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What I’ve Learned from My Great Pyrenees

March 9, 2015 43 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. You won't pay a penny more, but you'll help keep It's Dog or Nothing running (websites are expensive!) and the floofs fed (they're even more expensive - as you well know) ;)

My Great Pyrenees have taught me many life lessons over the past few years.

Only practice obedience when it’s in your best interest.

Because the Great Pyrenees was bred to work independently without the need for human direction, they typically aren’t the most obedient dog. Don’t get me wrong; they are extremely smart, but they will determine if something is worth their time. I have learned to look at tasks from their perspective. Is what I’m being asked to do really in my best interest?

Take your time when forming new relationships.

Pyrs tend to be slightly aloof when meeting new people. They are taking a moment to examine your intentions and determine if you are friend or foe. Instead of jumping into a new relationship without hesitation, I take the extra time to ensure it will be a positive experience.

A little exploration is okay as long as you don’t worry the ones that love you.

Great Pyrenees roam. In their mind, their territory is as far as they can see. A common saying in the pyr world is, “a Great Pyrenees off leash is a disapyr”. Mauja and Atka have never shown any interest in roaming from the yard and they are never off leash, but they love to explore with me at their sides.

Be tolerant of others.

There aren’t many breeds that are more tolerant than the Great Pyrenees. As livestock guardians, they spend much of their time with baby animals of many species. This trait typically translates to interactions with human of all ages. It’s important for me to slow down and take the time to understand others’ needs.

Only eat when hungry.

Great Pyrenees have a slow metabolism, which allows them to eat much less than other giant breeds of a similar size. It also leads many pyrs to self-regulate their food consumption and keep themselves at an ideal weight. Of course, there are many pyrs that have the eating habits of a Labrador Retriever, but many simply eat what they need and leave the rest. I remember food is to keep my body healthy and enjoy treats in moderation 😉

Work hard, but don’t forget to play.

Pyrs can switch from guard dog mode to play mode in a matter of seconds. They dedicate their lives to keeping their flock (human or animal) safe, but they remember to take breaks for play. Many of us are so overworked and breaks will surely make us more efficient workers.

Naps are good for the soul.

Guarding and playing all day is truly exhausting, so pyrs remember to take plenty of naps to keep their energy levels up. If I’m feeling worn down after a long day, I remember there’s no shame in revitalizing myself with a nap.

Let those you care about know they are loved.

The Great Pyrenees bonds very strongly to those it loves. They are never shy in showing their love each and every day, regardless of their mood. It’s so easy to get caught up in my daily tasks and forget to express my love to those in my life. Love truly makes all things better.

Filed Under: Pyr Paw Around, What's New Tagged With: dog, great pyrenees

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:33 am

    WOW, you guys sure do sound an awful lot like huskies!!!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      They definitely have their similarities!

      Reply
  2. Amy Shojai, CABC says

    March 9, 2015 at 9:12 am

    These are great! And the picture is lovely, too. *s*

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      Aww, thanks! Our photographer did a great job of capturing these lovely moments 🙂

      Reply
  3. Robin says

    March 9, 2015 at 9:23 am

    Such great lessons! It is amazing what pets can teach you without saying a word. They really do make us better people.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:14 pm

      You are absolutely right.

      Reply
  4. Miley's Daily Scoop says

    March 9, 2015 at 9:44 am

    What a great post! We should all remember those tips! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:14 pm

      I think many of us could benefit from them!

      Reply
  5. Kia says

    March 9, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    Aw, what a lovely post! Beautiful picture 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lauren Miller says

    March 9, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Awe!! Such a good post! <3

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      I’d be toying with the idea of doing this post for awhile. I’m glad I finally did it 🙂

      Reply
  7. Val Silver says

    March 9, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    I need to learn some of those lessons 🙂 Beautiful photo.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      We all can benefit from at least one of these 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jen Gabbard says

    March 9, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Aw, I’ve always wondered about breeds like Pyrs – and how much nature vs nurture could make a difference. It sounds like you do an excellent job with them, and they are so well adjusted and cared for. They’re certainly not for everyone but you’re helping to show what awesome, intelligent, and loving dogs they are. I always giggle when I think about a friends Pyr she got for her livestock. He was meant to protect all of her goats but instead he bonded with one specific pig – and they’re always together, rain or shine. They make the cutest pair, playing and cuddling together.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:18 pm

      In my opinion, nature and nurture both play huge roles in their development. Mauja and Atka are much more social than your typical LGD because we focused a lot on socialization. Pyrs definitely aren’t for everyone as they have a lot of “undesirable” qualities, but if you can handle them they are truly amazing dogs. In my opinion, some of the most tender-hearted dogs there are.

      That’s absolutely hysterical about your friend’s pyr. They do what they want! 😉

      Reply
  9. April says

    March 9, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Love this post, it’s amazing what pets can teach us. Bain reminds me a lot like myself, he likes a lot of physical play, is extremely goofy and can be aloof with strangers.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      It’s really amazing how dogs tend to be mirrors of ourselves.

