Re: [PyrNet-L] Aggression and Pyrs

[SDOBSCHA@lnmta.bentley.edu]

the difference between alpha and temperment is real but the real question
is:  what does one do about a pyr with a bad temperment???  i'll be the
first to admit that i have a bad tempered pyr but i don't know what to do
about it.  i've written in a few times before about the problems with
seamus but i still haven't gotten any concrete solutions back from the
list.  i've curbed all the alpha problems in the house (stealing food,
growling over down stays, jumping up, etc.) to where he's actually quite
polite in the house now.  however, when we go for walks he goes ballistic
whenever another dog walks by.  he instigates fights with almost any dog
that comes near him and there isn't one element of instinct that he's
larger and more powerful.  every dog is a threat to him.  my last pyr
didn't have this confidence problem, probably because i raised him from a
puppy, but this guy has all the rescue baggage you can imagine.  i'm really
frustrated and sometimes regret taking a 4 home rescue dog into my home.
we already did level one obedience and i'm currently using a gentle leader
collar when on walks but that is more for my control than curbing his
behavior.

i guess i'm frustrated with all the stories with pyrs having the instinct
to know what is a real threat because mine clearly doesn't.  imho, we need
a wider range of behavior discussions in order to solve these very real
problems of all pyr owners.  stories of how good pyrs act in certain
situations are endearing but they don't help those of us struggling with
rescue or other pyrs that act uncharacteristically like the breed.

my 3 cents (inflation),

susan dobscha