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Do you have a Great Pyrenees?
If so, you know that they’re one of the most unique dog breeds out there.
And as with any breed, there’s some things about them that might puzzle or even amaze you.
Why do they paw at you? Why do they bark so much? Why do they get so hyper?
In this article, you’ll discover exactly why Great Pyrenees behave the way they do.
So if you’re curious about your furry friend, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Why Do Great Pyrenees Have These Behaviors?
Why Are Great Pyrenees So Stubborn?
One common complaint about Great Pyrenees is that they can be very stubborn.
Owners often wonder why their dog won’t listen, no matter how many treats they offer or how much they try to train them.
The truth is, this behavior is actually quite normal for the breed.
Great Pyrenees were originally bred as guard dogs, which means they were selected for their ability to make decisions on their own and act independently.
This independent streak can make them difficult to train, but it also means that they’re extremely loyal and protective of their family.
So if your Great Pyrenees is being stubborn, just remember that it’s in their nature!
Why Is My Great Pyrenees So Aggressive?
While Great Pyrenees are generally gentle and good-natured, some dogs may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
This is usually due to lack of socialization or training, and it can be a major problem if not addressed early on.
There’s more than likely a trigger causing your Great Pyrenees to respond aggressively.
These triggers can be fear, anxiety, illness, memories of physical abuse, being territorial or attempting to show dominance.
Find the trigger and you’re one step closer to stopping their aggression.
If your Great Pyrenees is acting aggressively, the best thing you can do is take them to a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They’ll be able to help you identify the root of the problem and come up with a plan to address it.
Why Is My Great Pyrenees So Hyper?
Great Pyrenees are known for being calm, patient, and even-tempered. However, they do possess an energetic nature.
So if your dog is bouncing off the walls and seems to have endless energy, it might not be cause for concern.
If you noticed this change in their energy all of a sudden, here’s a few possible reasons why your Great Pyrenees has become hyperactive.
It could be due to a medical condition like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.
Or it could be simply because they’re not getting enough exercise.
If you think your dog’s hyperactivity might be due to a medical issue, make an appointment with your vet right away.
They’ll be able to run some tests and determine if there’s an underlying problem.
If not, then you’ll just need to make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
A daily walk or run should do the trick, but some may need a little extra exercise.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Bark So Much?
Barking is another common behavior in Great Pyrenees, and like many other things, it’s rooted in their history as guard dogs.
Great Pyrenees were bred to protect their flock from predators, and they would do this by barking.
The loud, deep sound of their bark was enough to scare away most animals. In fact, this would scare away bears believe it or not.
Today, Great Pyrenees are still used as guard dogs, but many also just have them as companions.
Their barking instinct is still strong, but with proper training, it can be managed.
If your dog is barking excessively, the first step is to figure out why they’re doing it.
Are they bored? Anxious? Territorial? Once you know the reason, you can start working on a solution.
Here’ a post we recently wrote on 7 Simple Steps To Get Your Dog To Stop Barking.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Bark At Night?
One of the most common questions we get about Great Pyrenees is “Why do they bark at night?”
The simple answer is the same as why they bark in general, they were bred to be guard dogs, and barking was one of their main methods of protection.
At night, there may be more activity outside that sets them off.
Since they were bred to protect livestock most of the protection was done at night.
So perhaps your Great Pyrenees is more alert at night.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Howl?
Another common behavior in Great Pyrenees is howling.
Howling is another form of communication for them, and it’s often used as a way to alert their pack (ie. their family) of danger.
It’s also a way for them to keep in touch if they’re separated from their pack.
If you live in an apartment or close quarters, this can be quite annoying for your neighbors.
The best way to stop your dog from howling is to figure out why they’re doing it.
Are they bored? Anxious? Lonely? Once you know the reason, you can start working on a solution.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Dig Holes?
Digging is another common behavior in Great Pyrenees, and is often done out of boredom or anxiety.
Some dogs will also dig to escape their enclosure if they’re not getting enough exercise.
If your dog is an excessive digger, the best thing you can do is to figure out why they’re doing it.
Are they hunting small animals underground? are they bored?
I recently wrote an article covering 11 Ways To Get Your Dog To Stop Digging, if you’re looking for strategies to stop this behavior.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Drool?
Drooling is common in Great Pyrenees, and it’s often due to their loose jowls.
Jowls are the fleshy part of their skin that hangs down from their mouth, and they’re more pronounced in some dogs than others.
This excess skin can trap drool, causing it to drip out slowly.
Some dogs will also drool when they’re anxious or excited.
If your dog is drooling excessively, it could be a sign of a medical condition like heatstroke or kidney disease.
Make sure to take them to the vet if you’re concerned about their health.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Eat Poop?
Eating poop is a common behavior in Great Pyrenees, and it’s often due to a habit formed from trying it once and enjoying it.
