Possible adoption?

[Karynk9999]

Hello,
My husband and I are thinking of adopting a 6 month old male Pry/Collie (or so they think). I am a little leary for two reasons, first, it has only been 9 weeks since the love of my life, my forever dog passed. He can never be replaced but life without a dog is also not an option for us. And secondly, I am a little concerned about the aloofness and possible dominate nature. My husband and I are pretty skilled dog owners and know the signs, even those subtle ones, of a dog trying to be dominant and we know how to fix that. I guess I am just wondering how this male dog will be should we get another dog. Does it have to be a female dog (I heard two males will not mix)? Or, if it is a completly different breed, can it be a male dog? Can it be a more active dog like say an aussie? Or is that not a good match? Also, if we get this dog, we would pick it up Friday night. The next night, we are scheduled to have about 15 people over for a relatively loud night of cards - good or bad idea? I have heard that it would be good to get the pup use to a lot of people right away. We are actually going to see the pup again tonight because when we went yesterday, it pretty much slept the whole time (it had gotten its first bath earlier that day and the foster mom said he wasn't too thrilled with it so I am guessing he was tuckered out). Anyhow, we want to go and see him in his foster enviroment with other dogs and his current people to see what he is like. Also, I read that Pry's bark a lot. According to the foster mom, he hasn't barked once. Could it be that this is just the most laid back, sleeply, non-barking dog there is? Or, will Satan rear his ugly head in around 6 months? I just don't know.
Oh, and one more question. What is the best dog food besides homemade?

[AmyL]

I adopted a pyr last year. He was already 2 yrs old and had some issues that we are resolving now.
One thing you should know is that mine does bark alot at night. Its no big deal because we live out in the boonies, however, when we have company, he keeps them awake. He also howls at night, which I think coincides with the coyote howls in the area surrounding us. Our dog is outside all the time, so I am sure if he was inside, he wouldn't bark so much.
This is normal behavior for a pyr from what I have read, which makes them unsatisfactory pets in town if you have neighbors and your dog is out alot.
He is turning out to be a great dog though, and I really like him. I hope you luck out on yours as well.
Good luck!!!

[Topper]

My topper started barking when he was about eight months old. He would only bark for about a 1/2 hour at night. I think he was telling the whole he was on guard.
:D

[Karynk9999]

So do all Pry's bark at night? And I see that Topper started at 8 months, is that normal? Do I need to create the dog at bedtime and if so, should he be in the bedroom with me? I was actually just thinking of letting him hangout in the bedroom but with the door closed as he is already potty trained. Or is that not a good idea? Geez, I haven't had a puppy in a million years! I am use to rescuing older dogs around 1 to 2.
Again, thanks for the help!
Karyn

[TexasKat]

My 2 8-month old pyrs don't bark at night, but they stay inside in their (baby-gated kitchen/family room) hangout. The floor is cool for them (stone) so it's probably more comfortable anyway. Pyrs are nocturnal and sleeping in your bedroom with the door closed, he may wake you up at night just by being restless.

Pyrs seem to love ritual. So if he's sleeping inside at night I've found it a good idea to have a little ritual before going to bed (so they know we're 'off' for the night). A cheery "Good night, sweet puppy dreams" a bit of a treat and puppy hug are all involved. ;)

Our elderly pyr mix was an outside dog till his later years. He started barking almost non-stop when we got new neighbors. The only 'cure' was bringing him in the house to sleep. I think he believed it was a win-win situation for him either way -- he got to either bark all night, or sleep inside. :)

You'll love Pyrs -- best dogs I've ever owned. Ever.

