I have a 3 1/2 year old, male Great Pyrenees and he barks CONSTANTLY. There's a path behind our house so he barks at everything that walks by. I know it's the breed, and we didn't choose him specifically. We found him, and the owners wanted us to keep him. But I'm just wondering if there is ways to lessen their barking. He's unbelievably sweet but the neighbors do complain. How do I correct the behavior? Would buying another Great Pyrenees help?
Thanks!
landi_lou2011-06-08T08:34:42Z
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Don't get another Pyr! As both other users have stated, you'll only have to deal with twice the barking.
Pyrs are not herding dogs, they're guardian dogs. Their job is to keep their charges safe and keep their territory free of strange people and predatory animals. Their first line of defense is barking to let others know they are there and willing to defend their boundaries, and to warn off strangers and predators. It's an instinctive behaviour and not one easily curbed with a Pyr.
I wouldn't advocate bark collars as I think the dog might attempt to bark in spite of it, or decide that since they can't bark they need to be more proactive in their warnings.
If your dog seems particularly bothered by the sight of people near your property what I've found works for my Pyr (we live in an urban area so people walking by are quite common) is to block sight lines. This could be as easy as growing some ivy on a chain-link fence. Engaging your Pyr in alternative activities while outside is also a good idea. I find that just my presence outside is enough to calm my Pyr. If he knows I'm there and willing to handle a situation he's often less confrontative to passersby.
If he happens to get fixated on warning someone off, I'll step in front of him and bump him back. This is a behaviour they understand as they often do it with their own livestock charges. It's effectively communicating that I'm in charge and I'm handling the situation.
If all else fails you can always take the dog inside. Most Pyrs don't bark as readily indoors as they do outdoors when they're confronted with all the sights and smells to goad them into their instinctive behaviors.
Another thing you can do is send appeasement gifts to neighbors. =P Like a plate of fresh baked cookies. Tell them you understand how frustrating it is and that you're working on decreasing the noise level. Pyrs can be very loud and their deep booming barks carry large distances. If you let them know you understand there is a problem and that you're trying to do your best to solve the problem they are likely to be much more understanding.
No. Two Pyrenees = 2 times the barking. Either he need to be indoors more or you may have to look into bark collar. As you seem to know, this breed is prone to barking.
Another dog won't help. then you will have two barking dogs.
Please please don't listen to anyone who tells you to get a shock collar or a spray collar. This can be mentally damaging; maybe even physically damaging. If someone says it doesn’t hurt, it probably does: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/latrenda/2011/05/when-someone-says-its-doesnt-hurt-it-probably-does/
Here is a great book on barking: http://amzn.to/gqAlNv
Yes, herding breeds are supposed to be barkers. Spend lots of time with him. Take him on very long walks. Find some outlets for his herding desires. Like treibball. See more details below.
... Please don’t listen to any advice that is just a repeat of television shows. TV is for entertainment and ratings – not education. So please do not listen to advice about alpha rolling, dominance, pack leader, showing who’s boss etc..
There is a reason why the screen on those TV shows flashes “Do not try this at home” – because the techniques are extremely unsafe.
Please absolutely no alpha rolling, leash yanking,hangingss, no leash corrections (same as yanking, jerking). There are better ways to treat your best friend. Please no shock collars