Butler - Courtesy Posting

Sadly, Butler passed away after such a short time with his new mom. We send our heartfelt condolences to Marianne.

*ADOPTED*
This boy was popular. We don't usually get seniors in but this boy needed a place and he found it. Congratulations to his new mom! She is retired and a Pyr oficionado with much love to give him. Congratulations to both of them!

His story:

I am pleased and honoured to present Sir Butler. He is a 10.5 year old registered Great Pyrenees.

He has had a rough past living in a kennel all his life. When I went to pick him up, he had lost all hope. His heart was broken. He did not feel worthy of love or attention. His tail and head were down as he trotted out of the kennel as if to say “I don’t care anymore”. I was in tears.

He had hardly any attention for the last two years. We’ve had him for almost two weeks now, and he is coming around to learn how good life can be. He has the company of his sister and a pup who isn't yet two. She is his emotional support dog and has taken him under her wing. He would enjoy the company of a calm female canine companion.

He's a lover not a fighter.

Sir Butler has asked me to let people know he does not want his sad story to follow him. He is ready to let go. He wants to move forward with his life, and open his heart to someone who will be special and lucky to have him in their lives.

He is extremely soft and sweet. He is timid and needs time to warm up but his heart is huge. He loves car rides, sleeping and giving you his paw.

He likes a short walk to do his business in the morning and night, and then dream all day. He's quiet (so far), crate trained, with no resource guarding issues. He needs a quiet retirement home with love to continue his journey.

My husband says “better find him a home soon or we are keeping him”. We know there is someone out there who is meant for this amazing soul. He truly is extraordinary.

Are you his special person he is meant to love and cherish for the rest of his life? He is amazing and will not disappoint.

They are beautiful dogs with great temperaments given the right breeding, socialization, care including diet and training. Dogs are a lifelong commitment.

BARKING: They bark more than most dogs and neighbours do complain. That is a common reason for people surrendering their Pyrs (they didn’t do their research). Their bark is what deters predators and it is instinct to them. That and marking their territory. To take away their bark is to take away who they are. The barking can be managed but it takes time, patience and consistency with positive-reinforcement training. If you don’t like barking, they are not the dog for you.

CONTAINMENT: Pyrs love to hang out outside and their instinct is to wander. Therefore, they require at least a 6-foot secure fence in a large yard in which they can play, run and watch over. Some have been know to scale any height of fencing. No tie outs for these guys. It can lead to aggression since they cannot fully watch over their territory. If they are out all day, as they usually prefer when the family is home, they need shelter from the elements. And, no shock collars or invisible fencing.

DIGGING: They dig holes in your garden to stay cool in summer so you’ll want to set aside some garden for them.

DIET: Raw is the species-appropriate diet. Do not feed what they are guarding. Start them out on one protein until they are used to it and gradually add another. Raw food primer. A good www.facebook.com/groups/RawRoundupWithDNM/Raw Roundup facebook page to join.

DOGS: If you want more than one dog in the home or working, we always recommend two dogs of the opposite sex. Two males or two females do not always see eye-to-eye and fights will ensue in most cases, but not all.

EXERCISE: They require regular walks, of course, so they get out and see the world to keep them interested in life. They must be leashed because they will wander. Again, they have been specifically bred to wander with sheep as they watch over them.

GROOMING: Working and companion dogs must be groomed. They require a good weekly grooming to keep them mat free and their skin healthy (hence, pain free from the pulling of mats as they move), and cutting their nails including their dew claws every couple of weeks to a month. NEVER have their dew claws removed. This is a barbaric practice. Simply keep the dews trimmed.

They molt twice a year and shed all year round so your vacuum stays full. NEVER shave a Pyr. Their coats keep them cool in summer–they lose their undercoat, leaving just guard hairs–the guard hairs protect your dog from sunburn and insulate him against heat, as well as allowing air to circulate to keep the skin cool–and warm in winter–their undercoat grows close to the skin to keep your dog warm and dry. This system only works if you groom your dog regularly. If you don’t like grooming, take your dog to a master groomer. If you don’t want to, this isn’t the dog for you.

MICROCHIP: Make sure to chip your dog at the local shelter or at your vet so that if he accidentally wanders off, you will be found. Also, ensure he has proper ID on his collar.

NEUTER/SPAY: Make sure to neuter/spay your dog at the appropriate age which can be between one to two years old. Until that time, be responsible and do not allow any breedings. Leave breeding to the experts. Shelters are already full of unwanted dogs. Our dogs are neutered and spayed when they come into our care.

TRAINING: They require socialization and handling by many many people as pups by the breeder to be continued by their new people. They also require positive-reinforcement training. Pyrs, nor any dogs, take kindly to any kind of punishment.

It’s important to work with dogs as if in a dance and you are leading. Rewards for good behaviour and redirect for unwanted behaviour. It’s up to you to make them a good canine citizen. When engaging a trainer, ensure they use positive-reinforcement training to show you how to manage your dog. If you are not ready to train a dog, this is not the dog for you.

To train a Pyr is not like training some other breeds. They are not eager-to-please and just as soon walk away from you than do as you say. They were bred by man to be used as guardian livestock dogs because they do not require human intervention to tell them how to do their job. Lots of patience, consistency and time is required to work with them. If you want an obedient dog, this is not the dog for you.

WHY ARE THEY SURRENDERED: There are those in need of a home because someone didn’t realize they would get so big, bark so much, leave so much hair in the house, wander, and require work.

It is very important to do your research on any breed before deciding if they are a good match for your family. Please start here:

The Great Pyrenees.

Regarding dogs and children. We never want to see these dogs fail so it’s important that children learn how to behave with dogs and that parents never leave their children alone with a dog. Here is a link on that subject:

Children and Dogs.