[grtpyrlvr]

Hello,
My husband and I are thinking of adopting a 6 month old male Pry/Collie (or so they think). I am a little leary for two reasons, first, it has only been 9 weeks since the love of my life, my forever dog passed. He can never be replaced but life without a dog is also not an option for us. And secondly, I am a little concerned about the aloofness and possible dominate nature. My husband and I are pretty skilled dog owners and know the signs, even those subtle ones, of a dog trying to be dominant and we know how to fix that. I guess I am just wondering how this male dog will be should we get another dog. Does it have to be a female dog (I heard two males will not mix)? Or, if it is a completly different breed, can it be a male dog? Can it be a more active dog like say an aussie? Or is that not a good match? Also, if we get this dog, we would pick it up Friday night. The next night, we are scheduled to have about 15 people over for a relatively loud night of cards - good or bad idea? I have heard that it would be good to get the pup use to a lot of people right away. We are actually going to see the pup again tonight because when we went yesterday, it pretty much slept the whole time (it had gotten its first bath earlier that day and the foster mom said he wasn't too thrilled with it so I am guessing he was tuckered out). Anyhow, we want to go and see him in his foster enviroment with other dogs and his current people to see what he is like. Also, I read that Pry's bark a lot. According to the foster mom, he hasn't barked once. Could it be that this is just the most laid back, sleeply, non-barking dog there is? Or, will Satan rear his ugly head in around 6 months? I just don't know.
Oh, and one more question. What is the best dog food besides homemade?


I have owned many pyrs throughout the years and found they all bark. It's an enduring quality that they have. They bark at the "Mystery voices in their head" we like to call it. I know they must hear something but we can't LOL

As for the dominant thing I have owned many pyrs together over the years as well. While the males do have their disagreement in the end they knew I was boss no matter what. Also IMO unless there is a treat involved they really can not bother to wake up to cause any problems with another male.

As for food we feed California Naturals Chicken and Rice because our other dog has food allergies so we have to be real careful with "extra things" that might be in the other foods. We also give several supplements for their bones, hips, coats etc.

[Jewel]

When deciding whether a pyr is the right family dog for you, one should always assume that a pyr will bark at night. Some dogs do not find their voices until they are 7 to 8 months old. My pup didn't bark until she was about 8 months. Our first pyr before the current one didn't start barking until way past a year-old. My pyr mix (1/2 pyr), on the other hand, doesn't bark like a pyr. That is, he barks, but he tends to bark in short spurts. He's got a "squirrel!" bark and a "someone is in the alley!!" bark. He doesn't have the "hey I am here and you should know that I am here on guard" bark that the pyrs do.

All dogs need rules and boundaries and consistent handling. If you set the rules and enforce them with consistency and no-nonsense, you should be able to live with your pyr peacefully and happily.

Personally I think it's a monumental bad idea to bring a new dog into the household and then immediately subject him to a big crowd of people. While it is a good ideal to socialize a dog, it is usually recommended that the socialization take place in a controlled setting. A party is not an ideal place to socialize a pup because it can easily be quite overwhelming. You've no idea really the pup's likes and dislikes and so could you really accurately predict how the pup will react? It is a potential to create a huge amount of stress on a pup that has not yet build trust with anyone in your household, that wouldn't be fair to him.

I think it's always a good idea to crate train a dog. That doesn't necessarily mean the dog must sleep in the crate a night though. With a new pup, if you have concerns that the pup may get into things that it shouldn't during the night, then you should crate him in the beginning until you can trust him.

[Tsunibear]

Missy barks in the evening hours just before I go to bed, but I tell her hush and she stops then we go to bed. She sleeps in the bed usually with me. She is also a mix and is very social. Loves other people, dogs, cats, birds, turtles you name it she wants to say hi to it. I have multiple dogs and she gets along fine with all of them. All in all she is the best dog I have ever owned minus her allergy issue which is now under control and her hair is starting to grow back. Other then that she has been amazing. I can't see myself without another pyrenees period.

[Topper]

Topper was a inside dog. He would do his nighly bark outside and there was times he would inside if he heard something outside. Like the deer or????. :confused:

[Davey Benson]

Lots of good replies. My Great Pyrenees is very aloof, but as for dominate, that's not an issue. Both my male and my female get along well with all my other dogs both male and female.

