Hi everyone
I'm glad to have found this forum.
I am currently looking for my ideal companion first gun dog. Right now I have a great pyr (very, very different from any gundog!). I love her and she is a great livestock guardian but I need a companion dog.
My favorite gundog thus far has been the English Springer - mine was second to none however... for personal preference I would like something bigger, with shorter hair and preferably without all of the ear infection stuff. My top running dog right now is the English Pointer. My inclination was with a GSP - I have never met one I didn't like - but for my family, the personality of the English Pointer is probably a better fit. I'm also considering a lab (although this is new for me but I realize, they really are a great breed).
What I want - companion dog to go with me everywhere. I like Velcro dogs. I also need a dog that doesn't freak out at gun fire (my pyr hates it). I need a dog in the house. I really need a dog that can go for off leash walks (this is a must - I have had enough of on leash hiking - yeck!) after being trained. I would like a dog that has a steady personality - not too neurotic and happy. Energy is ok with me but wouldn't be dh's choice (although he's up for taking dog and little guy out for a hike or ball/frisbee game a couple of times during the day).
I would like a dog who can be off leash with me in an unfenced yard. Fencing the yard isn't an option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is that the area we could fence right around the house would be tiny. We do have a fenced run - somewhere between 1/4-1/3 of an acre beside the house (literally).
The other thing I have are ducks. My ESS did fine with ducks and chickens ranging and the Lab that comes to visit does just fine (very responsive to commands that one) but could a pointer (either kindThe ducks could easily be cooped for their protection.I don't need a birdie dog - that can be the next one. I don't yet have my hunting lic although pplan to write this fall.
About us - we're into hiking, fishing, boating (canoe), ultralight camping. We live in the most beautiful place on earth with forests and mountains all around us. Cold snowy winters (we snow shoe and sled) and fairly hot summers. During fall and winter I run 3X per week and would love a dog who could run with me. I wouldn't mind a dog who could come to the office as well.
Anyway, I would love input, reality checks, advice about over breeds I may have over looked. I am only looking at breeds I have had the opportunity to know and interact with but... other than the ESS and Lab, I haven't lived with any of them, so I would love to hear from the people who have!
Many thanks everyone.
New to forum, looking for advice on breed
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Ridge-Point
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:05 am
- Location: Amity Oregon
English Pointers are known to be a little less pet oriented type dogs than GSP's and other versatiles breeds. A good EP will be independant and full of energy, as would any bird dog, but the EP is usually the next level when it comes to all out bird dogs, they are specialists. Might be harder to find a good frisbee dog in a EP than a versatile breed, same thing with ducks. Your chances would increase in having a good duck dog if you went with a versatile breed. Honestly it sounds like you might want to look into a wiem or a visla. My shorthairs are no good at off leash walks unless I have them at heal, if I release them they go to the front a few hundred yards. If I am in a busy place I always have them on a leash, because if they see a squirrel or cat across the road they might break from heal, and could get hit by a car.
Later
Justin
Later
Justin
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silver elhew
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GsPJustin
IMO I would say, for you situation stay away from EPs and FT lines on GSPs.
My neighbor has a Lab and he runs every afternoon with it off leash. I know I have trouble keeping my GSP in my front yard, much less keep him close enough to me out in the open.
I also advise you to go the spaniel, Visla, Lab or Weim route. There not "unenergetic" but there not quite as driven as EPs or GSPs.
I think all you EP guys are crazy. I have an Uncle that has one and it comes back with live birds after it goes off into the horizon.....nuts
My neighbor has a Lab and he runs every afternoon with it off leash. I know I have trouble keeping my GSP in my front yard, much less keep him close enough to me out in the open.
I also advise you to go the spaniel, Visla, Lab or Weim route. There not "unenergetic" but there not quite as driven as EPs or GSPs.
I think all you EP guys are crazy. I have an Uncle that has one and it comes back with live birds after it goes off into the horizon.....nuts
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flannelberry
Thanks so much to everyone who sent me a PM and who replied here. I'm certainly reconsidering my lab rule out and hadn't even thought of a Weim (the only one I knew was not a great ambassador for his breed due to extremely neglectful owners).
