----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 2:23
AM
Subject: Re: RE: [pyrnet] chat:Pet
Fair~~an unusal happening
Tracy, I've found that my girl is not a "tail wagger" either (but she DOES
smile!) and much prefers to approach, rather then be approached.
She will drop her head out of reach and back up a step if crowded and
wait for the individual to wait for her to come to
them. Children are the only exception to the rule. Since
she's exposed to our grandchilren on a regular basis, ranging in age from 9
months to 11 years, she's very accepting of all little ones and will let
strangers' children approach her without any shyness on her part.
To be honest, I much prefer her behavior as it's the safest for both
the human and the dog involved. She has also refused to accept treats or
food from someone unless I tell her it's ok, which makes me quite happy!
On another note, since I am a new Pyr mom, I'm finding out all kinds
of interesting things about the breed (like eating furniture and "hot
spots"). Although both of our Labs were in the 80-90 pound range, a
nylon collar & lead was all I ever used on them. I have been told,
by several experienced trainers and Pyr owners alike, that I need leather with
the Pyr. After checking the prices for good quality leather, I was
amazed at the cost! I found a place on-line that had beautiful,
hand-tooled, braided and regular, Latigo collars & leads
(6') with SOLID brass hardware, for what I think is a really reasonable
price. I sent for 2 sets (we're "expecting a baby brother for Angel in a
a couple of months) and the total, including s/h came to about $62.
Although you can't see the collar, covered by that beautiful white coat,
(grin) the lead gets compliments everytime we go anywhere. Naturally, my
girl got burgan! dy and our future "son" got black (both of which are
guarenteed not to bleed). Angel, being anything BUT her namesake has put
the collar to the test. We live in south Florida & have had our
afternoon "Boomers", leaving wonderous puddles in which to play! While
she DOES look like a large BLACK puppy, there is no "rub off" from the
collar. I just thought I would mention this in case there are any others
out there new to this and need information on getting reasonably priced
leather for their Pyr. The collars are $11 and go up to a 24" neck, the
leads are $16. for 6' .
Angel and I are waiting for our 9 day Spring Break with great and joyous
anticipation! ONLY ONE MORE WORK DAY LEFT!
Cat & Angel
Tracy <espinay@bigpond.com> wrote:
<happens to
be a pyr who will not be one of those "tail waggers", unless he
really
knows you and likes you. >> Tery
I wouldn't consider any of my
Pyrs 'tail waggers' - more they are reserved
and relaxed in public, do
not start or shy at strange objects or events and
will not go crazy
everytime they see another dog or human (waiting for my
permission to
'talk' should I feel it appropriate). What I want to achieve
personally
with socialisation is for the dogs to be comfortable and look to
me for
direction in new and strange situations and not to be uptight and
crazy
everytime a new dog or person comes along or approaches
them.
Socialisation is also about me learning their limits. I know that
Halley,
for instance, is more comfortable with direct approaches by men
than Milou
is (wh! o is more protective of me in general) and that Milou
is happier with
puppies and other small animals crawling all over than
Halley is. Lisa-Jane
will stress when crowded and prefers to approach
than be approached
(although she has improved immensely in the 2 years
since she came as a
rescue). I also know to watch carefully for
approaching dogs with my
Dalmatian as she will not tolerate 'rudeness' on
their part and to keep her
under control and focussed on me when in a
crowd of dogs (or walk around the
crowd) to avoid possible incidents. I
know their limits and remain relaxed
but alert to not putting them in
situations where they would be 'pushed'.
It is also about knowing how to
get them out of a situation if necessary (eg
by practicing 'calling them
out' during playtime etc). What I am getting at
I guess is that
socialisation won't necessarily create perfect little tail
wagging
socialites. What it can do however (if handled appropriatel! y) is
help
those 'surprises' not to become major incidents ! and make being out
and
about more pleasant and relaxed for both the dog AND
you.
Tracy Bassett
Murrumbateman,
Australia
espinay@bigpond.com
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