Did anyone mention that they bark? :D I can't imagine having very happy neighbors if you live in town. And as far as the crating them up at night.... that's a pretty good idea for a little puppy. If you have them inside they are going to be up anyway, and pretty restless because that's just what they do.

I've observed that they don't do it right away, they grow into it, (sorta like the barking). And, my last GP didn't mind if she was inside or outside, she still barked at night, (and inside she was really loud) shuffeled around, stuck her nose on me, played solitar, inventoried the dishes, opened and closed doors, etc.

Now, with this dog being a cross, or a mix, it's hard to say what the dominate traits will be in this dog. A collie is a completly different mentality than a GP is.

[Karynk9999]

Wow! What great replies! Thank you all so much! I did go and see the pup again last night in the foster home setting. He is there with 2 Rot's (Which had to be kept outside while visitors were there), a boxer mix, another small mix of some sort and a very loud bird (He is the only foster). Add to that 5 kids and you have a very active and loud house. I noticed he had a scab on his ear and the foster mom told me that one of the Rot's, 'got him'. I did see him interact with the Rot's and for the most part, he just stood there while they sniffed about. One other note, the foster mom said he escaped his cage during the night but did absolutely nothing in the house, he was just laying on the couch (which by the way was all he did while I was there). She said that he has gotten his jaw stuck on the cage (I am guessing trying to get out). The cage thing concerns me. Also, right now my husband doesn't work, so someone will be home - that is good. However...he has to get a job and when he does, I just can not see putting a 6/7 month puppy in a cage for hours at a time. I realize we would have to get a dog walker to help break up his day but is that really fair to a puppy? I have to say, I am so torn. I love the demeanor of this dog. He is sweet and loving. I did all the dominant tests and he was fine except a bit hesitant to go on his back. I guess my question now is, do you all think we would be a good fit for a Pry? I have read that Pry's are escape artists. What about putting gates up in a dining room? And one more question. I have also heard that Pry's do not come into their own until at least a year. How much of this calm, completely non puppy like personality will remain? Do you think if we remove him from the very active foster home to a home with no other dogs or kids and overall much more quite environment that he will act out (now that he can)? Part of me thinks he might breathe a sigh of relief. I truly apologize for all the questions - I just want to do what is best for this dog and I look to you all as experts to guide me.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Karyn

[grtpyrlvr]

Wow! What great replies! Thank you all so much! I did go and see the pup again last night in the foster home setting. He is there with 2 Rot's (Which had to be kept outside while visitors were there), a boxer mix, another small mix of some sort and a very loud bird (He is the only foster). Add to that 5 kids and you have a very active and loud house. I noticed he had a scab on his ear and the foster mom told me that one of the Rot's, 'got him'. I did see him interact with the Rot's and for the most part, he just stood there while they sniffed about. One other note, the foster mom said he escaped his cage during the night but did absolutely nothing in the house, he was just laying on the couch (which by the way was all he did while I was there). She said that he has gotten his jaw stuck on the cage (I am guessing trying to get out). The cage thing concerns me. Also, right now my husband doesn't work, so someone will be home - that is good. However...he has to get a job and when he does, I just can not see putting a 6/7 month puppy in a cage for hours at a time. I realize we would have to get a dog walker to help break up his day but is that really fair to a puppy? I have to say, I am so torn. I love the demeanor of this dog. He is sweet and loving. I did all the dominant tests and he was fine except a bit hesitant to go on his back. I guess my question now is, do you all think we would be a good fit for a Pry? I have read that Pry's are escape artists. What about putting gates up in a dining room? And one more question. I have also heard that Pry's do not come into their own until at least a year. How much of this calm, completely non puppy like personality will remain? Do you think if we remove him from the very active foster home to a home with no other dogs or kids and overall much more quite environment that he will act out (now that he can)? Part of me thinks he might breathe a sigh of relief. I truly apologize for all the questions - I just want to do what is best for this dog and I look to you all as experts to guide me.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Karyn


Those are all very valid questions. As for you being a good fit for a pyr thats up to you. Do you mind barking or can you tune it out? Do you mind vacuuming every day? Or wiping slobber off the walls? Do you enjoy a dog who likes to sit in your lap? Only you can answer these questions.