Could people with Weims tell me a bit more about them? Especially how they are with kids.
I definitely want a "boot licker" (I love that part of the lab and ESS personality). This dog would come on hunts (bigger game like elk) and camping but wouldn't be a working dog - just a companion and possibly we'll do some tracking. I would like it to bark enough to be a deterrent to bears, etc coming into the yard but it wouldn't have to be a guard dog. I don't want to do the hound thing again - had hounds and loved them but I'm not up for a hound right now!
I have no need to hunt fowl right now, there's 3 doz ducks mine hatched out that need to be taken care of!
Thanks again.
Could people with Weims tell me a bit more about them? Especially how they are with kids.
I definitely want a "boot licker" (I love that part of the lab and ESS personality). This dog would come on hunts (bigger game like elk) and camping but wouldn't be a working dog - just a companion and possibly we'll do some tracking. I would like it to bark enough to be a deterrent to bears, etc coming into the yard but it wouldn't have to be a guard dog. I don't want to do the hound thing again - had hounds and loved them but I'm not up for a hound right now!
I have no need to hunt fowl right now, there's 3 doz ducks mine hatched out that need to be taken care of!
Thanks again.
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HUTCH
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silver elhew
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flannelberry
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Wagonmaster
- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 3372
- Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:22 am
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
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flannelberry
John
That is what I want - and the breeder we'd go with says hers are like that. They're affectionate but they don't give themselves over to you totally.
I like the sound of that.
From what you're reading - do you have an idea of what I do want? Since I can't figure it out, maybe someone can for me! I am thinking Lab again but I have some hesitation over it.
It may seem silly to be worried this much over what some would see as small details but I love dogs and I take having them in my life very seriously so, it's a big deal for me what breed to get.
The other one I considered was flat coated ret.
That is what I want - and the breeder we'd go with says hers are like that. They're affectionate but they don't give themselves over to you totally.
I like the sound of that.
From what you're reading - do you have an idea of what I do want? Since I can't figure it out, maybe someone can for me! I am thinking Lab again but I have some hesitation over it.
It may seem silly to be worried this much over what some would see as small details but I love dogs and I take having them in my life very seriously so, it's a big deal for me what breed to get.
The other one I considered was flat coated ret.
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Wagonmaster
- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 3372
- Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:22 am
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
lots of breeds make good house pets. with all due respect to the pointer owners on the site, and the gsp owners too for that matter (of which I am one), it sounds to me like you want a very close ranging dog. it also sounds like you are most familiar with labs and springers, so why not get one of those? they both make good family pets.
the pointing breeds are the best hunters, in my opinion. but almost all of them will range out somewhat more than it sounds like you would be comfortable with. we (pointer people) want them to do that, because they are out there finding birds for us, and when they do find one, if they are well trained, they will point and hold while we get there. but they do require more training than one of the flushers.
a well trained springer is a really nice animal. but it is also possible to buy a springer, teach it some basic obedience, and take it out and hunt it. where that approach gets a little dicier with the pointing breeds.
the pointing breeds are the best hunters, in my opinion. but almost all of them will range out somewhat more than it sounds like you would be comfortable with. we (pointer people) want them to do that, because they are out there finding birds for us, and when they do find one, if they are well trained, they will point and hold while we get there. but they do require more training than one of the flushers.
a well trained springer is a really nice animal. but it is also possible to buy a springer, teach it some basic obedience, and take it out and hunt it. where that approach gets a little dicier with the pointing breeds.
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flannelberry
Thanks John.
I'm okay with a ranging animal - but not one that's going to range for miles and miles and not come back (like a pyr would). I have seen a tonne of photos of the dogs of this board since first lurking here and not one would be my pyr. She can't be off leash for even a minute - not even with a shock collar because she'll be gone (and I mean gone); I can't even take her from the house to the car without a leash. This isn't a training issue, it's a breed personality issue and so there's no training her out of it. So, I'm a little shy of that - my experience is outside of normal I think
. I'd be okay with a ranging dog as long as we're not ranging like she is.
