Training & Socialising

There are many excellent videos commercially available that deal with dog training in general so on this page only general guidance specific to the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is included.

While your Pyrenean is still a puppy you must teach him how you expect him to behave as an adult. All training should follow the principle of praising his good deeds rather than punishing his mistakes and if it is necessary to reprimand him never call the dog to you to do this. Try, where possible, to stick to routines in all your dealings with your dog. Never give a command that you can't enforce and always remember the Pyrenean is very independent minded so it is pointless to expect the sort of instant obedience you might see from German Shepherds etc. Always discourage "jumping up" in a Pyrenean puppy as this can cause obvious problems in adult dogs. If a puppy does this then turn away and make a fuss of him when he is standing on all fours or sitting down.

Never scold severely if you return after leaving him alone for an hour or two to find he has chewed something he shouldn't have. The puppy will not know why he is being reprimanded. Any chastisement must be IMMEDIATE for it to be effective. From the first day you should be able to give your dog his food then take it away without any dissent as this helps to make the dog look up to you as his "pack leader". If he growls when you try to take his food away then scold him or give him a quick shake, if necessary, until he readily accepts the action and then praise him lavishly.