Some dogs will also eat poop as a way to get attention from their owners.
Other reasons include anxiety, hunger, possible health conditions, and to try and “clean up” their territory.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Give You Their Paw Or Paw At You?
Another common question about Great Pyrenees is “Why do they give you their paw?”
The simple answer is that they were bred to be working dogs, and this was a way for them to let their owners know they were ready to work.
Some dogs will also give their paw as a way to get attention or ask for something.
For example, if you’re massaging and petting your pup, when you stop they may paw at you because they want more!
Another reason they may paw is because you trained them too!
Many owners love training their dog “paw”. By doing this you’re indivertibly training them to give you their paw to get a reward.
So they may paw at you frequently because they associate it with an awesome reward.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Hate Water?
Hating water isn’t uncommon in Great Pyrenees, and it’s often due to not being introduced to water at an early age.
Or their experiences with water were not positive for them. They also have a very thick double coat.
The double coat is designed to keep them warm in cold climates, but it’s also very heavy when wet. This can make swimming hard for them.
If you have a Great Pyrenees that hates water, the best thing you can do is slowly introduce them to it and make sure they have positive experiences.
Over time their confidence and enjoyment will grow.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Lean On You?
Leaning is a common behavior in Great Pyrenees, and it’s often done as a way to get attention or affection from their owners.
My pup Enzo will often lean up against me in an attempt to prolong his butt scratches.
Some dogs will also lean because they’re anxious or insecure. It’s their way of looking for comfort.
If your dog is leaning on you excessively, and shows some signs of anxiety it might be a good idea to consult with a behaviorist to see if there’s something else going on.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Sleep On Their Backs?
When a Great Pyrenees lays on their back with their paws up, it’s likely your dog’s looking to cool off.
“Dogs generally sleep on their back to cool down,” says Dr. Travis McDermott, a vet at the Durango Animal Hospital in Nevada.
“Dogs exchange heat through their paws, and this allows them to cool down,” says Dr. McDermott.
Sleeping on their back is a common behavior in Great Pyrenees, and it might be due to their double coat.
This coat keeps them warm in cold weather but at times this might make them a little too warm, especially when inside.
Most people keep the temperature in their homes to 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Imagine living in your home but wearing a thick double layered coat all the time, you’d probably get hot too.
Another reason they may sleep on their backs is for comfort and because they trust you and are being submissive to you.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Sleep So Much?
Great Pyrenees are known for being sleepy dogs, and they often sleep 12-14 hours a day.
The main reason they sleep so much is because they’re bred to be working dogs.
They were bred to spend long days guarding flocks of sheep in the mountains.
This meant they needed to have a lot of energy, which required them to sleep a lot.
Today, most Great Pyrenees aren’t working dogs and don’t need to expend as much energy, but their bodies are still programmed to sleep a lot.
Another reason they may sleep so much is because they have a double coat. This coat keeps them warm in cold weather but can also make them hot in warm weather.
Sleeping is a great way for them to regulate their body temperature.
If your Great Pyrenees is sleeping more than usual, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if you’re concerned, consult with your veterinarian.
Why Does My Great Pyrenees Growl At Me?
Great Pyrenees are bred to be guardians, and they take their job seriously.
One of the ways they protect their families is by growling at strangers.
They may also growl at you if they think you’re in danger or if they’re trying to protect something (like their food) from you.
If your Great Pyrenees is growling at you, it’s important to figure out why.
Is your dog Growling because he’s guarding something? If so, you’ll need to provide him with more supervision or a different way to protect whatever he’s guarding.
Is your dog Growling because he’s afraid? If so, you’ll need to help him build up his confidence and work on his socialization skills.
A behaviorist or trainer can help you with this.
It’s important to understand why your dog is doing it. Otherwise, it could become a problem.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Cry?
Sometimes even the happiest of pups can have their moments of sadness.
While there could be many reasons for a dog to shed a few tears, Great Pyrenees are especially prone to separation anxiety.
This breed is highly protective of their pack and can become anxious when left alone.
If you notice your Great Pyrenees crying when you leave the house, it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and chewables to keep them occupied.
You might also want to consider taking them for more walks during the day to tire them out before you go.
With a little effort, you can help your Great Pyrenees feel more comfortable when they’re away from you.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Pant So Much?
Great Pyrenees are known for their heavy panting, and there’s a few reasons why they do this.
The first reason is that they’re trying to cool themselves down.
Panting helps to evaporate the moisture on their tongue and in their mouth, which then cools their blood.
The second reason is that they might be anxious or stressed.
If your dog is panting excessively, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Anxiety and stress can also cause excessive panting, so you’ll want to find ways to help your dog relax.
This might include providing them with a calm environment, using positive reinforcement training, or giving them anxiety-reducing supplements.
Other Posts You Might Find Interesting
Everything A Great Pyrenees Can & Can’t Do (Complete List)