Re: [PyrNet-L] If Pyrs were easy to train...(Long)

[UTILITYK9@aol.com]

OK

Here is my 2 cents worth.  I have a Pyr...a pretty typical pyr (though many
don't think so).  He is really independent, really stubborn, often difficult,a
goofball and eminently lovable. He is my on the floor cuddle bunny, my "go for
a ride in the car" junkie, my only dog (except a family dog I had growing up),
loves his massages, is somewhat spoiled, is a very definite member of my
family and is a *Competitive* obedience dog.

His name is Ernie and he has only one more leg to get for his UD.  So far, he
has a first place and a second (the second was in all breed competition).  He
was NOT a natural.  They are difficult to train.  At home with a cookie and a
"please come" most any dog will obey.  I don't consider that trained.  When
you can have your dog retrieve a dumbbell even under the most confusing and
distracting situations every time, he is then trained to that exercise.

I am all for praise and "atta boys" and treats when training, but when the dog
chooses not to follow your command, all the praise and treats in the world
won't help.  He must know that there will be a consequence to his actions.
Only then do you have a dog that will perform reliably and willingly.

I train with a lot of very advanced competitive trainers, some with multiple
OTCH's, and quite a few tried clicker training, none of them are currently
using it.  The good trainers will try and use various modalities, the ones
that work they keep, the ones that don't go by the wayside.

These trainers are very dedicated and work hard with their respective breeds,
but NONE of them would like to train a Pyr to advanced levels.  It is too much
work! I have yet to see a Pyr give his absolute, undivided attention to the
trainer during a work session, but I have seen Border Collies, Belgian
Malnois, Labs, Goldens, Boxers, Cockers,GSD's, Bouvier's, and even Mals do so.

This is not to say they can't be trained.  As Cathryn said, all Pyrs should
have at least basic obedience training.  They are just more difficult than
most other breeds.You just can't give up when it gets too tough or
frustrating, you will end up with a much nicer dog to have around in the end.

As far as versatility, let me list Ernie's accomplishments.
He has his International, International Veteran, and AKC Championships, he has
his Canadian CD, AKC CDX, two legs toward his UD, he is the first Pyr to get
his DD, Draft Dog title (carting degree), he also has his Canine Good Citizen
and the highest versatility degree the National Club offers, Versatility with
Excellence.  He is in the GPCA Hall of Fame for obedience, and as soon as we
get his third UD leg, we are going tracking!  By the way, tracking is done on
a very long line, so those of you who  might shy away from trying cause the
"off lead" thing...No Excuses!!<VBG>

I think that training involves mutual respect, and the rules have to stay the
same.  Consistency is probably the most important thing. Whether your dog is
soft or hard, the correction must fit the dog and circumstances.  For some
dogs, this might be a scolding word, another needs a jerk on the leash,
another might need an ear pinch, and some you have to hit with a two by four
(just kidding for some of you!!!) Love & kind words are wonderful, but the dog
must also respect you.

Ernie also had a lot to overcome just to become a dog.  I did not get him till
he was 16 months old.  He wouldn't respond to people, he acted almost as if he
was autistic.  He was also very fearful.  It took me a year and a half of
holding his face just for him to make eye contact with me!

He will be 10 in 2 months, he is starting to show his age, but he is still the
best buddy a girl could ask for.  He still talks back when he doesn't want to
do something, but all in all, he is wonderful.

Holly Zech & Ernie 
Sacramento, CA