Re: [pyrnet] pyr language. (long)

["sandy white" <swhite2@houston.rr.com>]

Brandi,
As you get to know your puppy, you will recognize his different barks and
apply meaning to them.

Probably the first one that you will learn is the alarm to go out now-can't
wait, bark, then the request to go out (ok put on your shoes first) bark.

For guarding they have a warning off bark.  Most people call this barking at
leaves.  They also have a preventative bark.  It keeps airplanes from
landing in your yard.  It keeps the birds and the squirrels up in the trees.
It keeps the neighbors on the other side of the fence.  It tries to make
your refrigerator stop rattling.  It announces a stray cat or neighbor dog
is in your yard.  You can be sure it is aimed at something, but it is
probably harmless.

 The next level of intensity is very noticeable.  The pyr only does it at
real events for serious or potentially serious events, such as, someone is
trying to get into your house or steal your car on the driveway or is
already in the house.  At our house it means that doors slammed or people or
cats moved about in the house, where no one is supposed to be now, someone
is knocking on the front door, someone is stuffing fliers on the front door,
there are voices at the front door, there are voices by the car in the
driveway, a close neighbor is hammering.  When you hear this bark you must
tell the pyr that you will investigate, then do it, and then tell the pyr
that he is relieved of duty and you will handle it, that is if you want him
to stop barking.  It is good to reward with a dog cookie for any barking in
this category that you appreciate and want him to do the alarm bark again.

After this, the level is a huge growl for bad people determined in their
judgment or from vibes from you.

Pys also make fun noises.  There is a little chuckle, snortle that they make
when they are happy.  It is absolutely adorable.

When the pup is small, you want to train him to calm himself and to stop
himself from barking, rather than trying to train him not to bark.  In my
opinion, the pyr is going to bark, it is just a question of how loud and how
long.

When the pup is small, they train more easily than when they are older. So 1
minute to train a pup, two or three times is equal to 10 minutes every day
for three weeks for a year old dog.  (That formula is taken from the air.)

Decide what barking you can tolerate and your neighbors can tolerate, then
train.  Use the pup's name and a short one or two word command. Always use
the same command with no extra words and no different words.  Call their
name then the command.  Praise lavishly with hugs for compliance.  If there
are others in the family make sure you all use the same word for the
commands.

Generally in dog training whatever you pay attention to and reward, you will
get more of, but pyrs are more complex because of the inherent guarding
personality.  In my opinion, they do not stop barking until the alpha
switches to you.  If you have only one puppy, it will be alpha among dogs
and will have to be on guard.  As his respected Mom, you can help him set
limits on when he had to be on duty and what he has to be alert for.  This
will cut down the barking and let the dog relax in the house, (assuming he
is going to be a pet not a stock guard.)

Lots of luck,
These pyrs are special, big huggable bears, and wonderful friends. (If you
train, they really don't bark unless there is something there!)
Sandy