Re: [PyrNet-L] Indiana Pyr

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

Welcome to the list Candace,

We have several members of this list who are very experienced in carting
with Pyrs...Colette & Warwick and Janice?

Probably the best general book on Pyrs available is "The New Complete
Great Pyrenees" written by Paul Strang.  You can order the book through
pet supply catalogues such as R.C. Steele.

Pyrs are really different from other breeds.  Some people have said that
they are a bit like siamese cats, aloof.  As a livestock guardian breed,
they have been bred to guard their flocks on large properties without
direction from humans....in other words, they have been bred to think
for themselves. Along with this, they have been bred to be laid-back and
slow moving with no chase or retrieve instinct so that they can blend in
with the sheep without spooking them.  These two things drive dog
obedience trainers crazy.  Their main aim in life is NOT to please
people and it is very difficult to get them to move quickly, come
quickly, or obey commands quickly.  Many Pyrs also have a streak of
insecurity and get their feelings hurt easily.  This does not mean that
they are difficult to train or hard headed. In my opinion Pyrs are
smarter than most and the perfect companion.(of course, I am not into
high-energy activities).  It just means that you have to make training
fun and worth their while to do.  You are not likely to get a Pyr to
come to you when there is something they think might be dangerous or
important to check out.  Barking is probably the number one complaint of
Pyr owners.....they need to patrol their property and warn off those
bears and wolves (some even warn off falling leaves and passing
airplanes).