As for them being an escape artist I personally have never seen this? They do wander when left alone but as long as you have a fenced in yard and watch for those " caves" they like to dig you should be fine. Also a covered area maybe dog house, porch etc where they can get out of the sun. We personally have never crated any of our pyrs for personal reasons. Do you have an area that you could baby proof? Maybe a kitchen? Right now we have a 4 mo old pyr and a 3 yr old shepherd. We have the downstairs gated off so they spend their time when we are gone in our downstairs which is all hardwood, tile etc. This allows for easy clean up if their is an accident but they can still "patrol" by looking out the windows in the front and back etc..

As for their personality changing the only difference I have noted when they get older is the settle down more. You think he sleeps alot now just wait another year! People are always amazed at how calm Pyr puppies are and especially most Pyr adults. I think they prefer the quiet a lot of the time. The key with these guys is too socialize them to sounds, people etc.

Would they let you take him for a trial run to make sure he is a good fit for your family?

[Karynk9999]

grtpyrlvr - good advice. Everyone has been giving me great advice! I do have an area that I can gate up. Would you suggest an area where he could look out the window or the coziness of a dining room (with a window but not much to see). My dog us to prefer that as I think it was somewhat cave like for him. As far as socializing him, only one person thought it would be a bad idea to get him on a Friday and then have 15 people over on Saturday night. They bring up good points on why not to do that but I have also heard that we should do that. Based on the home the dog is in now, I am not sure it would be a huge bother however, it would be all new and could be overwhelming. What do you all think?
Thanks again!
Karyn

[grtpyrlvr]

I would definately do an area with windows. They like to be on "watch" at all times. The only time with out puppy we really limit her viewing pleasure is at night. We have found that if we give her the upstairs at night she is very restless. So we gate her in our Master Bath which is about 12x12 maybe?? There are only 2 little windows up high and the rest is just ceramic tile. This is also the coolest please in the house as it is the farthest from the pellet stove downstairs. She seems to calm right down and sleep her 8 hours without a problem now.

If you do bring your pyr home on a Friday I would make sure you have a quiet area of the house that they could go to or you could take them for saturday and the people you have coming over. Some Pyrs like all the people because it = attention. Which they love! I have had one that would just wander into a bedroom far away when we had company or it got to much for him after he said hello to everyone. It sounds like this pyr is in a very actuave household right now..The real question would be does he enjoy it or is he enduring it?

[Karynk9999]

Oh, good question - does he enjoy the activity? I don't know. Like I said, while we were there (during all the comotion) he was happy to just lay on the couch. Only occaisionally did he get off the couch to walk around - but he had to be coaxed off the couch as he did not want to move. How would I know if he was not comfortable with all the noise? Would he have wandered off into another room to be alone?

[TexasKat]

Having a new puppy 'attend' a party of 15 is not going to do the puppy any good. That is NOT what Pyr owners mean by socialization training.

If you must bring the puppy home before the party, my best advice is not to expect the puppy to happily mingle with your guests. A few minutes exposure to the crowd won't do any harm, but it would be more fair to the pup to limit his attendance to a few minutes, then find a nice quiet place for him to retreat to.

Regardless of how noisy the household is that he's in at the moment, the pup will already be stressed by removing him from familiar territory. Most Pyr's aren't 'people dogs'. That is, they don't find people en masse 'exciting' or welcome. They generally seem to prefer to be introduced to people in ones and twos. I would think that THIS puppy as you've described him may be terribly stressed with such a large crowd. They seem to prefer (at heart) calm and quiet and PREDICTABILITY over adventure and surprise.