I do love the boot lickers but what's the best fit for my life is something (personality wise) between my lab (who literally sat on you) and my Pyr. An affectionate, trainable dog who can be out in a yard for five seconds without being completely gone (after training - off course) but who doesn't *need* to be a bootlicker, with a good mind (I'm ok with headstrong). Has to be good with dog aware kids. I also want a dog that can come with me on hunting/hiking/fishing trips, can be trained to the gun.
I think we've found a good pointer breeder who breeds from show lines; the dogs have been sold to casual hunters (not super birdie) and are affectionate etc. so we'll go an check her dogs out.
The other worry I have is where we are, I couldn't kennel a Springer - he'd have to be a house dog. There's too much risk of bear/cougar attacks and they're just at that smaller size. A good friend who's a long time hunter and dog man in our area calls them "cougar bait, just big enough to be a meal". So, that was another Springer issue for me. That and the fact that I haven't met a Springer breeder that I liked or had dogs I liked.
I'm also thinking about a Chessie at this point in time.
Thanks again for your input - it's helping me make my decision.
I'm okay with a ranging animal - but not one that's going to range for miles and miles and not come back (like a pyr would). I have seen a tonne of photos of the dogs of this board since first lurking here and not one would be my pyr. She can't be off leash for even a minute - not even with a shock collar because she'll be gone (and I mean gone); I can't even take her from the house to the car without a leash. This isn't a training issue, it's a breed personality issue and so there's no training her out of it. So, I'm a little shy of that - my experience is outside of normal I think
. I'd be okay with a ranging dog as long as we're not ranging like she is.I do love the boot lickers but what's the best fit for my life is something (personality wise) between my lab (who literally sat on you) and my Pyr. An affectionate, trainable dog who can be out in a yard for five seconds without being completely gone (after training - off course) but who doesn't *need* to be a bootlicker, with a good mind (I'm ok with headstrong). Has to be good with dog aware kids. I also want a dog that can come with me on hunting/hiking/fishing trips, can be trained to the gun.
I think we've found a good pointer breeder who breeds from show lines; the dogs have been sold to casual hunters (not super birdie) and are affectionate etc. so we'll go an check her dogs out.
The other worry I have is where we are, I couldn't kennel a Springer - he'd have to be a house dog. There's too much risk of bear/cougar attacks and they're just at that smaller size. A good friend who's a long time hunter and dog man in our area calls them "cougar bait, just big enough to be a meal". So, that was another Springer issue for me. That and the fact that I haven't met a Springer breeder that I liked or had dogs I liked.
I'm also thinking about a Chessie at this point in time.
Thanks again for your input - it's helping me make my decision.
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flannelberry
Hi Flannelberry.........Welcome.
What part of the country do you live in?
In reading through the responses and counter responses, I can say that you have been given a lot to think about and you have presented a lot that concerns you. The difficulty you will encounter is that for each breed discussed there will always be a legitimate issue/concern that argues against that particular choice, be it a GSP, EP, Weim, Viz, Springer, Brittany, etc. Everything from ranging to far out to being killed by a cougar/bear. From a practical standpoint your goal of having a "Velcro dog" and a hunting dog in one package is a pretty difficult goal to accomplish.
Let's consider just one isolated activity you would like to do with the dog. "Hike" and have the dog off leash walking along with you. With proper training generally speaking, you can get most breeds to do that. But maybe the next day you want to take the same dog hunting. (I think you see where this is going)....How do you convince your "Velcro hiking dog" that today is not a hike....today is hunting. Very difficult, confusing and near impossible to do both. On one hand you want the dog up close and near you 80% of the time. Then the other 20% you want it out and away from you.
You face a daunting task. Honestly, I think you might be better off giving a lot of thought to how much hunting you really will be doing with the dog. Trying to take the run, boldness, spirit and natural tendencies OUT of one of the pointing, retrieving or flushing breeds could turn out to be a very frustrating situation for both you and the dog. If hunting is only a small part of the activities you plan for the dog, maybe you could hunt with your buddies who have dogs. Then that would free you up to think about other breeds that might be more suited to the majority of your time with the dog.
Look at it this way......You would generally not buy (nor should you) a high performance finally tuned sports car to drive back and forth to the office every day. You would buy a nice comfortable sedan or mellow pick up truck. Think of your dog the same way. Dogs, by and large are happiest doing what their genes tell them they should be doing. Trying to change all that too dramatically can often provide for a disappointing outcome.
