As I mentioned, we have always had males. We decided on a female sibling for Kodiak based?on the potential for volatility with the male/male dynamic. However, I am seeing now as a female Pyr matures, she could just as easily decide she wants to upgrade her position in the pack.?
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As far as the neutered/non-neutered dynamic goes:
When our neutered Pyr, Fermet turned three he was like Jekyll and Hyde around our sweet, five-year old, non-neutered Zeus. Zeus was a great mentor for Fermat and the two coexisted well together but we really had to work around that frightening aspect of Fermet's otherwise quirky and delightful?personality.
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The first time they got in a fight it was like watching two frothing bears in the forest. They were two different dogs and it was clear they didn't know who I was when I yelled at them. I knew not to intervene yet felt like I had to do something so I hosed them down. Fermet (younger, neutered Pyr) was always the antagonist and Zeus (Newf) didn't respond until he was completely provoked and annoyed.
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The odd thing is that when we had three or more (male) dogs (usually a pyr, newf and some other types), the aggression wasn't as constant once the pack order was established.
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Christine
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Laurie: I am sorry about Ruby. I bet she was a positive influence on Bacchus.
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From: "Laurie McDonough" <laurie88888@yahoo.com>
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:15:01 AM
Subject: [pyrnet] Pyr sisters/brothers/friends?
Having just lost my 15-year old Lab girl that helped me raise Bacchus for the last year, the last few months have been difficult and sad for us.? But, Bacchus deserves a rich life so I am also giving thought to getting another Pyr or other dog in the future - probably sometime next year.? In the meantime I am trying to find every possible opportunity to let Bacchus spend time with other dogs.
I have enjoyed the "little sister" topic and am wondering how intact male Pyrs interact with males who were neutered young (Bacchus was neutered at 7 months).? Do intact males respond to neutered males as a threat?? I spend time at a friend's farm who has an intact male 6 months older than Bacchus and so far they have been good friends and playmates, but I am a little concerned about whether I should be vigilant about supervising them.? Bacchus' mother and sisters live there also and all of those dogs are actively guarding goats and poultry, while Bacchus is "just visiting" and only wants to play.? (He is still such a puppy personality at 1 year!)? The male patrols the property freely while the girls are inside fenced fields and pens.
Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!
Laurie & Bacchus
Ruby at the Rainbow Bridge 11.3.09