Re: [pyrnet] new pyr owner

My Pyrs generally do not play catch or other types of people games. And yes, they sleep a LOT! <G> She does not yet know how to play and be gentle as she has mainly been with stock, so you just need to monitor her play with the children and correct wrong behavior and praise right behavior. She'll probably learn very quickly what and what not to do. Yes, an obedience class can help tremendously. But look for a class that offers positive reinforcement for correct behaviors as opposed to choke collar jerk correction for incorrect behavior. Pyrs tend to "shut down" on you if they feel they're being corrected for something they do not yet understand. They can be very sensitive dogs. As far as teaching her to sit, have her stand next to you, on lead, with her head facing front. Give her the sit command, (have a treat in your hand) and then take the treat, put it in front of her nose and slowly bring it up and backwards. this should get her to lift her nose up in the air and as her head tends to come up and backwards, her butt should hit the floor. At this point you give her the treat and give her lots of happy voice praise. Good sit! Keep repeating the exercise. A few times each. For a few minutes at a time. Pyrs bore easily.