Having a new pup handled (and possibly unintentionally stepped on) by 15 guests would be the last thing I'd want as a start to a new family.

[Karynk9999]

See, I do tend to agree with the idea of not bringing the puppy home before the party. I was a little taken back when the foster mom said it would be good for him. So thank you all for your input. I am not familiar with this breed and have learned so much from you all!
Okay, onto another question to the group. To crate or not to crate? And if my husband does get a job and we have to leave the puppy alone a week or two after we get him, how fair is it? I mean we would have a dog walker come in mid way through the day and we would not be gone for more than 9 hours (again dog walker during this time) but seriously, how fair is it? I have always adopted older dogs, between 1 and 2. They have already formed their personalities and most issues are uncovered already at that age. My fear is that at 6/7 months, without that stimulation during the day, we could be causing more problems for the pup. Or, is this such an independant dog that the time alone during the day would be welcome?
Karyn

[TexasKat]

It's difficult to know whether he was enjoying all the noise and activity you mentioned. It's possible that he retreated to a 'safe' location - the couch - because he was stressed. It's also possible that because Pyrs -- at least mine -- prefer to sleep during daylight hours, he just preferred to nap.

BTW, 'dominance' tests are pretty useless for a Pyr puppy that age. Pyrs are not Dobermans or Shepherds or like any dog you have had before. Pyrs are not generally aggressive, but they are independent thinkers. The 'standard' terms of 'dominance' and 'submission' don't fit well in a Pyr's psyche.

Pyr's respond to LEADERSHIP, not dominance. Rolling a Pyr puppy over says absolutely nothing about whether they will respond to you as the leader of their new family. Think about it in these terms (if it helps).

A human "manager" can dominate workers by having the ability to hire and fire. Most of the time it gets the job done, but not always -- and not forever. Human LEADERS inspire people to WANT to follow them to go above and beyond. I'm sure you can find in your own experience, people who have been leaders -- not just managers -- and assess the difference in your willingness to work for them.

It's said that Pyrs aren't particularly 'trainable'. Pyrs are .... more ... uh... persuadable... (I think that's the right word). That is, you cannot force Pyrs to do what they are unwilling to do without a constant battle of wills. Pyrs will (and do) respond to leadership. Pyr owners learn early that they have to EARN a Pyr's trust and obedience -- and 'dominance' or 'submission' are very much just words.

[TexasKat]

Pyrs tend to be nocturnal... so likely he'd be asleep most of the time you're gone. I'd recommend baby-gating a section of the house (ours is the kitchen and family room) so that he can get up and move around if he'd like. (There's nothing wrong with crates, but I've always had a 'thing' about them--strictly personal).

Just make sure all 'wires' and 'chewables' are out of his reach if you leave him alone in a room vs a crate. Make sure he has toys.

Once you get home (even if you're tired) expect to spend some quality time with him (walking, playing, etc) -- every day... not just some days. Pyrs tend to get schedule-oriented (I believe they have watches under all that fur) so consistency is important.

[PyrDad]

I second the notion of not tossing the pup into a room full of strangers. My male has been here almost two years and only my mother is here often enough for him to attach to. My wifes ex-il-laws are here often (for the grandkids) and he will tolerate them. But they are the kind that "thinks their dog persons", snapping fingers and calling in "puppy voice" just turns him off. If you want attention from him, sit quietly on the sofa and you'll get a big head at your hand soon enough.

We never crate trained him, he was an "unsocial, dirty brute" ("breeder"s words) when we rescued him. We had him confined to the downstairs and "housebent" in about a week. If we leave him home alone for too long, and he can get the basement door open, he will go the the cement floor for relief. But if the door is fast 9-10 hrs doesn't seem to be a trouble. BUT HAVE THE LEASH READY WHEN YOU WALK IN BABY!!! lol.

