size. I have a few questions which I
>   hope some of you can help out with.

We recently had to find a new vet because ours left the area. We tried
two, one of whom was clearly nervous around Paddington, especially--he's a
big boy--32" at the shoulders, and the other had to look everything up in
a book. And we know there are several pyrs seen regularly at this clinic,
where ours have been cared for for over 15 years now. We finally found a
"traveling vet" who seems just terrific. She's happy to have us share
information specific to the breed, she diagnosed  a slipped disc in
Paddington's neck which the others had both missed, and even our shy Ivy
Rose came over to sniff her by the time she'd been in the house a few
minutes. My point is, I guess, don't settle for 2nd best, but keep asking
and looking around until you find someone you can have confidence in. We
lost a pyr to bone cancer last Spring, and were confident that our vet
knew when to refer us to a specialist, was paying close attention to our
observations, and would work with us regarding treatment options and when
to make that ultimate excruciating decision on euthanizing. I think this
was very much in our minds when our first two tries left us feeling
anything but confident. Many vets haven't had a lot of experience with
pyrs, but at least they should be able to admit that and welcome the
information we can provide!
>
>
>   1.) Should we consider having the de-claws removed?

I surely wouldn't! Ours seem to use them almost like thumbs to hold toys,
bones, etc. Ivy Rose tore one of hers a little jumping up on the fence,
but it healed well and didn't seem to cause her pain or grief. Other than
that, all we have to do is clip them a bit more regularly than the other
claws because they don't get worn down.
>
>
>   2.) When using oral treatments for heartworms, does the unique
>   metabolism of the Pyr need to be taken into account, or is this
>   only necessary for anesthesia?

Just anesthesia, I think. Our vet clinic has levels of pre-anesthesia
testing/surgical monitoring that clients can select. We always choose the
highest level, which means everything is carefully monitored at all times.
>
>
>   3.) Does anyone know whether the training techniques
>   applicable to other breeds work well with the Pyrenees? Do you
>   feel traditional obedience training for the Pyr is essential or
>   optional?

I second what Cindy said. Positive and affirmative, not brute force, and
don't expect golden-like recalls! Also, you really need to make training
sessions fun and short with these dogs--they are very bright and get bored
easily! We've found all four that we've had very easy to train to be
wonderful companions and house dogs. Formal obedience work is another
story!
>
>
>   4.) Has anyone had luck with a specific technique that would
>   keep a Pyr puppy from playfully biting hard or from playfully
>   pawing (and scratching)?

Our trainer suggested we begin addressing the biting by pushing our hand
or whatever further *in* to the puppy's mouth. It worked quite well for
Paddington, and Ivy's never done it. Of course, we didn't have her as a
puppy.  The few times he really persisted, she told us to actually stick a
finger down into his throat. This stopped the behavior very quickly. The
pawing and scratching is another matter. I'll be interested to see if
anyone comes up with a solution here! It's affectionate,
attention-getting, whatever, not badness, but it can really hurt!
>
>
> 
Look forward to hearing more about your little one!
Ann, Peg, Paddington and Ivy Rose
>