Re: [pyrnet] CanThis Dog Be Trained?

[spdaly@attbi.com]

In my own personal opinion, I think he would do just fine...

While Pyr's are typically harder to train than some other dogs, and the fact
that he is a little older, might make some types of training frustrating, but
seeing as the task required of him is something that is in his nature to do, I
think with a little encouragement, he can flourish in that environment. The
herding may be a little tricky, but protecting his flock will be completely
natural. 

Most importantly, I would make sure that the 10 acres has a fence surrounding
the property. While that is a nice amount of space to let the dog roam, he will
undoubtedly roam off the property given his history.

I would make sure that everyone is comfortable with the the response of both the
5 year old and the pyr before moving forward. 

Don't worry about him seeming so sweet, and don't associate him being protective
with being nasty. Pyr's are extremely loving and "protective" animals. They are
typically extremely devoted to their family and flock, and will instinctively
put themselves in harms way to protect those they love. This does not require
him to be nasty or viscous, just protective. It would not be his bad temperament
or attitude that would make him aggressive towards a threat, but his immense
love for those who he feels he must protect. It is his purpose, and in his
nature. He feels it is his job within the pack to protect.

Patrick "our 1 1/2 year old Pyr" is the most docile creature on the planet,
wanting nothing more than to sit on your lap, play around outside and hang out
with his family. I would go as far as to say that he would never hurt a fly even
if provoked. He just seems to goofy to become aggressive. That is definitely not
the case. The only times I have ever seen him become aggressive (not just
barking, but in a defensive stance, growling, snarling and such) was when he
thought we were in danger. He has never "attacked", but has definitely
intimidated, and I don't believe had he felt it absolutely necessary that he
would have hesitated one second.

We had a service technician show up to work on our furnace 2 months ago. From
the moment he walked into the house, Patrick went postal. I led him over to the
man to let him greet him, and patrick wanted nothing more than to have me let
him go so he could run this guy out of the house. I put Patrick in his crate
(still barking and growling) and let the guy into the basement, shutting the
door behind him. I let Patrick out of the crate, and I swear he tried to break
through the door, barking and growling at the door. He finally just laid down in
front of the door and wouldn't let anyone near it, barking any time he heard
noise downstairs. The guy finished his work, and started back up the stairs, and
patrick went nuts again. I had to put him back in his crate before I could open
the door.

The most interesting part of this story is, 2 weeks later, the oil company
called us and asked if anything had gone missing on the day he had come. Come to
find out, he was stealing things when on service calls. 

The point here is, your docile, loving and frumpy Mr. bear will instinctively do
whatever he feel necessary to protect those who he believes are his duty to
protect. 

I am a little concerned about the Bear killing a dog incident. I know the
history of Pyr's vs Bears... As amazing as it is, I personally don't like it. A
pyr is a force to be reckoned with, but a bear 5 times his weight and size (with
razor sharp claws) can seriously injure or kill a Pyr if provoked.

I personally believe that Pyr's were primarily used in this area back when less
emphasis was put on having "pets", and more on owning a "working animal". I
don't think the loss of a dog to a bear was anywhere near as important as the
loss of 30 sheep over the course of a year. I believe those farmers kept Pyr's
as "expendable protection".

That is my own personal opinion... I know of stories where pyr's were used quite
recently to fend off bears, and with much success... I just couldn't personally
commit my animal to such a dangerous task. The coyotes on the other hand, I
wouldn't worry about one bit. After 1 or 2 encounters with Mr. Bear, they will
probably make it a point to find another flock on a safer property than deal
with the likes of your big white monster :).

Well, long winded, but those are my thoughts. I'm sure many will agree, and
disagree to many of my points.

In the end, I wish you and Mr. Bear good luck whatever you decide!

Sean
> A dog rescuer who is not familiar with Pyrs has raised several questions that 
> the group 
> may be able to respond to. Please cc: grank@paonline.com with your responses. 
> Thanks.
> 
> Greetings,
> On Monday Mr. Bear and my husband (gotta have extra muscle to
> pick him up)and I will be making a trip to the Vet for neutering,
> heartworm test and rabies shot.  I spoke to Bill Mascho he has a 10 Acre
> farm that he is looking for a guard dog for.  He has cattle, goats,
> other small animals, a small dog they just got and a 5 year old child.
> I know the breed is a working breed but I am concerned that with what
> this dog has been through this may not be the ideal situation for him.
> Bill also mentioned the 5 year old is scared of big dogs... he wants to
> come look at him, willing to drive down to here but I just don't think
> it is a good match.  Can you give me some thoughts?  If Bear is only 1
> or 2 years old is he still young enough to be taught how to herd and
> protect or because of the breed is he supposed to really be a natural?
> Bill admitted he has no training knowledge but has a friend who will
> help "train" the dog. I'm also concerned that since Bear apparently
> hasn't done more then live in back yards and roam around I'm not sure
> turning him loose on 10 A is a good idea.  This Bill also mentioned that
> he is looking for stock protection from the coyotes, he said they have
> trapped 6 coyotes on his place recently and that bear are in the area
> and that down the road a few years ago a bear killed a dog!  I really
> don't like the potential situation but if this is what the bred is
> raised for, am I just being too protective of my Mr.Bear?  He doesn't
> seem to have a nasty bone in he body, he is just too sweet.
> Please send me your thoughts.  Thank you
> Greta grank@paonline.com
> 
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