Yes the dogs are independent, but the pups try to be social. So the more stimulation they get young the better. I think more than 2-3 hours alona at a time might be more than a youngster can comfortably handle. Maybe a doggie daycare situation, but that can overstimulate sometimes. In the little town I grew up in we had a convalescent that had a 'part time' adoption program. Something in that strain might be a way to look. He and an older person or rehaber would both have something to do a few hours a day.
just a thought or two for you...

[Karynk9999]

Again - great advice! TexasKat, I love the leadership reference! Next question. How are pry's (or half pry in this case) good with other dogs? This particular dog lives with 4 other dogs. According to the foster mom, he gets along fine but like I said, one of the Rot's bite him yesterday and there was another incident early on. I do not know the *** of the Rot's but do you think there was conflict because both breeds are strong breeds? I would love to get two dogs and was looking at a 3 year old male Ausse with slight confidence problems (really needs to be near you - no agression what so ever) as the 2nd. So, 6/7 month male Pry/Collie or Golden mix with a 3 year old male Aussie - good or bad choice? By the way, if you can't tell, if I could rescue them all, I would! But I want to make sure it is right for the dog(s) and us. Thanks!
Karyn

[Karynk9999]

Here is a picture of the pup. Do you think he is mixed with Collie or Golden?

[fluffylove]

You sure he's a mix? There are red head pyrs you know. Pyrs can be great with dogs or horrible. Depends on the breeding.

[Karynk9999]

No, actually, I am not sure he is mixed but his sister pictured here looks like a mix so I guess that is why the rescue assumed he was. What do you all think?

[grtpyrlvr]

Here is a picture of the pup. Do you think he is mixed with Collie or Golden?


Aww...he has that typical Pyr look "I am so sad..... Even if you pet me and give me treats and love me, I will still have this sad pathetic look on my face!" Get's up Pyr owners everytime ;)

I would guess he is mixed with something..How big is he? Weight? Height?

[TexasKat]

It's possible that he and his sister have different fathers... but if they DO have the same sire, he seems to have gotten mostly the mostly Pyr appearance.

[AmyL]

Unless I missed it, I haven't yet seen in your posts whether you live in town with neighbors or not. At any rate, the prior posts about drooling and lots of hair are true.
I had our dog inside for a while to socialize him to us, but found out too late that he had fleas. What a hassle trying to get those out of the house and off the dogs. You will have to vacuume every day, especially when he blows his coat in early summer. I got two grocery bags of hair off mine in one brushing. A spinner friend of mine spun the hair into thread and knitted some really soft, warm socks!
You seem a bit nervous about this. All it really takes is a commitment to the dog. It won't go perfect, but if you are willing to commit and hang in there, I am sure it will go fine. Don't overanylize it.....just think about whether the things discussed in all the posts seem to be something you can work with. This probably isn't the perfect dog....yet.....you have to make it the perfect dog and you have to be willing to adapt, just like the dog. :)

[Jewel]

The boy does have a lot of the pyr look, does he have double dew claws too? But I think he's mixed. There seems to be a lot of little brown spots on his coat, like his sister though she has more. His head is also not quite pyr, close but not quite. He is very good looking.

Conflicts between dogs are just that, between dogs, I don't think one can say it's because the dogs are of two "strong" breeds. There could be a host of different reasons why the pup got bit by the rotts. Based on the little information the foster mom seem to have provided you, I don't think there is anyway to draw any conclusion about the pup's personality re other dogs.

Based on what you described of his foster home situation, I think there may be a lot about this pup that you haven't seen. For that reason, no one can tell you whether he'd be any good with the aussie that also needs a home.

As of your home situation, there are plenty of "only child" dogs that fare just fine. It means you need to make sure he is exercised adequately and he has good quality time with you and hubby in the evenings. His potty needs can be attended to by the dogwalker.

