Ah yes Terry - you are a "hands on" pyr owner - carefully socializing and training your dog to be well mannered. As we all know, many pyrs are very strong and single minded characters who need that hands on approach to shape and mould their personalities to make them a joy to be with. It is these "strong" dogs that I admire the most. Just leaving a young pup to his/her own devices in an outside pen - and then hoping that it will grow up with manners - no food aggression etc - is just "pie in the sky". What a waste of potential! You would be saddened to know that even the so called experts in the breed don't always practice what they preach.
I have a 17 month old male right now, who when younger, did not like to surrender "contraband" to me. Some of his prizes were a dead gopher, a leather glove, a childs shoe. I used to "swap" with him for a treat - and a hug. Now he is pretty good at relinquishing his booty - and for sure, he knows better than to growl!!
Lots of early attention and socializing with gentle and consistant discipline - and you will reap the rewards for a lifetime.
Geraldine
Subject: Re: [pyrnet] Puppy growled over a dea mouse - response?
Hi Linda:
When we got our Pyr, he was 22 weeks old. From the very first day, I have been able to take things/objects out of his mouth, particularly when he picks up something when we are out walking. I first tell him "NO," and then I proceed to take hold of his mouth, open it up, and remove whatever it is that is in there, including old bones, etc. He did growl at me one time, although I'm really not sure whether or not he was just complaining or actually attempting to warn me off. I immediately shook him by the scruff of his neck, and simultaneously gave him a LOUD VOCAL REPRIMAND. He has never growled at me like that again. He will from time to time "Complain/Protest," when things don't go his way, and after awhile you will be able to differentiate between your boys different types of barking and his attempts to communicate with you. No Pyr should ever exhibit any type of aggressive behavior toward its owner or any other family
member.
Hope this is helpful:
Terry Rickert
"Linda J. Anderson" <nightsky@direcway.com> wrote: