Re: [pyrnet] FW: CHAT, RESCUE

["Judith Stroh Miller" <jsmiller@newmex.com>]

On 12 May 2006 at 13:14, DeeLeAnne@aol.com wrote:

> One of them started killing the livestock that it was acquired to
> protect. It was caught in the act. The owners wanted the dog
> destroyed. I talked them in to giving it to me. Is he a viscous
> animal? No. I think it all boiled down to attention. The animals he
> was protecting received all the attention and he was an after thought.

This is the very reason many rescue groups do not place Pyr's as 
LGD's.  Some rescue groups have no members with livestock so that 
these dogs can be properly evaluated.  Although the Great Pyrenees is 
bred to have very little prey drive, some have more than is acceptable 
for a protection dog.  Also, complete evaluation of a rescue can take 
many months with additional training, especially with the young pyrs. So 
a group needs members that can take these dogs for possibly up to a 
year.

 Pyrs don't make reliable guardians until they reach their maturity and 
the young ones, especially the pups, need guidance from the human 
that is supervising them.  It also helps to have experienced working 
dogs on the premises to act as a mentor to the younger dog.  Many 
times the older dog will correct the younger.

Many Pyrs come from shelters with no history.  Being territorial 
guardians, it must be assumed that the dog was roaming or not 
contained in proper fencing.  Once Pyrs are allowed to roam it can be 
very difficult to contain some of them.  Some settle right in and respect 
good fencing and make fine pet/companions. Some are so determined 
to roam that they would never make a good LGD and are a challenge as 
a pet/companion also.

The benefits of getting a rescue from a reputable rescue group is these 
dogs have been in foster care for an adequate period of time and the 
rescue group knows the dog.  That's not a hard and fast rule either. I 
know of many people who have adopted Pyrs straight from a shelter 
and they are lovely dogs. Another plus is the rescue group is there to 
support the new owner and the dog for that dogs lifetime.  Now Great 
Pyrenees Rescue is so over stressed that there are not enough foster 
homes for the Pyrs in need.

Judith
Taos, New Mexico
jsmiller@newmex.com

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