[Tsunibear]

He is cute and it is like TexasKat said they can have different fathers and the same sire. Though I would more then likely say he is a mix he just took more after the pyrenees then the other.

[Karynk9999]

Can I just say what a great group of people I have meet in you all! You all have been so thoughtful and tolerant of my in-experience, it just blows me away!
So, yes, I do live in a regular old neighborhood and now that I learn more about the Pry, I am guessing that the neighbors dog a few house down is part Pry as he will not stop barking! LOL!
Oh, and he does have the double dew claws - not sure about the sister as she was adopted.
And yes AmyL, I am totally over thinking this! I had to laugh because you nailed my personality right on the head!
I am such a dog lover, I would hate to A) make the wrong decision (but there is no returning the dog in my book - I will work through anything) and B) a part of me is feeling guilty for looking for a dog only 9 1/2 weeks after my forever dog passed.
Anyhow, all this information is absolutely wonderful! Please keep your thoughts and advice coming - it is really welcome!

[AmyL]

Don't feel guilty about looking so soon. My husband got me a lab puppy after my 16 year old lab died. I didn't think I could get used to another dog after my buddy had died in my arms, but the new lab has so many of my old dog's personality traits that it is scary.
I truly believe that certain people and certain dogs are meant to be together. Possibly, your old buddy is leading you by the hand without you knowing it........
Enjoy your new dog!! :)

[Tsunibear]

I got Missy just shortly after my chihuahua/terrier mix Mitzy passed away at 18 years old. When I named Missy I didn't even realize how similar their names were. I just knew that Monty alone would be lonely and something was missing in my heart. Missy is nothing like Mitzy there is clearly a huge size difference and the trouble Missy gets into is unlike any dog I know but I think Missy does the trouble making to keep me on my toes.

My father passed away this year and I was/am really torn up over but whenever I start to dwell and get upset Missy does something to distract me from it. I really feel that dogs know when something is bothering you and they do things to distract you from the pain you are feeling. Which is why I don't think you getting a puppy is a bad thing. The puppy isn't there to replace your other dog he is there to distract you from the sadness and make you smile.

[Karynk9999]

Thank you all for the kind words of support on the passing of my forever dog and the advice on the puppy. I think we are going to do it! We will pick him up after the Saturday party (great advice), on Sunday where I will spend the whole day snuggling and kissing up on him :) !
I will keep you all informed and expect to see more posts from me with more questions!
Karyn

[Davey Benson]

Jewel and Fluffylove post some of the best information, I think I have learned a lot from reading posts from this board. One of the things that has taught me the most though, about the Great Pyrenees breed is owning my first one. I learned all those things that TexasKat mentioned about their behavior first hand. You quickly learn that your methods of training other breeds of dogs just don't quite work with a GP. So you learn another way. Before long your dog has you quite well trained. :o

The double Dew claw as I understand it is uniquely Great Pyrenees, and is a really strong indication that the dog is more GP than not.

And as for getting another dog shortly after loosing one, I was looking for my next Great Pyrenees the same week I burried my first one. I had fallen in love with that breed, because it was my first GP's personality that I had grown so fond of, she was uniquely different than the rest of my dogs, and I just new I wanted another one (or two) on my farm.

I look at it rather dogmatically (pun intended) Dogs are around for such a short period of time, 10-15 years most. We can never have them around as long as we wish. (wouldn't it be something if they lived as long as turtles do?) I figure as long as I get another dog every year or two, there will always be a new puppy around, and when I loose a dog perhaps it won't sting quite so much (or for so long) with other dogs around to fill in the void. Seems to have worked for me so far. :cool:

[grtpyrlvr]

And as for getting another dog shortly after loosing one, I was looking for my next Great Pyrenees the same week I burried my first one. I had fallen in love with that breed, because it was my first GP's personality that I had grown so fond of, she was uniquely different than the rest of my dogs, and I just new I wanted another one (or two) on my farm.

