A Shy, Majestical Pyrenees Named Zeke

by Kaci
(Austin, TX, USA)

@Zeke_The_Pyr (Follow Him on Instagram!)

Hi there!

My name is Kaci, and I got my baby Zeke the day he turned eight weeks. He just turned one year in February. I know they are working dogs by nature, but I decided to get Zeke for general protection, as I am a single, young female who lives alone in a big city; however, I also got him for emotional support, and my gosh, was that the best decision ever! Zeke is so loving, so affectionate, and has quite the personality. He absolutely loves small dogs; I think he thinks he is one (LOL). He's very playful and gets along well with every dog out there.

I do have a little concern for my Zekey baby, though, as he expresses some unusual traits commonly not seen in Pyrs. For one, he does not like children at all. And it is very heart-breaking to me because I do not understand why. Like I mentioned, I bought Zeke when he was only eight weeks, and ever since then, have been working every day to socialize him and to get him to interact with as many different types of people as possible. The only thing I can think of as to why he may be unsure of children is because, perhaps, those were the individuals he was around the least during his prime socialization period, because as I mentioned, we live in an inner city with mainly young adults, adults, and elderly folks.

That said, he was great around people and eager to interact with EVERYONE up until about eight months of age. Then, he began to become suspicious of strangers, passers-by, etc. The only people he is 100% ok and comfortable with are:

1) the individuals he's known since birth
2) the individuals who have a dog
3) the individuals who I invite into my home

Besides that, he really is not comfortable interacting or letting strangers pet him. And I am not sure what to do, because I felt like the amount of socialization he received as a young puppy, and still has continued to receive into adulthood, would be plenty.

I might add that I am used to owning Goldens, and understand they are an entirely different breed. Nonetheless, my point being that I am used to having dogs that are very interactive with individuals. That is not to say that I am trying to teach my Pyr a Golden-like personality because we know it just doesn't work like that!

With that in mind, I would love any tips or recommendations you all have to help socialize my Pyr, so he isn't so timid of strangers. (Usually, when he sees one, he backs away and doesn't like to be pet; if they attempt to pet him, he will give a soft bark).