This thought might be useful.. Buying a puppy (even with good pedigrees etc) sometimes does not end up producing a mirror image of the parents. For your specialized needs why not consider deciding on a breed....then look to Rescue Groups for that breed. Talk to the Rescue folks, especially the foster homes. They get to know their dogs very well. Look for a young dog that has pretty much developed a personality and behavior profile. Since your usage profile does not suggest that you’ll be Field Trialing or Showing, it is possible that registration papers are not a requirement for you. A Rescue Dog might be just the ticket. It has been my experience that Rescue Dogs seem to form an extremely strong bond with their “Forever Home.”
Just my few thoughts. Good luck
What part of the country do you live in?
In reading through the responses and counter responses, I can say that you have been given a lot to think about and you have presented a lot that concerns you. The difficulty you will encounter is that for each breed discussed there will always be a legitimate issue/concern that argues against that particular choice, be it a GSP, EP, Weim, Viz, Springer, Brittany, etc. Everything from ranging to far out to being killed by a cougar/bear. From a practical standpoint your goal of having a "Velcro dog" and a hunting dog in one package is a pretty difficult goal to accomplish.
Let's consider just one isolated activity you would like to do with the dog. "Hike" and have the dog off leash walking along with you. With proper training generally speaking, you can get most breeds to do that. But maybe the next day you want to take the same dog hunting. (I think you see where this is going)....How do you convince your "Velcro hiking dog" that today is not a hike....today is hunting. Very difficult, confusing and near impossible to do both. On one hand you want the dog up close and near you 80% of the time. Then the other 20% you want it out and away from you.
You face a daunting task. Honestly, I think you might be better off giving a lot of thought to how much hunting you really will be doing with the dog. Trying to take the run, boldness, spirit and natural tendencies OUT of one of the pointing, retrieving or flushing breeds could turn out to be a very frustrating situation for both you and the dog. If hunting is only a small part of the activities you plan for the dog, maybe you could hunt with your buddies who have dogs. Then that would free you up to think about other breeds that might be more suited to the majority of your time with the dog.
Look at it this way......You would generally not buy (nor should you) a high performance finally tuned sports car to drive back and forth to the office every day. You would buy a nice comfortable sedan or mellow pick up truck. Think of your dog the same way. Dogs, by and large are happiest doing what their genes tell them they should be doing. Trying to change all that too dramatically can often provide for a disappointing outcome.
This thought might be useful.. Buying a puppy (even with good pedigrees etc) sometimes does not end up producing a mirror image of the parents. For your specialized needs why not consider deciding on a breed....then look to Rescue Groups for that breed. Talk to the Rescue folks, especially the foster homes. They get to know their dogs very well. Look for a young dog that has pretty much developed a personality and behavior profile. Since your usage profile does not suggest that you’ll be Field Trialing or Showing, it is possible that registration papers are not a requirement for you. A Rescue Dog might be just the ticket. It has been my experience that Rescue Dogs seem to form an extremely strong bond with their “Forever Home.”
Just my few thoughts. Good luck
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flannelberry
Thanks LS
I appreciate the way you broke down my situation into a discrete chunk - and you picked the right one. If I had to pick a priority issue it's off leash (again, after training).
I'm sorry that my posts haven't been clear - Velcro-ish (doesn't have to be a lap dog) dog with brains is infinitely more important to me than a hunting dog. I want a dog who will be a companion if I go hunting, who won't be anxious around guns, that sort of thing. We're looking at more show lines because I don't want a high performance dog. Right now, the overall temperment of the dog (and sticking close to homeness) is the top priority. I am definitely dog shy after my Pyr experience - I haven't had anything like that before, it's strange to me that there's a dog who can't be trained to stick close to you or walk off leash - ever.
Thanks so much for your input.
I appreciate the way you broke down my situation into a discrete chunk - and you picked the right one. If I had to pick a priority issue it's off leash (again, after training).