I think thats how most of us fall for the breed and all the other people around us. All it takes is being around 1 good Great Pyr and you are a goner. Their personalities alone with the kids makes me not mind the fur, drool etc. What other dog is going to let your child lay on them for hours napping?

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/jenniferstreasures/SM.jpg

[Karynk9999]

Hi all! So after much research, I may have narrowed down my food choice. The foster mom is feed Authority Puppy. I would like to slowly change him over to Blue Buffalo. What I would like to know from you all is:

1) What do you all think about Blue Buffalo?
2) Which is better for a puppy of 6/7 months, Puppy or Adult formula? I have read most breeders don't use puppy formula.
3) Which type of Blue Buffalo? Wilderness or Life Protection?
4) Should it be large breed formula?
5) Would you mix in canned with the dry? From what I am reading on these boards, people like to mix in Wellness Fish and Sweet Potato.

I really appreciate your input! Thank you so much!
Karyn :)

[grtpyrlvr]

I dont know much about Blue Buffalo as far as food goes. We feed California Naturals Chicken and rice here because my Shepherd has food allergies. As for the wet food we rarely do that either just because the hard stuff has seemed better for teeth health over the years. (That's just from my personal experience we have had less tarter, teeth problems etc.) We do occasionally add cooked chicken to their food depending on energy levels, sickness etc.

[Tsunibear]

Hi all! So after much research, I may have narrowed down my food choice. The foster mom is feed Authority Puppy. I would like to slowly change him over to Blue Buffalo. What I would like to know from you all is:

1) What do you all think about Blue Buffalo?
2) Which is better for a puppy of 6/7 months, Puppy or Adult formula? I have read most breeders don't use puppy formula.
3) Which type of Blue Buffalo? Wilderness or Life Protection?
4) Should it be large breed formula?
5) Would you mix in canned with the dry? From what I am reading on these boards, people like to mix in Wellness Fish and Sweet Potato.

I really appreciate your input! Thank you so much!
Karyn :)

I was feeding Blue Buffalo and my dogs like it and it helps but it gives Missy squishy poop and Monty really really soft poop. So I did switch to Authority for a little while it also helped their coats and it hardened the poop which makes me happy. They poop less with Authority then when they were on Blue Buffalo. I am thinking about feeding Nutro and I know it isn't a great food but I work with a Pyrenees who has an amazing coat and he eats Nutro Lamb and Rice.

Stick with hard food canned food is okay for a treat but nothing more. I fed Wilderness and the original Large Breed Blue Buffalo. Life Protection is okay but Wilderness had more protein.

[ad_mn81]

I saw a new Blue Buffalo formula that doesnt contain grains, called "Blue Wilderness" http://www.bluebuff.com/products/new-at-blue.shtml

I am fairly sure the grains caused Ace's loose to diarrhea. However, he showed the most interest in that brand compared to the Natural Balance and EVO he gets now. His stools have been fine now for the past 5-6 months, but considering he liked the BlueBuffalo better, I am kindve tempted to switch back to the grain free formula. Do you guys think this is a good idea??? The wife says we should not mess with his diet if he is fine, would appreciate your thoughts :)

[Tsunibear]

I saw a new Blue Buffalo formula that doesnt contain grains, called "Blue Wilderness" http://www.bluebuff.com/products/new-at-blue.shtml

I am fairly sure the grains caused Ace's loose to diarrhea. However, he showed the most interest in that brand compared to the Natural Balance and EVO he gets now. His stools have been fine now for the past 5-6 months, but considering he liked the BlueBuffalo better, I am kindve tempted to switch back to the grain free formula. Do you guys think this is a good idea??? The wife says we should not mess with his diet if he is fine, would appreciate your thoughts :)

The Wilderness formula has never contained grain. It is what Missy was eating for awhile and she still had softer stool then I liked.