Do you have the Great Pyrenees and want to know when they will finally calm down? These majestic dogs can be hard to handle with their strong-willed, protective personalities.
But don’t worry – this article is here to answer your questions. We’ll cover when to expect your Great Pyrenees to calm down, and the several causes and symptoms of their anxiety. We also look at practical methods to keep them calm and relaxed. Let’s get started!
When Exactly Do Great Pyrenees Calm Down?
If you’re considering getting a Great Pyrenees, you may wonder when they will finally start calming down.
The good news is that the Great Pyrenees were bred as livestock guardian dogs. They are known for being calm, gentle giants when properly trained and socialized.
As puppies, they may display boisterous behavior, but with appropriate training and socialization, by the age of one, their behavior will become more subdued.
Generally speaking, it is best to start reward-based training your Great Pyrenees puppy from a young age – around 8-10 weeks old – to instill good manners early on.
This includes teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
With consistency in obedience training sessions throughout their first year of life, they are likely to develop a stable and even temperament.
Why is my Great Pyrenees Anxious?
Having a Great Pyrenees can be an exciting experience, but it can also bring challenges. These dogs are known to be anxious and difficult to manage.
If you’re wondering why your great Pyr is so anxious and how you can help them, we’ve covered a range of scenarios below:
Fear of abandonment
The most common cause of anxiety attacks in The Great Pyrenees is a fear of abandonment. A Great Pyrenees may develop a fear response of abandonment if they have been separated from their owner for long periods of time or if their environment has changed drastically.
“This could include a move to a new home, the introduction of a new pet into the family, or even changes in daily routines like hour-long walk and playtime.”
Loud Noises – Distressed Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees can quickly become anxious when exposed to sudden or loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Even the most seemingly harmless sounds (like vacuum cleaners) can cause them to become highly distressed and panicked.
This type of anxiety can often result in destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or barking excessively. The good news is that you don’t have to live with an anxious pup!
With the right techniques and lots of love, it’s possible to help your Great Pyrenees feel more relaxed around loud noises and stay calm.
Traveling
If you’re about to hit the road for a family vacation or other trip and your Great Pyrenees seems anxious, it can be worrisome—and stressful!
Traveling with an anxious pup is never easy, but understanding why your dog might feel this way can help make the journey less stressful for everyone involved.
“Anxiety issues in dogs is often caused by change, which can include anything from a move to a new home to being left alone for long periods of time.”
Traveling might cause anxiety in your Great Pyrenees because it represents change.
This includes new sights, smells, and sounds associated with traveling, which could be overwhelming and frightening to them.
Being around New People
You may have noticed that the Great Pyrenees can be anxious around new people. This is because the giant breed was initially bred to be guard dogs and protect sheep, so they are naturally suspicious of strangers.
They also tend to bond closely with one family and can become incredibly protective of them. Due to their background as guardians, Great Pyrenees may bark at or even bite strange people who approach them or their pet owner without proper introductions.
Owners need to be aware of this behavior so that they can do what it takes to make sure their pup feels safe in the presence of new people.
Introducing new visitors gradually and with caution, avoiding sudden movements near the dog, and providing rewards when the pup behaves calmly are recommended.
They are all great ways to help your pup feel more relaxed in an unfamiliar setting.
Being around Other Dogs
Having an anxious Great Pyrenees can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to being around other dogs. If your pup exhibits signs of anxiety, such as barking, trembling, or even aggressive behavior, it is important to understand why.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your dog feel more secure and relaxed in social situations with other dogs.
“A common cause of the Great Pyrenees’ fear or apprehension in the presence of other pups is due to a lack of exposure. They may not have had many opportunities to socialize with other dogs until now.”
Introducing them slowly and at their own pace can help ensure that these encounters remain positive and free from stress for all parties involved.
Rewarding calm behavior with treats or a favorite toy can also encourage better behaviors from your pup while building their confidence when in the company of other dogs.
Not Enough Exercise
Anxiety can be a result of your puppy not getting enough exercise. Brain exercise allows them to use up their extra energy and helps with both physical and mental well-being.
Without regular daily walks or playtime, your Great Pyrenees may become restless and start exhibiting signs of stress, such as pacing, barking, or panting excessively.
If you believe the lack of exercise is an issue for your pup, then focus on giving them the recommended amount of activity each day – at least two walks and some active playtime!
What are the symptoms of anxiety or stress in a Great Pyrenees?
Pacing
Pacing is a common behavior among dogs, but it can indicate an underlying issue when it becomes excessive. If you have a Great Pyrenees that seems to pace excessively, it could be due to anxiety or stress.
Anxiety and stress in Great Pyrenees can manifest themselves in several ways, such as barking, whining, hiding, and shaking.
However, one of the more noticeable behaviors is pacing. It’s important to note that not all pacing is caused by anxiety; some dogs do this out of habit or boredom.
But suppose your pup has recently started displaying this behavior more often than usual. In that case, it might be worth speaking with your vet about any underlying health concerns or emotional concerns they may have.