I'm sorry that my posts haven't been clear - Velcro-ish (doesn't have to be a lap dog) dog with brains is infinitely more important to me than a hunting dog. I want a dog who will be a companion if I go hunting, who won't be anxious around guns, that sort of thing. We're looking at more show lines because I don't want a high performance dog. Right now, the overall temperment of the dog (and sticking close to homeness) is the top priority. I am definitely dog shy after my Pyr experience - I haven't had anything like that before, it's strange to me that there's a dog who can't be trained to stick close to you or walk off leash - ever.
Thanks so much for your input.
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flannelberry
TAK - you just summed up why I want another gun dog. I know, for the most part, what energy I put in to training, I will get out. I don't care about expending the energy so much as the likelihood of having some sort of result!TAK wrote:What ever breed you go with, it boils down to the time you spend and the training you put in.
As I was saying, it's a new experience to have a dog who can't be trained out of some behaviours. I don't want that again.
I have friends that have and raise pyrs. Several of them are yard dogs that never leave the open yard and several live with the sheep. They have no problem with the dogs running off and not coming back. Sounds like you got a strange one. I've seen a lot of Huskies that are like what you describe. All I'm saying is I think it is the individual and not the breed that is causing you problems.
Ezzy
Ezzy
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=144
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=207
It's not how many breaths you have taken but how many times it has been taken away!
Has anyone noticed common sense isn't very common anymore.
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=207
It's not how many breaths you have taken but how many times it has been taken away!
Has anyone noticed common sense isn't very common anymore.
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jimbo
every man's dog
I have a Braque du Bourbonnais. I'm not sure what you mean by velcro or semi velcro dog, but this guy is a great companion dog. He minds well and aims to please. Bird dog? well, the jury's still out on that. I'll let you know in a year or so. I think he'll work out. But he's my little experiment. You need to get out with some folks who are training bird dogs, some kind of club or FT. In that way you'll be around many dog breeds and the various personalities each breed might have. I like a close working dog and I'll always have a Braque, but in five years I'm getting a pointer for sure. Man I love watching those dogs work.
By the way, who cares if the dog runs out 400 yrds, even on a hike; as long as he checks in and comes when you call him in right!
Jim
By the way, who cares if the dog runs out 400 yrds, even on a hike; as long as he checks in and comes when you call him in right!
Jim
That's why my husband claims we need all 4 of our cars and 2 bikes....LSKGSPs wrote: Look at it this way......You would generally not buy (nor should you) a high performance finally tuned sports car to drive back and forth to the office every day. You would buy a nice comfortable sedan or mellow pick up truck.
Fay P.
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
Penny's Pedigree
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/3genview.php?id=270
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
Penny's Pedigree
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/3genview.php?id=270
amen jimbo,i agree that i dont care if the dog runs out a ways as long as i can control him and and he checks in,that is a very important thing with me,we take our chessy out to the lake to swim and hike,while my brother and my dad and i fish we let the dog do what she wants and she always checks back in and she doesnt range to far anyway shes usually within earshot,and just whenever i go walk in the woods or somthin of that nature i can depend on her to check back in.i'm hopin that she will teach my lab pup a thing or 2 about that,well thats my 2 cents
if u can't do it with a dog it aint worth doin
huntin dogs are like potato chips you can't have just one.
huntin dogs are like potato chips you can't have just one.
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flannelberry
I wasn't going to respond to this so I don't turn it into a pyr debate but... in case anyone else is considering the breed, I figured I'd just add this quick bit.ezzy333 wrote:I have friends that have and raise pyrs. Several of them are yard dogs that never leave the open yard and several live with the sheep. They have no problem with the dogs running off and not coming back. Sounds like you got a strange one. I've seen a lot of Huskies that are like what you describe. All I'm saying is I think it is the individual and not the breed that is causing you problems.
Ezzy
This is a known issue with pyrs - absolutely known - if the dogs have a great area to patrol and lots of work to do they may not disapyr... for long. I knew it going in however, I think I wasn't truly aware of what it would mean on a really personal, day to day level. I've had hounds, I get headstrong and independent, I get on leash walks. My dog is on the extreme end of normal for escaping out of fences, but not for the wanderlust. I would caution anyone considering a pyr (or other LDG) to read through the library at
www.lgd.org and to join the list. There's an ongoing conversation about keeping them safely contained - and whether we are tampering with the breed to breed the wanderlust out of them. It's an incredible resource.
