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

[Charlotte & Jack Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Holly,
Loved hearing about all Ernie's accomplishments...what a great success
story.

I think the thread about obedience training and methods for training
dogs just goes to show how different each dog is and how important it is
to know your dog and what works best for him or her.

We trained 3 of our Pyrs to CD degrees some 20+ years ago. Two of them
we trained in Open as well as in an all-Pyr obedience team.  Although
they would perform perfectly at home, class and park, they never
succeeded in getting CDX degrees because at that time the jumps were
just too high and they kept getting injured. We found it very difficult
to teach the retrieve (might have been easier if we had started when
they were pups) We still occasionally take Pyrs to obedience classes but
are just too lazy to do competition.  I think the other reason is that
Pyrs are so easy to live with and to train to our lifestyle that it just
isn't necessary to do a lot of formal training (unlike some of the
hyperactive breeds that are just begging to do something for you...and
will get into trouble if they don't have something to do).  To me, one
of the most perfect activities for Pyrs is therapy work, visiting sick,
elderly or needy children.

For me the most important benefit of doing any type of training with a
dog is to become familiar with that particular dog's personality and how
best to communicate with and train him or her.  Each one of my dogs is
different.  What works with one may not work with another (that's why I
appreciate new methods and ideas).

I have gotten some good ideas from the posts - am interested in trying
tellington touch.

Charlotte