Re: [pyrnet]Guarding styles

["Barb Bowes" <bamb@monmouth.com>]

One of the most interesting behaviors I've seen re guarding
behavior happened many years ago and it occurred with my LabX's.
We were backpacking along the Loyalsock Creek in PA and had
stopped for the night and set up camp. (back then, we didn't even
have a tent, just a tarp that we strung between 2 trees) Dinner
was done for the evening and we were relaxing around the
campfire. The dogs (4 of them) were all snoozing around the camp
in various locations. (3 dogs, 1 bitch) All of a sudden the quiet
was shattered by the most horrendous noise I had ever heard!
(turns out it was  a screech owl) We jumped, the dogs jumped,
then the dogs were on guard! They were barking and circling round
us, heads and jaws facing out into the night, butts towards us,
whom they were protecting. they were side stepping around us in a
wide circle. Each dog barking once, then the next, then the next,
etc. It took us a few minutes to get over the initial startling,
but the dogs did not really settle the whole night. There was
always one awake and on guard, periodically punctuating the
stillness with a quiet WOOF. I had never felt so safe. These dogs
had all grown up together, and had a very established pack order.
Gypsy, the bitch, was the first up and the first to circle with
the males following suit a few seconds later. As far as my Pyrs
go, Bo will bark and bark and posture at dogs walking by or
strays running passed the yard, Chel hangs a little back and if
they dare come up to the fence, she lunges, teeth bared, quiet as
a mouse except for the ominous rumble deep in her chest. She
means business, no ifs ands or buts. These two Pyrs have never
been backpacking, as to let them off lead is an absolute no-no.
I've had only 2 Pyrs that were remotely trustworthy off lead, who
have been backpacking. (both females)

Barb Bowes
Bo & Chelsea (Pyrs), Flopsy (Pyr Shep) & Machin (Doxie)
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!
bamb@monmouth.com