      Reply
  10. Cathy Armato says

    March 9, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    I just LOVE the photo of you in your beautiful wedding gown with your dog right there next to you, it really shows how much a part of your life the dogs are. Not everyone would let their dogs near them in a wedding gown! I never realized how alike Pyrs and Huskies are; both tend to disappear if let off leash and both eat as needed, conserving their energy.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 9, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      The real show of love was Nick snuggling up with the dogs in his dark gray suit! At least the fur blended into my dress 😉 We couldn’t have imagined our special day without Mauja and Atka. A piece of our hearts would have been missing.

      Pyrs and huskies do have a lot of similar qualities!

      Reply
  11. MattieDog says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    Also: put your feet up in da air, like you don’t care! 🙂 Great post!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 10, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      You got that right!

      Reply
  12. Michelle Wolff says

    March 9, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    There was a Great P in our neighborhood that used to come “visit”. It was a small town so I would just hang on to her until her owner came looking 🙂 She was such a sweetie and liked to go on walkabout often

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      March 10, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      They do like to wander and go for adventures! How sweet that you would hang out with her 🙂

      Reply
  13. Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    Every one of those is a great lesson!

    –Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

    Reply
  14. Sadie says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    Ha ha ha ‘disapyr.’ Love dog lessons for people – always good advice.

    Reply
  15. Jodi Jarvis-Therrian says

    March 9, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    Great read , I LOVED IT, I tried to subscribe by email and it wouldn’t let me 🙁
    Please add me to your email list if you can 🙂
    I have a Pyr mix and he is the love of my life <3

    Reply
  16. MyDogLikes says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    Adorable and so true! We can learn a lot about how to better people from our pyrfect pets!

    Reply
  17. Spencer the Goldendoodle says

    March 9, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    Great post! Love learning about other breeds and love your fluff! 🙂
    Your Fluffy Pal, Spencer the Goldendoodle

    Reply
  18. Pawesome Cats says

    March 10, 2015 at 2:48 am

    Great advice, and such a wonderful photo!

    Reply
  19. Beth | Daily Dog Tag says

    March 10, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Great advice!

    Reply
  20. Rachel says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    I love naps 🙂 I think that lesson is my favorite!

    Reply
  21. Elaine Moore says

    March 11, 2015 at 7:50 am

    I have two…Maya and Cherokee. Love them and the breed. They found me. Best day of my life. Great article.

    Reply
  22. Kathy says

    March 12, 2015 at 4:34 am

    I love the article. I have 2 Great Pyrenees and a 12 week old Pyrenees/Blue Heeler puppy.

    Reply
  23. Emmett Kelly says

    March 12, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    You forgot the importance of Pyr bouncing to celebrate anything good that happens in your life!

    Reply
  24. Brandie Kennedy says

    March 13, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I’ve had 3 and this sums them up perfectly! The only difference is that my current baby girl is a “piggy hog dog” and eats everything in sight! Loved this!

    Reply
  25. Monica says

    March 13, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Lovely picture of your wedding. My pyrenean came to my wedding and love my photos with her in them.

    Reply
  26. Brandie Kennedy says

    March 14, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Loved this! I could take more lessons from my baby girl, Leia.

    Reply
  27. Kimberly says

    June 21, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Your Great Pyrenees are such beautiful dogs!

    Reply
  28. Sam says

    August 27, 2015 at 12:41 am

    I have a great pyr named Sasha she is 90 pounds and is almost 4 years old. She is scared of almost everything. Do you know if there is anyway of getting her un afraid of things.

    Reply
  29. png download says

    April 25, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Aw, thank you for sharing the post! I fall in love with this dog breed at the first sight <3 Their temperament is so interesting

    Reply
  30. Julie Klein says

    July 13, 2018 at 10:20 am

    I love this – thank you for posting! I recently got a Great Pyrenees 1-year old rescue and I’m so in love, I am learning these from her every day <3

    Reply
  31. Gloria says

    March 21, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Our Pyr is approaching 1 year, we got her at 2 months. Such a wonderful dog. We’ve had collies and shepherds, currently an elderly retriever who helped train our Pyr -guiding her into her crate when needed. They romp and play – our old girl has lots of spunk, truly needed with a puppy Pyr. The Pyr has finally learned to lay about while I work, and is great to walk. A friend has an aussie the same age so they get to play together – nice to have a young pup to romp with! I’m sure she’ll get to the calm stage at some point, but for now we love the puppiness – she’s so fun! And cuddly, that hair (which is spring shedding) is so soft and thick. And kids? She’s a love bug with them. Funniest part – when a little pup went to the little dog park next to our big dog park, she laid down. Same thing with a chihuahua – it came to the fence, so she went nose to nose by laying down. A wonderful trait they have – I didn’t ask her to, she just did it!
    Another time at the dog park, a third dog was there. None of our dogs were playing that day, for some reason. My Pyr laid down. I was trying to figure out why she wasn’t romping with our retriever. As I proceeded to walk our trail and looked back, I realized that she had laid down between a 10 year old girl on a bench, and the aggressively barking small dogs about 20 feet away outside the dog park. That owner had them on a leash, but did nothing to calm his dogs. (I’m a no-barking except in danger kind of dog mom…. After all, Pyrs are known for their barking, and mine didn’t bark at those dogs when we came to the dog park.) I’m guessing my Pyr went into guard mode. Laying down at the dog park was a first for her!

    Reply

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