Great Pyrenees can weigh up to 100 lbs. as adults.
Great Pyrenees, affectionately known as "Pyrs," originated in southwestern France and northeastern Spain. They were mainly used to protect sheep from predators, such as wolves and bears, due to their large size and physical strength. Establishing control and teaching basic obedience early on makes it easier to manage your Pyr puppy as it gets bigger. You can also help prevent behavioral problems linked to the breed's guarding origins, such as a tendency to bark at night.
Instructions
1. Establish a consistent house-training routine. Take your Pyr out to eliminate immediately in the morning, after he eats, after he naps, before you go to bed and any other time he seems restless. Praise and reward him with a treat immediately after he eliminates.
2. Teach your puppy basic commands such as "sit" and "down," then move on to other ones such as "leave it" or "come." Speak the command and reward your puppy with praise and a treat when he performs the correct behavior. Repetition leads to boredom in Pyrs, so practice a few different commands during your training sessions. Work on commands throughout the day, but limit each session to ten minutes or less.
3. Practice training your puppy behave on a leash. Always use one when you take her on walks or to any open area to prevent her from running off. Attach the leash and give her time to get used to it before you take her out. Let her lead at first, then encourage her to walk next to you by offering treats and praise. If she pulls, stop walking and wait for her to turn in your direction before you start moving again. She'll stop pulling when she realizes that it doesn't get her anywhere.
4. Enroll your Pyr in a puppy kindergarten class, which are generally available for puppies under six months old. Interacting with other puppies helps your Pyr develop proper social skills and gives him a chance to burn off energy. These classes also provide basic obedience lessons.
5. Expose your puppy to new situations and work on getting her to focus on you when you issue commands. Pyrs can become highly distracted by unfamiliar objects or environments. Take her to a park if she's had all her shots or bring her over to a friend's house. Call her name, then praise her and give her a treat as soon as she looks at you. Repeat this procedure until your puppy automatically turns to you when you call her.
6. Attend formal obedience classes when your puppy is at least six months old. These classes will help you gain better control over your rapidly growing Pyr and reinforce basic commands while introducing more complex ones. They also provide your puppy with opportunities to socialize. Discuss any behavioral problems with the trainer so you can work towards resolving these issues before they get out of control.
Tags: your puppy, also provide, basic commands, basic obedience, behavioral problems