Moose - Courtesy Posting with Kingston Humane Society

*ADOPTED*

*NOTE WE WILL BRING MOOSE INTO RESCUE ONCE WE CAN SECURE A FOSTER IF HE HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED OUT BEFORE THEN*

Moose is a 120lb Pyr who is neutered and had a dental cleaning with extractions just over one year ago. Moose was originally placed with a family through our organization but was returned recently as he and the other dog in the household could not happily co-exist together.

He was with this family for a year and three months and he was a fabulous pet. He is fully house-trained, can be left free when alone, and loves people. He was sometimes nervous with their teenage son, but reportedly great with other men and their daughter.

The previous owners report that Moose could be a little resource guardy towards other dogs (not people). They’re not sure of the circumstances of when the altercation broke out between Moose and their other dog. I tend to wonder if it was over some sort of treat/food. (Note from us: Not too many dogs would want to give up their food to another dog. Always feed them separately.)

We have placed Moose back in our adoptions program, however, I’m reaching out to rescue as Moose hates being in a shelter. We currently have to either make homemade food to entice him to eat or feed a raw diet. However, he was eating regular food while in his home.

He spends most of the day enjoying our fenced in area which is great for him with our current weather, but with the increasing temperatures, it will soon be too hot for him, which means he will be stuck indoors more often. I fear that we won’t be able to find a home for him before his appetite goes down again due to shelter stress.

He currently does not have any health concerns that we are aware of. Please let me know if you might have placement for him, in hopes we can get him out of the shelter.

This is his Kingston HS profile.

In short, here are some of the things to be expected from a Pyr:

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

We always recommend, when there is another dog in the home, dogs of the opposite sex. Two of the same sex do not always see eye-to-eye.

Both working and companion dogs require a good weekly grooming with a slicker brush and comb 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. They molt twice a year and all year round so your vacuum stays full. NEVER shave a Pyr. Their double coats keep them cool in summer and warm in winter when properly groomed. If you don’t like grooming or are unable to take the dog to a master groomer, this is not the dog for you.

Their instinct it 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. No tie outs of any type 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, they need shelter from the elements and fresh water.

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. Never use shock collars. This is cruel since their bark is who they are. If you don’t want to manage the barking, this is not the dog for you.

They dig holes in your garden to stay cool in summer. Set out a garden space for your dog.

Diet is very important in having a healthy dog. The best food is raw. This can be obtained from any number of sources including your butcher or a supplier who specializes in raw dog food. It’s important to do your research on it. You need to aim for 5-10% organ meat, 50% bone and 40% muscle meat. Feed 2% of the dogs ideal body weight.

If you need to feed kibble, baked seems to be better than extruded since, manufacturers say it retains its vitamin content and manufacturers can use fresh meats instead of rendered meats.

They require much socialization and handling as pups onward with many different people and other dogs.

They require positive-reinforcement training (a trainer who shows you how to work with a clicker and follow people such as Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor and Bev Hurst). Pyrs, nor any dogs, take kindly to any kind of punishment. It will lead to aggression.

It's important to work with the 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 and show you how to manage your dog. Never send a dog away for training. You are the one working with the dog, not a trainer.

To train a Pyr is not like training some other dogs. They are not eager-to-please and just as soon walk away from you than do as you say. They have been used for years 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.

They require regular walks, of course, so they get out and see the world. They must be leashed because they will wander. Again, because they are so good at wandering they have been used to wander with sheep as they watch over them. Do not use choker collars or pinch collars (unless you have been trained how to use one). A harness that hooks in front is easiest on the dog should he pull. How to choose what to use.

Make sure you are able to meet the dogs needs should a medical emergency arise.

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:

Information on Pyrs

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:

Best Dogs for Children

Please contact the Kingston Humane Society for more information.