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How to Keep Great Pyrenees on a Property: A Guardian’s Guide

Keeping a Great Pyrenees safely and happily contained on your property requires a multifaceted approach that respects their inherent guarding instincts and roaming tendencies. The key lies in a combination of robust physical barriers, consistent training, fulfilling their needs, and understanding their unique breed characteristics.

Understanding the Great Pyrenees Mindset

Before we dive into practical solutions, let’s appreciate the Pyrenees perspective. They’re bred to guard livestock, often in vast, open spaces. This means:

Independent Thinking: They’re not blindly obedient like some breeds. They assess situations and act accordingly.
Territoriality: They have a strong sense of their domain and are naturally inclined to patrol and protect it.
Roaming Instinct: The urge to explore and patrol is ingrained in their DNA.

Knowing this helps us craft strategies that work with their nature, not against it.

The Foundation: Physical Barriers

A secure fence is your first line of defense. But not just any fence will do.

Fence Height and Material

Minimum Height: 6 feet is generally recommended. Some determined Pyrs can clear 4-foot fences. Consider 8 feet for extra security, especially if they are inclined to jump.
Material Matters: Chain-link, solid wood, or heavy-duty wire mesh are all viable options. Avoid flimsy materials that can be easily bent or broken.
Dig-Proofing: This is critical. Great Pyrenees are strong diggers.
- Bury the Fence: Extend the fence at least 1-2 feet below ground level.
- L-Footers: Attach wire mesh or hardware cloth to the bottom of the fence, bending it outwards in an “L” shape and burying it underground. This prevents digging under.
- Concrete Barrier: For particularly persistent diggers, consider pouring a concrete footer beneath the fence.

Addressing Weak Points

Gates: Gates are notorious escape points. Ensure they are as tall and sturdy as the fence itself. Use heavy-duty latches that automatically lock and are difficult for a dog to manipulate. Consider double-latching or adding a carabiner for extra security.
Vegetation: Trim vegetation along the fence line. Overhanging branches can provide leverage for jumping, and dense bushes can hide weak spots or digging attempts.
Regular Inspections: Walk the perimeter of your fence regularly, looking for damage, weak spots, or signs of digging. Repair any issues immediately.

Training and Management

While a good fence is crucial, training is equally important.

Basic Obedience

Recall: A reliable recall (“Come!”) is essential. Start training early and use positive reinforcement.
“Stay” and “Leave It”: These commands can be invaluable in preventing escapes. “Stay” prevents them from rushing through an open gate, while “Leave It” can stop them from pursuing something tempting outside the fence.
Consistency is Key: Training should be consistent and ongoing. Even a well-trained Pyr needs regular reinforcement.

Addressing the Roaming Instinct

Leash Walking: Regular leash walks outside the property provide mental and physical stimulation and allow them to explore safely.
Mental Enrichment: Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games can help satisfy their need for mental stimulation and reduce boredom, which can lead to escape attempts.
Supervision: Supervise your Pyr whenever they are outside, especially in the early stages of training and familiarization with the property.

Invisible Fences: Proceed with Caution

While invisible fences can be effective for some dogs, they are generally not recommended for Great Pyrenees. Their strong guarding instincts can override the discomfort of the shock, especially if they perceive a threat. Furthermore, invisible fences do not prevent other animals or people from entering your property, potentially putting your Pyr in a dangerous situation. If you choose to use one, do so in conjunction with a physical fence for added security, and only after consulting with a professional trainer experienced with this breed.

Fulfilling Their Needs

A happy and fulfilled Pyr is less likely to seek escape.

Ample Exercise

While not high-energy dogs, Great Pyrenees need regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, and opportunities to explore (on leash) will help keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Socialization

Proper socialization is vital, especially when they are young puppies. Expose them to a variety of people, places, and sounds to help them become well-adjusted and less reactive.

A Job to Do

Great Pyrenees thrive when they have a purpose. Even if you don’t have livestock, you can give them a “job” by:

Guarding the House: Allowing them to patrol the perimeter of your property and alert you to potential threats.
Playing Games: Engaging in activities like hide-and-seek or fetch (with a soft toy, as they are not usually avid retrievers).
Offering Training Opportunities: Teaching them new tricks or commands.

Companionship

Great Pyrenees are social creatures and benefit from companionship, whether it’s from humans or other animals. If you are away for long periods, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to provide them with attention and interaction.

Understanding Local Laws

Before investing in fencing or relying on specific containment methods, research local ordinances regarding:

Fence Height Restrictions: Some municipalities have limits on fence height.
Leash Laws: Understand when and where your Pyr must be leashed.
“Dangerous Dog” Laws: Be aware of any laws that may apply to your breed, particularly regarding containment and liability.

FAQs: Keeping Your Great Pyrenees Safe and Sound

1. My Pyr keeps digging under the fence. What can I do?

Implement the dig-proofing measures mentioned earlier: burying the fence, using L-footers, or creating a concrete barrier. You can also try burying chicken wire flat along the base of the fence, which discourages digging.

2. My Great Pyrenees jumps over the fence. How can I stop this?

Increase the fence height, if possible. You can also try adding an overhang to the top of the fence, angled inwards. Make sure there is nothing near the fence that the Pyr can use as a “launchpad.”

3. Can I use an electric fence for my Great Pyrenees?

While electric fences may work for some individuals, they are generally not recommended. The Pyr’s protective instincts and high pain tolerance can override the discomfort, making them ineffective. They also don’t prevent other animals or people from entering your property.

4. My Pyr is friendly. Why do I need such a secure fence?

Even friendly Great Pyrenees have a guarding instinct and a tendency to roam. A secure fence protects them from getting lost, hit by a car, or encountering aggressive animals. It also protects others from their guarding behavior, even if it’s well-intentioned.

5. How early should I start training my Great Pyrenees?

Start training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Early socialization and basic obedience training are crucial for developing a well-behaved and manageable dog.

6. My Pyr barks a lot. Is this normal?

Yes, barking is a natural behavior for Great Pyrenees, as they were bred to alert to potential threats. However, excessive barking can be a problem. Training, mental stimulation, and addressing the underlying cause of the barking can help.

7. Are Great Pyrenees good off-leash?

Generally, no. Their roaming instinct and independent nature make them unreliable off-leash, even with extensive training.

8. What are some good puzzle toys for Great Pyrenees?

Puzzle toys that require them to work for their food are excellent. Consider toys that dispense treats when manipulated or require them to solve a problem to access the reward.

9. How much exercise does a Great Pyrenees need?

They don’t need excessive amounts of exercise, but a daily walk of 30-60 minutes is beneficial. Also, consider playtime in a secure area.

10. My Pyr escapes when I open the gate. What can I do?

Train a solid “stay” command and practice it near the gate. You can also create a double-gate system, where you have an enclosed area between two gates, allowing you to safely enter and exit without the dog escaping.

11. Can a Great Pyrenees live happily in a small yard?

While they can adapt to smaller spaces, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. If you have a small yard, ensure you provide ample opportunities for walks, playtime, and training sessions.

12. My Great Pyrenees is destructive when left alone. What should I do?

This could indicate boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise. Ensure they have plenty of toys, exercise them before leaving, and consider crate training. If the problem persists, consult with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer.

By understanding the Great Pyrenees breed, investing in secure fencing, providing consistent training, and fulfilling their needs, you can create a safe and happy environment for your gentle giant. Remember, responsible ownership means keeping your dog contained and protected, allowing them to thrive as the loyal guardians they were bred to be.