When it comes to owning a Great Pyrenees, many are curious about whether they are hard to train.
With their regal appearance and gentle nature, they make for a great addition to any family. But what is the real story behind training this breed? Are they hard to train?
Great Pyrenees dogs are not the easiest to train; however, with persistence and a regular training routine, your dog should be able to catch on to new tricks quickly enough. As long as you have the time, patience, and effort to continue supporting your Great Pyrenees, they are very trainable.
Many factors need to be considered when training your Great Pyrenees. Let’s delve deeper and discover what it takes to train this gentle giant.
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Why Are Great Pyrenees Hard to Train?
Training your Great Pyr can be a challenging task, but if started early can be accomplished without too much difficulty.
They are quite resilient and independent in nature, so they may resist training at times. This is not to say that it cannot be done!
When Should I Start Training my Great Pyrenees?
Start training your Great Pyrenees as early in his life as possible. It is possible to train them once they reach adulthood, but it is much easier to do so while they are young.
If they have their eyes open and are walking around, then they are ready for informal obedience training.
Formal training should start after they reach 6 months of age.
Just like a small child, a young puppy will not have an extended attention span. So you will want to limit the timeframe of training sessions.
Session lengths of 15 minutes are a good place to start and will help you keep a positive attitude by not exhausting your efforts.
There are puppy kindergarten classes for young puppies and can help train your Pyrs to obey simple commands.
Should I Crate Train my Great Pyrenees?
Crate training is always a great option to try with any dog, but it is important to remember that it doesn’t work for every dog.
Your Great Pyrenees may struggle with confinement to a crate, but it is something that should certainly be tried. There are some clear advantages to crate training.
A Controlled Environment
Crate training aids considerably when potty training your Great Pyrs. Puppies do not like to use the bathroom where they sleep, so a crate will help prevent bad habits from forming.
Security
A dog, much like humans, enjoys having their own space or a place that solely belongs to them. A crate serves that purpose acting as a “bedroom” where they can rest securely.
Provides You Freedom
As adorable as they might be, you cannot be with your Great Pyrenees all of the time.
You are going to have to eventually leave the house or just need time to do things that you cannot do with a puppy in tow, such as cooking or cleaning.
Creating a happy place for your dog can be linked to successful crate training because your puppy will associate happy feelings with his crate.
He will enjoy being in his crate and not view it as a cage or prison.
“However, your puppy should not be confined to the crate for longer than 4 hours at a time.“
If you work outside the home and are gone for longer periods, then you need to make sure that someone else is available to assist.
This includes letting your Pyrs out for a little exercise, along with having a potty break.
How do you Train a Stubborn Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees have an independent attitude, so it is safe to say that you could encounter stubbornness when training.
Realize that your Pyrs are learning and not being defiant, so be patient with the process. Patience and consistency on your part will ease your frustration from peaking.
Incorporating positive reinforcement along with a gentle spirit will be a great counter to their stubborn attitude.
Do not force your Great Pyrs to do anything because their stubbornness will prove to be the victor.
Trick them into doing things that you want by being creative during their training sessions.
How to Train a Great Pyrenees to be A Guard Dog?
The Great Pyrenees’ dog were bred to be flock-guarding dogs and would work independently of their owners to protect the livestock.
These dogs love to guard and patrol and show great loyalty to their flock.
“It will always be easier to train a puppy rather than a fully grown Great Pyrenees to be a guardian.“
Raising a puppy around other animals will allow them to assimilate and learn that these are who they are guarding.
While this breed is considered natural guard dogs, training them to guard chickens or other livestock requires a little guidance.
You will need to foster a bond between your Pyrs and what it will guard by introducing them as soon as possible.
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How to Train a Great Pyrenees Not to Bite?
Due to this breed’s independent nature, a consistent and positive approach to training is needed. This includes when teaching them not to bite.
First and foremost, it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader and set clear boundaries and rules.
This breed has a tendency to be independent and dominant, so it’s crucial to establish your leadership role early on in the training process.
“Secondly, positive reinforcement techniques, including treats, praise, and affection, are required.”
This will help encourage good behavior and discourage biting.
Patience and consistency are crucial if you want your training sessions to be a success.
1. Show Patience
Patience is a common thread among all aspects of training the Great Pyrenees, as they can be hard to train.
The Great Pyrs will try testing you and pushing the limits, so patience is necessary.
Resist the temptation to yell or repeat commands over and over.
Give a second or two for them to obey and then, if needed, refocus and repeat the command.
2. Keep in Control
To effectively train your Great Pyrenees to stop biting, you need to show them you are in charge.
Not the other way around.
For example, if your dog is only obedient when they are rewarded with a treat, they are in control.
It’s important to stay in control and teach your Great Pyrs to respect you and set firm boundaries of what is acceptable.
3. Build Rapport
Your goal is to build a close and harmonious relationship with your Great Pyrenees.
Engage in active, focused bonding time to accomplish a strong bond.
Bonding time is for special activities, not just everyday routine activities like walking or watching TV.
4. Keep it Light-Hearted
The Great Pyrenees may be big but are an extremely sensitive breed. Maintaining a light-hearted attitude during training times is key to maintaining a trusting relationship.
Hitting, yelling, or using alpha techniques will only harm your relationship and will hinder training success.
5. Practice Regularly
Try to incorporate a training session daily, even if there is only time for a short one. It is important to be consistent with training in order for it to be effective.
6. Use Positive Reinforcement
Motivate your Great Pyrs with positivity, not a fear of punishment or inflicting pain. Words of affirmation or a treat will be more effective and promote a healthier relationship.
Final thoughts
While the Great Pyrenees can be hard to train at times, patience and dedication will see quick progress, despite the challenges. Good luck with the training!