I would especially encourage anyone considering a pyr to read
"The Dis-a-Pyr or What Do You Call a Pyr Off Leash? – Gone!" by Catherine de la Cruz. http://sonic.net/%7Ecdlcruz/GPCC/library/disapyr.htm
For my dog, on her father's side, they have much less wanderlust, her grandma and great grandma were out guarding in a cattle fenced pasture when we went to meet her -but, they cannot do off leash walks or they're gone. And the more they range the more territory they add mentally and the greater the pull to patrol it. Her mother however, has to be in a run.
Now for my girl, most of the time she will come back -except she's now reacting to thunder - but is it reasonable for my dog to be out running in the country side? Not really, not safe either. I know she's not likely to hurt anyone or animals but other people encountering her won't likely know that. Fortunately, she has a couple of regular routes so we know the neighbours she most often ends up at - and most importantly - they know her.
I'm glad your friends haven't had these problems but please don't assume because of that it's not a breed issue, it very much is.
*
"By the way, who cares if the dog runs out 400 yrds, even on a hike; as long as he checks in and comes when you call him in right!
Jim"
Jim - you summed it up utterly. I want my dog to range out and explore and enjoy being outside with me... but coming back in a reasonable time and/or when called is also paramount.
I wasn't familiar with the Braque, however, after a quick google search I can see that I will want to do some more research - looks like a great breed.
Thanks again everyone.
OK are we talking about them big white sheep dogs??? Great pieariness?
The only time I have seen one move faster than paint drying is when the food dish gets filled! We talking about the nearly 200lbs dogs? I have a buddy that raises them and would have a lamb or two taken a year out of his yard by Yotes of wild dogs. He has a pack of them now and everything is safe.......
The only time I have seen one move faster than paint drying is when the food dish gets filled! We talking about the nearly 200lbs dogs? I have a buddy that raises them and would have a lamb or two taken a year out of his yard by Yotes of wild dogs. He has a pack of them now and everything is safe.......
Thats the ones I am talking about. You never see them more than 50 feet from the sheep. When the sheep lay down so do the dogs and when they are out grazing the dogs go with them. They are big rather gentle dogs that are death on wheels to anything that gets near the sheep.
Sounds like some aren't as slow as the ones I have dealt with. The good sheep dogs are born and raised with them so they think they are a sheep. Makes them invaluble as a flock protector.
Ezzy
Sounds like some aren't as slow as the ones I have dealt with. The good sheep dogs are born and raised with them so they think they are a sheep. Makes them invaluble as a flock protector.
Ezzy
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=144
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=207
It's not how many breaths you have taken but how many times it has been taken away!
Has anyone noticed common sense isn't very common anymore.
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=207
It's not how many breaths you have taken but how many times it has been taken away!
Has anyone noticed common sense isn't very common anymore.
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flannelberry
About pyrs - skip if you're not interested in these guys.
Those are the ones; big, beautiful, gentle, seemingly slow. If you have livestock you couldn't ask for a better breed to keep them safe. They do lay out there, sleeping most of the day - not thinking they're the livestock they're guarding, but knowing that a good guard dog stays with the stock, not spooking them with sudden movements, etc. They guard not only by their presence but also by marking/scenting and the mighty, deep bark they issue forth when there's a threat (or percieved threat). But if they get it into their heads to go there's other places to patrol...
Case in point - we've just returned from holidays so my girl came home from the kennel yesterday. This morning, I was up at six and sure enough - gone! There was a fence, behind a fence that she's climbing (we have to go and get "no climb" fencing for it today) and then maybe going under the next fence (I haven't figured that out). But, I did figure if she could find a way out she would because she'd need to patrol the areas that have, in her mind, gone unpatrolled while she was gone.
Anyway, she's gone and given the cacaphony in the duck run, I'd say she left about 5 this morning. After her run about, she was out laying in the yard, guarding the ducks. She'd likely sleep there for hours now that she's had her run - but you can't rely on it.
A perfect example of her guarding came a few weeks ago. I was up early, around four or five, just as the sun was coming up. A couple of cow elk popped up out of the woods into the yard and started grazing their way towards the run. I was going between windows, watching them and watching to see when my sleeping dog would notice the interlopers.
