[pyrnet] Re: Intro & new pup question

[LHarmer@aol.com]

Hi Phil,
Welcome to the list!  I also recently got a Pyr puppy.  Panda is now 9 months 
old (boy, time flies!!) and growing like a weed.  I had a lot of the same 
observations you've had thus far, and thought my experiences might be helpful 
to you.

I got Panda a plastic swimming pool this summer, thinking she would like the 
water.  She was VERY cautious about it at first -- standing next to it, 
sniffing the water, putting in one toe, etc. etc.  Now whenever she sees me 
pulling the pool out of the garage she immediately goes to the spot in the 
yard where I typically fill it up and waits for me.  I plop the empty pool 
down, she climbs in and sits regally in the center.  Then I fill the pool 
with her sitting in it.  The whole time she just sits there like she's 
sitting on a throne.   After 30 minutes or so of essentially soaking her tush 
she gracefully stands, steps out of the pool, and doesn't look back until the 
next time I bring it out.  (Yeah, I've examined her hind quarters to see if 
she had inflammation or other signs of a medical problem that would be eased 
by soaking in water, and see nothing.  I figure Panda simply thinks she is 
too sophisticated to flop around in a plastic tub like your average dog.) 

Panda adores going for  walks.  I've noticed, however, that during the first 
part of the walk she is eager to get moving and see what's around the next 
corner.  As soon as she realizes we're turning for home, however, she 
immediately starts to thoroughly examine every single tree, stick, bush, 
weed, pebble, crack, speck of dust ..... in every yard we pass.  I'm sure 
she's doing it to lengthen her walk.

Finally, yeah, I'd encourage the obedience training.  Panda also pulled a 
great deal during our first couple of months, but has now improved 
substantially.  Consistency seems to be critical, as I've noticed Panda pulls 
more with me if someone else has walked her recently and allowed pulling (I 
don't).  Once Panda figures out there is a different human on the other end 
of the leash -- namely, me -- she is much better behaved.  

Best of luck with your new family member, and welcome to the list!

Lisa, Panda the Pyr, and two rather bewildered cats
Rochester, New York