Got my Great Pyrenees today!

[Mraya]

Photos please!!!!!!!

It should be against the rule to describe something sooooo cute and not show pictures

 

[Suzi18]

How are you going to train the puppies to protect the chickens?

I'm curious about this also. I live in Ohio and I would like to get a dog that can live outside in the cold Winters here and warm summers. I'd like something that can protect my chickens and won't mind living outside. I'm also looking forward to the pictures!!!!

 

[biophiliac]

 

[Dr.Dale]

Sorry, I had to wait for daylight. Embarrassingly, I didn’t take any yesterday.

The one with the pink collar is Jules and the one with the purple collar is Lassie.

 

[Suzi18]

simply adorable puffs of cuteness

 

[Dr.Dale]

Are you going to raise them with/near the chickens?

Yes, we have them next to the chickens from day 1 (second pic shows the coop and run). Right now we are keeping them physically separated but nearby so they can get used to each other. We will introduce them together gradually, but the goal is to let the chickens free range with the dogs

 

[Dr.Dale]

How are you going to train the puppies to protect the chickens?

I have never done this before, so I am not certain yet. My understanding is that there are basically two parts. One is to train them not to play with the chickens, the other is to train them where the borders are that they need to protect.

For the not playing with chickens, I plan on a gradual introduction with lots of supervision and immediate correction of any misbehavior.

For the territory, I just plan on taking them on walks along the perimeter and correcting any straying. Plus we are going to add fencing as quick as we can afford it.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Sounds like you got it all planned out. Good luck.

 

[MillersFarm]

They look very cute and healthy, I'd let them get to know the chickens for a couple of days and slowly introduce them by bringing them With a leash on in the run with the chickens teaching them Not to attack or 'play' with them. They're lots of online videos that can help you with introducing them to your livestock as well. Now, do you plan for these dogs to live outside? Great pyrenees tend to have Very short life spans and lots of health problems such as heart problems like tricuspid valve dysplasia, cancers such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), eye problems as well like persistent pupillary membranes, and they are very prone to hip problems.. So you're going to want to make sure they have a nice cushioned bed for them in their cage/dog house. Have you talked to the breeders you bought them from about any health issues they may have and how to deal with? I made the mistake of not asking the breeders I bought my Bernese Mountain dog from if the parents had any health problems That I should worry about and would have to later on deal with.

 

[Dr.Dale]

So you're going to want to make sure they have a nice cushioned bed for them in their cage/dog house.

Thanks, that is a good tip. I just have some towels in there now, but I can get something softer.