Gentle giant not always gentle

Dear Fisher,

I saw an article in the paper about you and decided to check you out. I am a 2 year old great Pyrenees named Greta. My human tells everyone that I am the most laid back and gentle dog you will ever find. I am the perfect dog to take to hospitals, nursing homes, cancer center, and many other places where I behave perfectly and everyone loves me.

I am a certified therapy dog and I get along with every living creature with one exception. For some reason, when I see another Pyrenees I get ready for battle. If I get within 2 feet of another like me, it is fight time.

My worst behavior came out at a rescue group picnic a few months ago and there were at least 50-60 Pyrenees there! Things got so bad my human had to take me back to her car and crate me. It was awful. She has tried dog trainers and everything. What in the world do you think is wrong with me?

Greta

Dear Greta,

You can imagine I hear all sorts of issues from all sorts of critters. Some are easier to advise than others. I think yours is a very unique case.

Characteristics of the Pyrenees breed range from “gentle giant” to very independent, and even stubborn. Training could be difficult because you do not like to be told what to do. You can make your own decisions, thank you very much. On top of that you are absolutely adorable.

Since your issue is much more complicated than most, I am giving you 2 sites to explore. Both have more good information than I can include in my column:

1. The Woof and Word Press tells about Louie, a 4 year old Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees cross. Louie, like you, has that one trigger that turns him into a raging bull. In his case, it is not another Pyrenees – he is not at all aggressive toward other dogs and people. His aggression trigger is diesel engine vehicles. Even though this might cause a chuckle at the very idea, the behavior called barrier frustration/aggression is serious and can escalate quickly. It does sound a little like your going off on the other Pyrenees, don’t you think? Enjoy the read and I hope you find some answers there.

2. Leash Aggression in Dogs is an article by Kathy Sdao, MA, CAAB, where she explains your leash is restricting you – very much like barrier restriction. First you are restricted, then frustrated, anxious, and finally aggressive. Ms. Sdao provides suggestions for training techniques as well. Again, due to the extensive information, I will leave it to your human to find the information that will serve you best.

We are all in this together – any readers out their with helpful ideas for Greta? Please feel free to let us know.

Your friend,

Fisher

RSS-Feeds

• Last Posts
• Last Comments