Tracy, I've found that my girl is not a "tail wagger" either (but she DOES smile!) and much prefers to approach, rather then be approached. She will drop her head out of reach and back up a step if crowded and wait for the individual to wait for her to come to them. Children are the only exception to the rule. Since she's exposed to our grandchilren on a regular basis, ranging in age from 9 months to 11 years, she's very accepting of all little ones and will let strangers' children approach her without any shyness on her part.
To be honest, I much prefer her behavior as it's the safest for both the human and the dog involved. She has also refused to accept treats or food from someone unless I tell her it's ok, which makes me quite happy!
On another note, since I am a new Pyr mom, I'm finding out all kinds of interesting things about the breed (like eating furniture and "hot spots"). Although both of our Labs were in the 80-90 pound range, a nylon collar & lead was all I ever used on them. I have been told, by several experienced trainers and Pyr owners alike, that I need leather with the Pyr. After checking the prices for good quality leather, I was amazed at the cost! I found a place on-line that had beautiful, hand-tooled, braided and regular, Latigo collars & leads (6') with SOLID brass hardware, for what I think is a really reasonable price. I sent for 2 sets (we're "expecting a baby brother for Angel in a a couple of months) and the total, including s/h came to about $62. Although you can't see the collar, covered by that beautiful white coat, (grin) the lead gets compliments everytime we go anywhere. Naturally, my girl got burgandy and our future "son" got black (both of which are guarenteed not to bleed). Angel, being anything BUT her namesake has put the collar to the test. We live in south Florida & have had our afternoon "Boomers", leaving wonderous puddles in which to play! While she DOES look like a large BLACK puppy, there is no "rub off" from the collar. I just thought I would mention this in case there are any others out there new to this and need information on getting reasonably priced leather for their Pyr. The collars are $11 and go up to a 24" neck, the leads are $16. for 6' .
Angel and I are waiting for our 9 day Spring Break with great and joyous anticipation! ONLY ONE MORE WORK DAY LEFT!
Cat & Angel
Tracy <espinay@bigpond.com> wrote:
<happens to be a pyr who will not be one of those "tail waggers", unless he
really knows you and likes you. >> Tery
I wouldn't consider any of my Pyrs 'tail waggers' - more they are reserved
and relaxed in public, do not start or shy at strange objects or events and
will not go crazy everytime they see another dog or human (waiting for my
permission to 'talk' should I feel it appropriate). What I want to achieve
personally with socialisation is for the dogs to be comfortable and look to
me for direction in new and strange situations and not to be uptight and
crazy everytime a new dog or person comes along or approaches them.
Socialisation is also about me learning their limits. I know that Halley,
for instance, is more comfortable with direct approaches by men than Milou
is (who is more protective of me in general) and that Milou is happier with
puppies and other small animals crawling all over than Halley is. Lisa-Jane
will stress when crowded and prefers to approach than be approached
(although she has improved immensely in the 2 years since she came as a
rescue). I also know to watch carefully for approaching dogs with my
Dalmatian as she will not tolerate 'rudeness' on their part and to keep her
under control and focussed on me when in a crowd of dogs (or walk around the
crowd) to avoid possible incidents. I know their limits and remain relaxed
but alert to not putting them in situations where they would be 'pushed'.
It is also about knowing how to get them out of a situation if necessary (eg
by practicing 'calling them out' during playtime etc). What I am getting at
I guess is that socialisation won't necessarily create perfect little tail
wagging socialites. What it can do however (if handled appropriately) is
help those 'surprises' not to become major incidents and make being out and
about more pleasant and relaxed for both the dog AND you.
Tracy Bassett
Murrumbateman, Australia
espinay@bigpond.com
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