Re: [pyrnet] Dogs & other critters

[JGentzel@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/31/2004 10:33:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time, WINDMNT@worldnet.att.net writes:

> So many people think Pyrs aren't very train-able. But mine 
> really have
> been.

So many people simply misunderstand the breed.  Pyrs are one of the most intelligent breeds, but they are so instinct driven and their instinct are so strong and primitive from at least 5000 years of breeding for flock work, they have great difficultly going contrary to their instincts.  What some say is stubbornness, is I believe their following their instincts without reservations or alterations.  What you describe may not really be so much training as the intelligence of the breed coupled with its strong instincts.  Many Pyrs without any clues simply know to heard their flock away from danger or forbidden places.  They are not herders at all, but can herd when pressed to do so in order to more effectively guard their flock.  Yes, they understand what is being taught or demonstrated and as long as it fits with their instincts all is fine.  But activities, such as AKC type obedience work is not in their instincts and they simply cannot be bothered. Little if any guarding activities there.  That is where some people mistake Pyrs for not being train-able or not being the brightest dog.  Some of our academic studiers who have written books on livestock guardian dogs have classified Pyrs as juvenile and not very train-able.  They just never understood what they were looking at and missed the point all together. Now who is the bright one here?   

In my opinion as long as the donkeys "fuss" with the chickens the Pyrs will perceive them as a threat to their flock (chickens in this case).  Just as importantly once the Pyrs "decide" that something (in this case potentially the donkey) is a predator, you probably will not ever change that notion in the dog.  At that point to try to change the behavior of the dog that is so instinct driven would not be at all fair to the dog.  He is doing his job.  You need to try to get the donkey's and chickens settled (away for the Pyrs).  No chasing or fussing with the chickens.  Separately (in my opinion) get the dogs to take the donkeys in as part of their flock.  If you can get these two things done separately, maybe you can put the two groups together as one.   

Good luck.

Joe