Whining
Whining is an expected behavior among Great Pyrenees dogs. Many owners are unsure if the whining is simply because the dog is bored or if it could be linked to anxiety or stress.
The answer might surprise you! Whining can be an indicator of both anxiety and stress in a Great Pyrenees.
“When stressed, your pup may whine as they try to communicate their discomfort or profound fear to you—kind of like when we would whine to our parents as children!”
It’s important that owners know how to recognize this behavior and what strategies can help reduce their pup’s anxious feelings.
For instance, providing plenty of mental stimulation activities such as interactive toys and puzzle games can keep them busy while also helping them work through those feelings of anxiety and stress.
Panting
When a Great Pyrenees pants, it could indicate that he or she is feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This type of breathing pattern, while usually not dangerous in itself, could point to underlying issues such as fear or even physical pain that need to be addressed by a vet.
Additionally, panting can also indicate heat stroke if the outside temperature is too warm and your pup does not have access to shade and water.
Excessive shedding
Excessive shedding can be normal for most Great Pyrenees, but it could also indicate stress or anxiety. Shedding may signify that something isn’t quite right with your pup.
“If you notice more than the usual amount of fur being lost from your Great Pyrenees’ double coats, this could be an indication that they are feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation.”
It’s important to consider any changes in their daily care routine that may have caused them to become anxious or uncomfortable.
This can range from anything, such as spending time around unfamiliar people or animals, to changes in diet and environment.
Engaging in Disruptive Behavior
Engaging in disruptive behavior is a standard indicator among many animals, including the Great Pyrenees, of anxiety or stress.
You might notice your Great Pyrenees bark more than usual, dig up the garden, or become destructive when left alone. These are all signs that they may feel anxious or stressed and need extra help from their owners.
Anxiety and stress can cause a wide range of behaviors in dogs that can be hard to pinpoint without understanding how their minds work.
It’s important to observe your pet for any changes in attitude or behavior, as these could signal a potential health issue that needs attention.
Suppose you believe your pup is engaging in disruptive behavior due to anxiety wraps or stress. In that case, it’s important to take them to the vet for a professional opinion before taking other actions.
How to Calm a Great Pyrenees?
Exercise and Play
If you are looking for ways to calm down your Great Pyrenees, look no further! Exercise and play are two of the best ways to help your dog relax.
“Providing an active outlet for their high energy and activity level can be a great way to help them destress”.
Taking them on long walks and runs or providing them with interactive toys like puzzles or chew toys can help keep their minds occupied and engaged. Exercise is also a great way to build a strong bond between you and your pet.
Spending quality time together doing something they enjoy can strengthen the bond between owner and dog while helping reduce stress simultaneously.
Playing fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or frisbee are great activities that will provide your pup with both physical and mental stimulation!
Physical Contact and Affection
Physical contact and affection are key in calming your Great Pyrenees. If they seem agitated or anxious, try giving them gentle strokes or cuddles.
You could even try brushing their fur or playing with toys together. Allowing your dog to have some physical contact with you will help them relax and feel more secure in their environment.
Plus, these activities will also help strengthen the bond between you two too!
Give them a Massage
A great way to de-stress your pup is by giving them a massage. Not only does this help with relaxation, but it also helps relieve pain from sore muscles and joints.
Plus, it’s an opportunity for both of you to bond in a calming environment. To massage your Great Pyrenees, start by gently rubbing their back in small circular motions.
As they become more relaxed, increase the pressure and size of the circles until their whole body has been massaged.
Play Soothing Music
One way to calm the Great Pyrenees is by playing soothing music. Music has the power to relax us humans, and it can also do the same for dogs.
“Playing instrumental music specifically, with slower tempos and low frequencies, can help create a calming atmosphere for your dog.”
This type of music helps activate the release of dopamine. Which increases pleasure sensations – and decreases cortisol production – which decreases stress hormones – in humans and animals alike.
Reduce your dog’s stress by playing calming instrumental music.
Brush and Groom them
One of the best ways to soothe a stressed-out pup is to brush and groom them regularly.
This will make them look good and give them some much-needed attention and relaxation. The brushing action has been known to produce calming effects for dogs which helps reduce any anxious behavior they might have.
Additionally, grooming sessions allow you to bond with your dog and build trust between you.
Provide Mental Stimulation
When providing mental stimulation for your pup, it’s best to use interactive toys like puzzles, treat dispensers and chew toys.
These are great ways to keep their minds active and occupy their time.
Try Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a form of holistic healing, and it may be able to help calm down your Great Pyrenees too. Aromatherapy is based on the belief that essential oils from plants, fruits, and herbs have therapeutic properties.
Inhaling or applying oils topically can create physiological changes that improve well-being by entering the bloodstream.
Some of these oils are even known for calming effects on humans and animals alike. Coupled with some soothing music, this could have some real benefits in calming down your Great Pyr!
