How To Train A Great Pyrenees

So, you’ve decided to train a Great Pyrenees? Congrats on choosing one of the most majestic, yet stubborn, breeds out there. These dogs are gentle giants, known for their protective instincts and independent nature.

But don’t let that calm demeanor fool you—training a Great Pyrenees can be a bit like convincing a cat to take a bath.

The good news? With patience, consistency, and a bit of humor, you can turn your Pyr into a well-mannered, loyal companion. Here are five tips to help you on this journey.

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1. Embrace Their Independence: Respect, Don’t Rush

Let’s get one thing straight—Great Pyrenees are not your average lap dogs. These dogs were bred to guard livestock, often making decisions on their own without human guidance.

Translation? They’re stubborn and independent. They’ll listen, but only if they think it’s a good idea.

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When I first started training Pyrs, I quickly realized that trying to force them into anything was a losing battle. Instead, you need to respect their independence and work with it.

Use gentle guidance rather than harsh corrections. Forcing a Pyr into something they don’t want to do? Yeah, good luck with that. You’re better off convincing them it’s in their best interest.

Start with basic commands like “sit” and “stay,” but don’t expect immediate results. Great Pyrenees need to see the value in what you’re asking them to do. Be patient, and don’t rush the process.

They’re thinking about it, I promise—they just need a moment (or several) to decide you’re worth listening to.

2. Early Socialization Is Key: The World Is Their Sheepfold

Great Pyrenees are natural guardians, which means they can be a bit wary of strangers—both human and canine.

This protective instinct is fantastic when they’re guarding sheep, but not so much when they’re barking at every passerby. Early socialization is crucial to help your Pyr distinguish between friend and foe.

When I work with Pyrs, I always stress the importance of socializing them from a young age. Expose them to different people, places, and situations as early as possible.

Take them to dog-friendly parks, introduce them to your neighbors, and let them experience the world beyond their home turf.

The goal here is to teach your Pyr that not everything outside their immediate family is a threat. With consistent socialization, they’ll learn to be more relaxed in unfamiliar situations.

Remember, though—they’ll never be social butterflies. But with enough exposure, they’ll at least stop trying to guard the local coffee shop.

3. Patience, Patience, and More Patience: The Virtue of Pyr Training

If you’re looking for a dog that picks up commands quickly and follows them without question, well, you might want to reconsider your choice of breed.

Great Pyrenees are smart, but they’re also incredibly independent. Training them requires a level of patience that could rival a monk’s.

In my experience, training sessions with a Pyr should be short, sweet, and consistent. Expecting them to sit through a 30-minute training marathon is like asking a toddler to stay calm in a candy store—it’s just not going to happen.

Five to ten minutes per session is plenty. During these sessions, focus on reinforcing basic commands with positive reinforcement.

Pyrs respond best to calm, confident leadership. They don’t do well with harsh corrections or shouting—it just makes them dig in their heels even more.

Instead, keep your cool, and remember that progress with a Pyr is often slow and steady. Celebrate the small victories, even if it’s just getting them to sit without rolling their eyes at you.

4. Exercise Is Non-Negotiable: The Lazy Lion That Needs to Roam

You might look at a Great Pyrenees lounging around the house and think, “Wow, what a lazy dog.” And yes, Pyrs do love their downtime, but don’t be fooled—these dogs need regular exercise.

They were bred to roam the mountains, guarding flocks, so while they enjoy napping, they’ve got energy to burn when they’re not on duty.

If you don’t give your Pyr enough exercise, they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves. Spoiler alert: their idea of fun might involve digging up your garden or redecorating your living room with a fine coating of fur.

Daily walks are essential, and if you have a secure, fenced yard, letting them roam and explore is even better.

Just make sure that fence is Pyr-proof—these dogs are escape artists with a mission. Regular exercise not only helps manage their energy but also reinforces the bond between you and your dog. A tired Pyr is a happy Pyr—and a happy Pyr is much easier to train.

5. Positive Reinforcement: Rewards, Not Rants

Let’s talk about how to actually get your Great Pyrenees to do what you want. Positive reinforcement is the name of the game.

These dogs respond much better to rewards than to punishment. They’re not big fans of being told what to do (who is?), but they’re more likely to cooperate if they know there’s something in it for them.

When I’m training Pyrs, I use treats, praise, and the occasional belly rub as rewards for good behavior.

The key is consistency—reward them every time they do something right, especially in the early stages of training. Over time, they’ll start to associate the behavior with the reward, making them more likely to repeat it.

However, don’t go overboard with treats. Pyrs are prone to weight gain, so use treats wisely and balance them with plenty of exercise.

And remember, sometimes the best reward is your praise. Pyrs may act aloof, but they crave your approval. A simple “good dog” and a pat on the head can go a long way.

Final Thoughts: Training a Pyr Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Training a Great Pyrenees is not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with a dog.

These gentle giants are fiercely loyal, incredibly loving, and—when trained correctly—an absolute joy to have by your side.

Remember, the key to success is patience, consistency, and a healthy dose of humor. Pyrs might test your limits, but with the right approach, you’ll find that they’re more than worth the effort. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab some treats, and get ready to embark on the journey of training your very own gentle giant. 🐾

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