While the Great Pyrenees is a majestic and powerful breed, can these gentle giants also be inside dogs?
In this article, we will explore the possibilities of having a Great Pyrenees as an indoor pet. We will look at the advantages of having them in the home, what their needs are, and how to best train them for living indoors.
While the Great Pyrenees prefer colder climates, they can make great inside dogs as well. Despite being well-adapted to cold weather due to their origins, these dogs love to live inside with their families.
Read on further as we share everything you need to know about owning the Great Pyrenees as an indoor dog!
Is the Great Pyrenees Happy Inside?
Contrary to popular belief, Great Pyrenees dogs often enjoy spending time inside, especially if that is where they will find the most love and attention.
These dogs are usually happy to be inside, even if that means they must stay in a smaller space.
In fact, many people own Great Pyrenees dogs as indoor pets because it is much easier to care for them in the house as they will get less dirty.
If you live with children, this also gives your Great Pyrenees even more reason to want to stay inside.
They love children and will want to be close to them in order to protect them. When they see their family outside, they will want to go out and play as well!
Therefore, a properly fenced yard is important even if Great Pyrenees is an inside dog.
As the breed spends more time indoors, they will often need less grooming than those who stay outside most of the time.
While weekly brushing is required, they usually don’t need baths very often unless they get dirty from being outside.
Do the Great Pyrenees Like to Be Outside?
Despite making great indoor dogs, there is no denying that these furballs also enjoy roaming outside.
Like most dogs, being able to sniff around and beyond their usual surroundings will make them happy. Taking your dogs on walks should be something every dog owner does.
This breed needs a significant amount of exercise, so you should walk them regularly.
Besides walking, there are many other outdoor activities that your Great Pyrenees will enjoy taking part in.
“They love playing fetch and will absolutely adore having a yard of their own to play in.”
You could also teach your pup how to herd animals like sheep for fun if you live on a farm.
The reason for this is that Great Pyrenees were originally bred to be livestock guardian dogs, and it is in their blood to protect animals.
They will herd anything on their path, whether on the farm or in a large backyard.
Can you leave the Great Pyrenees Alone?
Many people are unsure if they can leave their Great Pyrenees alone for an extended period of time. The answer depends on the individual dog’s personality, age, and other factors.
Most Great Pyrenees can be left alone for a few hours without any problem.
That being said, it is important to ensure you leave your dog in a safe and comfortable environment.
If you have a fenced-in yard, this will be much easier for you as your dog will be able to roam around outside without getting into trouble.
If you don’t have a fenced-in yard, then you will need to find an area in the house where the dog can be left unattended.
A kitchen or bathroom may work, but a hardwood or tiled floor is the best place for your puppy. This is safer than carpeted areas, in case they decide to relieve themselves inside!
While you are away, your pup may prefer to lay on the couch as it can get quite comfortable.
This may not be an ideal spot, so it’s best to make sure he has his own bed or blanket available. I generally leave him with some toys to play with or chew on to help alleviate the boredom.
“A general rule of thumb is to never leave your dog alone for more than 8 hours.“
If you are leaving for work in the morning and not coming back until the evening, this is typically no problem. However, any longer than this will likely result in your dog suffering from separation anxiety.
Typical signs of separation anxiety include excessive chewing, barking, pacing, and trying to escape the yard!
Can the Great Pyrenees Be Apartment Dogs?
The Great Pyrenees are gentle giants that love to play. So you will need to make sure you have enough space for them to run around.
Additionally, if you live in a busy area with a lot of noise and people, the Great Pyrenees may not be the best choice for you.
As a livestock guardian breed, they can become stressed around people and commotion.
If you decide to get a Great Pyr and live in an apartment, just make sure that your dog gets outside enough.
This is because they need plenty of exercise and also need enough space to run around and stretch their legs!
You may also like – The Ultimate Great Pyrenees Guide – All Questions Answered!
Can you Potty Train a Great Pyrenees?
Yes, you can easily house-train the Great Pyrenees. Like any other dog, however, it will take some patience and consistency on your part.
The first step is to start by taking your puppy outside to pee and poop as soon as you bring him home. This may seem like a lot of work in the beginning, but it will get easier over time.
Take your puppy to the same spot, and reward it with treats/praise for going potty in the right manner.
If he makes a mistake indoors, don’t scold him – simply take him outside right away.
“It may take a few weeks, but eventually, your Great Pyrenees will start going to the bathroom outside.“
There are even some potty-training pads available that can help make the process easier for both of you!
Generally speaking, it takes about 6 months before your dog becomes completely house-trained.
However, if you are patient and consistent with your Great Pyrenees, he will be able to hold his bladder all day long!
Remember to also give them obedience training. And train them not to chew or destroy furniture, as this is just as important as potty training!
How Much Space Does a Great Pyrenees Need?
If you are considering getting a Great Pyrenees, you will need to make sure they have enough space to run around. They love to play and need plenty of daily exercise in order to be happy.
A medium-sized yard or large fenced-in patio is ideal, though the exact space needed varies.
Overall, if you have a smaller space, then your Great Pyrenees may be better off living elsewhere.
Benefits of Keeping a Great Pyrenees Inside
When it comes to the benefits of keeping the Great Pyrenees inside, there are quite a few. They include:
- They can stay cleaner.
- They need less grooming
- They are easier to house train.
- They are less exposed to the elements
- They are less likely to get sick from the weather
However, no matter how many benefits there may be to keeping dogs inside, keeping them inside at all times is simply not safe or healthy.
Go outside a few times a day for mental and physical health, even if your dog mostly lives inside.
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