Re: [PyrNet-L] Question:

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

Judith,
Good post about training Pyrs.  I agree with you that Pyrs are smart but
they do get bored.  I have a funny example of how Pyrs watch others in
class.  We once had an all-Great Pyrenees obedience class.  One day one
of the dogs decided to do the group down stay lying on his back with all
4 legs in the air.  The next week when we did the group down stay we had
12 Great Pyrenees all lying on their backs with legs in the air.  We
couldn't believe it.  Unfortunately no one had a camera!
Charlotte

Judith Stroh Miller wrote:
> 
> On 17 Jun 99, at 12:27, Tony Leopold wrote:
> 
> > I'm going to be tacky and respond to me own post b/c I feel that I should
> > clarify that I realize, as a breed, Pyreness aren't the best or easiest
> > dogs to train or take to obedience classes. But I'm sure some, if not
> > many, have done it and I'm curious as to how it worked out.
> 
> Three of mine started dog obedience classes as puppies, at 4.5 - 5
> months of age. The other a rescue of about 2 years started classes
> after I got her.  All of them absolutely loved it, seemed so smart,
> when actually they were really wanting to please me. I swear my first
> pyr Mishka would watch the instructor demonstrate and then say to
> herself, " I can do that" and she'd do it with very little prompting
> on my part.  My boy has his CGC, my puppy is working on hers.
> 
> These pyrs are extremely smart.  Observe your pyr when you start
> class, I can bet he will be one of the few dogs actually watching
> what goes on in the class.  Most of the other dogs are gazing at
> butterflies and bees.  Because of this pyrs can become bored easily,
> especially if the class is repetitious.  So try and make it fun and
> varied for your pyr once he has learned the commands.< The basics
> should be fun too, with lots of praise>. I have done several things
> that my boy just loves.  One is the long down in the center of a
> circle with the entire class heeling around him.  I have also worked
> two of my older dogs in tandem, doing all the basic obedience
> commands.  They had more fun than I did. I do have a bit more free
> reign, as I assist with the basic dog obedience classes here.
> 
> Variation and a light happy voice really keeps them on their toes.
> Pyrs love to work and when they are doing something new, they usually
> get a sparkle in their eye.  My rescue does everything in slow
> motion, the recall is a scream and I'm sure she does it on purpose,
> as the entire class laughs at her. She also loves to clown and act
> silly, which I let her do, if she has obeyed my command. After all
> she is my special one.
> 
> You have received lots of good advice on how to evaluate trainers and
> their approaches to training and obedience.  I personally advise
> taking your dog to obedience classes.  You will both have fun and
> it's a great way to bond with your new boy.
> 
> As far as the dominance roll, I personally would not use it with a
> pyr.  There are better ways to control your dog.  For an excellent
> article on being alpha and how to obtain that status, go to:
> 
> http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/alpha.htm
> Enjoy!
> 
> Judith
> jsmiller@newmex.com
> Taos, New Mexico
> 
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