Re: [pyrnet] Re: Behaviors.

["Linda Weisser" <lmweisser@home.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: <clhenke@juno.com>


<< I'm probably going to get blasted for this, >>

I'm certainly not blasting you but I do think that perhaps you need to
consider the experiences of most rescue groups in terms of behavior in dogs
that are abandoned to shelters or given up by their owners because they are
aggressive.  Also note in the GPCA health survey that the leading cause of
death in male Pyrs under 2 is euthanasia for aggression.  This is NOT a
pussycat breed. They need firm and clear direction and boundries or many of
them overstep immediately.  Allowing a dog to mouth you may easily lead to
the assumption that he is allowed to use his teeth to express his opinions.
When that opinion is that he does or does not want something that you want,
there is trouble brewing.   I do not think that this discussion has anything
to do with dogs and wolves and I don't know how that arose here.  I also
think that it is important to remember that the world is not populated by
generic "dog".  That there are huge differences in behaviors and
temperaments between breeds.  The LGD breeds are still close to their
essential purpose.  They are not like Goldens or Beagles, nor should they
be, nor should these breeds act or react identically.  I would also cast
some cautions about Pyrs (or any LGD breeds) prefering humans to their own
kind or, even moreso, to their "freedom" and sense of independence.  I know
that their are people who would prefer to own and breeders who strive to
breed, Pyrs that are easy and cooperative and "obedient" (within reason).  I
personally will rue the day that the breed becomes so domesticated.  Or,
personally, that they become my "children".  I love this breed *because* of
its pride and independence and unwillingness to grovel to me.  We live, my
dogs and I, in a world of comfort and convenience, each making compromises
for the needs of the other.  But they are NOT my children and I am not their
mother.

Linda