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  • 4kds1dog
    • Puppy

    advice please

    4kds1dog

    Posted : 5/30/2006 12:03:25 PM

    Hello,
    I have a mixed breed dog (bird dog mix) medium sized.  We have recently found out that a "down the street" neighboor has a Great Pyrneese (sp??) and Lab mix.  They got the dog on impulse and it is too big for their liking.  The dog is outside ALL of the time and not part of the family.  It is really sad.  I offered to walk the dog this summer - thinking that I would offer to take the dog into our family if he seems like a sweet dog.  He is only one year.  Tell me about the breed mix.....do you think it would be a good fit??  We have 4 kids as well, 11, 9, 6, 5. 
     
    Thanks!
  • Mary
    • Puppy
    Mary

    Posted : 5/30/2006 2:18:12 PM

    A great resource for breed descriptions is The Amercian Kennel Club website.(AKC.org)  The Great Pyreness is a very loving dog.  It is a very large dog.  Before introducing another dog , no matter what breed, into your family, you need to look at the characteristics of your current dog and this dog.  Is your dog dominant?  Easily scared?  Socialized?   Is the Pryeness socialzed?  dominant?   Dogs are not humans and will react like wolves.  With every introduction of a new dog, there must be the establishment of the heirarchy.  Who is the alpha, who is part of the pack.  Your whole family, kids and dogs, are a ;pack.  One of these members is the Alpha....hopefully you.  When you determine whether this large dog will work in your "pack", you will need to introduce the two dogs slowly.  Allow them to meet side by side.  Excuse my description, but one buttocks to face and the other buttocks to face.  THEY MUST SMELL EACH OTHER.  That is how dogs meet.  By keeping them side by side, you are more likely to not have a fight.
    Never face to face. 
    Provided that there are no issues, take both of the animals on a long walk together.  Never let one dominate the other.  Remember, you are the alpha.  You must lead.  Keep the walk very controlled, and make sure they are walking either behind you or at your side, never in front.  Once you have taken them on a long walk, come back and re-introduce them to your yard.  They will be tired and less likely to fight and can get to know each other in a calm state.  Stay available to supervise.  You may want to keep a hose available in case a fight breaks out.  Never try to break them apart.  Spray both and get them apart before you approach either one.  Have leashes and a helper available also. 
    Honestly, I don't think you'll have any problems.  But take it slow.
     
    Good Luck!