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One Ash Homestead

The Great Pyrenees- A Different Kind Of Dog

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 We love our Great Pyrenees and really count on them to guard our livestock. They have been loyal and more than once have saved our herd from predators.  Here is what we think about this breed- and we hope you find this helpful!

Okay. I’ve had many many people ask me what it’s like having a Great Pyrenees. So before I say anything else- THEY ARE GREAT LIVESTOCK GUARDIANS. But, I’m not going to lie to you. These dogs are indeed a handful. And, if you’re anything like us, and only used to dealing with the “smart” dogs, such as German Shepherds and Poodles, you’re going to have to learn a completely new way of handling them. Our so called “smarter” dogs seem to have be a little more advanced in understanding human communication, and we can honestly be a little tougher with the “smart” ones.  But with that said, the Great Pyrenees is far from stupid.  These dogs are bred for work, and when allowed to do their job they are amazing and incredible animals.

Here are some tips that we have learned first hand since having this breed of livestock guardian dogs-

1. You can’t beat the sense out of them. They like to know they are doing good. And they love to be praised. You’ve probably heard the old saying “soar with their strengths”?  Well Great Pyrenees are perfect examples of this.  They will get better and better at the things you praise them for, so make sure to tell them when they’ve done well!
 
2. As above, they love to be praised! You have to tell them they are doing a good job!  You will have happy dogs that are wanting to please you if they know doing a good job will get them praise! 
 
3. Nobody messes with their animals. Great Pyrenees are usually used as Livestock Guardians and they are very protective over who they are watching. Our girl, Skye, is out with the goats and calves and they are her herd.  If we move them to a different pasture, then Skye must move too.  If not, she will dig her way to get to the herd faster than you can imagine! 
 
4. This is not true with all of them- but when she shows teeth, she’s not being mean- just submissive. We often laugh at this look-  it could be so scary if you didn’t know!  We appreciate Skye and her submissiveness to us.  That is what you want!
 
5. The best way to teach them a lesson is to ignore them. Put them in their kennel or just refuse to talk to them. I know, that doesn’t sound like punishment.  But totally ignoring the Great Pyrenees does much more in disciplining them than if you try other methods. We have found it does the trick almost every time. 
Of course, everyone has their own way to deal with their dogs, but these are the biggest things we’ve found when it comes to this breed!   Great Pyrenees are vital on our homestead, and learning to work with them is very rewarding.  They are one of our greatest partners here at One Ash and we can’t imagine being without these hard workers! 
 
If you’re looking for a Great Pyrenees- happy dog hunting! If you already have one- happy training! And if you’re just reading, well- happy reading!!
 
Want to read more about Great Pyrenees?  here is a link that will give you more information!  
 
~this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. any purchases made through these links gives us a tiny commission that helps fund this blog. so we thank you! 
 

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  1. Mike says

    We have been loosing chickens to a dog that lives about 1.5 miles away and are looking at getting a pyr. Any recommendations on how to train them to 'stay home' and stay around our birds? Is this an instinct for them that they just know or is it a behavoir that has to be cultivated. Are they good at keeping other dogs out?
    Mike

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  2. Lee Ann Perez says

    Thanks for the question Mike. The best luck we have had is to raise the Pyrenees puppies right out in the pasture with the animals. They are born out there, and never know anything different. This kicks in that protective instinct they have, but makes sure they are protecting the herd they are living with. As far as keeping them home…..we have good fencing so they aren't allowed to roam. As far as keeping other dogs out, they are definitely guardians. There are videos out there on the internet showing them circle around coyotes and guarding their livestock at all costs. But again, the real key to it is making sure they grow up with and bond to the animals they are to protect. Have fun researching this wonderful breed!

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