I was getting a bit frustrated with my perception that she'd slept through the whole thing when one cow started trotting towards the run. And then, without me even having seen her move, my Pyr was right at the fence - no aggression, just her forward leaning guard stance and firm eye contact letting the cow know she'd come too close.
Cow got the message, turned and headed off to her companion and my girl was settled back down to sleep before I could go and reward her.
Anyway, they are incredible, beautiful dogs - just that one aspect of them doesn't work for me! If we had more of a working farm, I would have another one (in a "no climb" run). I would also consider an adult who was known to be more like her paternal line - and not so good at the escape artist thing!
Thanks for letting me share this totally off topic information, I do love this breed!
Case in point - we've just returned from holidays so my girl came home from the kennel yesterday. This morning, I was up at six and sure enough - gone! There was a fence, behind a fence that she's climbing (we have to go and get "no climb" fencing for it today) and then maybe going under the next fence (I haven't figured that out). But, I did figure if she could find a way out she would because she'd need to patrol the areas that have, in her mind, gone unpatrolled while she was gone.
Anyway, she's gone and given the cacaphony in the duck run, I'd say she left about 5 this morning. After her run about, she was out laying in the yard, guarding the ducks. She'd likely sleep there for hours now that she's had her run - but you can't rely on it.
A perfect example of her guarding came a few weeks ago. I was up early, around four or five, just as the sun was coming up. A couple of cow elk popped up out of the woods into the yard and started grazing their way towards the run. I was going between windows, watching them and watching to see when my sleeping dog would notice the interlopers.
I was getting a bit frustrated with my perception that she'd slept through the whole thing when one cow started trotting towards the run. And then, without me even having seen her move, my Pyr was right at the fence - no aggression, just her forward leaning guard stance and firm eye contact letting the cow know she'd come too close.
Cow got the message, turned and headed off to her companion and my girl was settled back down to sleep before I could go and reward her.
Anyway, they are incredible, beautiful dogs - just that one aspect of them doesn't work for me! If we had more of a working farm, I would have another one (in a "no climb" run). I would also consider an adult who was known to be more like her paternal line - and not so good at the escape artist thing!
Thanks for letting me share this totally off topic information, I do love this breed!
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boykinhntr
It sounds to me that a chessie would be the perfect fit. I have not owned one but know several. They are very athletic, handle the cold, the ultimate "velcro dog", and will make a good guard dog.
They are not for everyone but sounds like they might be a good fit for you.
Also, as mentioned, the lab is always a good choice.
They are not for everyone but sounds like they might be a good fit for you.
Also, as mentioned, the lab is always a good choice.
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GSPinROCH
Chessie
I hope its not too late to put my two cents in.
I have owned chessies and labs in the past and now have a GSP.
My labs and chessies will always have a place in my heart b/c they are very cold blooded and will out work me. but I found a new fav with my GSP he keeps me running and with a little neoprene I know I can stay just as long as he can out there. the chessie to me sounds like a good fit though b/c of their cold weather abilities and willing to come and they dont escape too often.
my two cents
chris
I have owned chessies and labs in the past and now have a GSP.
My labs and chessies will always have a place in my heart b/c they are very cold blooded and will out work me. but I found a new fav with my GSP he keeps me running and with a little neoprene I know I can stay just as long as he can out there. the chessie to me sounds like a good fit though b/c of their cold weather abilities and willing to come and they dont escape too often.
my two cents
chris
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flannelberry
Re: Chessie
Definitely not too late - I'm looking for this dog now with the intent of having it at home in the next two or so years.GSPinROCH wrote:I hope its not too late to put my two cents in.
I have owned chessies and labs in the past and now have a GSP.
My labs and chessies will always have a place in my heart b/c they are very cold blooded and will out work me. but I found a new fav with my GSP he keeps me running and with a little neoprene I know I can stay just as long as he can out there. the chessie to me sounds like a good fit though b/c of their cold weather abilities and willing to come and they dont escape too often.
my two cents
chris
Thanks for the input - both of you. I'm definitely looking at Chessies - they're a great breed and I have always had an attraction to them.