Mosey

*ADOPTED*

Mosey's foster couldn't let this boy go. It took a little while for the female resident, who is blind, to get used to this rambunctious fellow but they have worked it out. He gets to join the gang in bed and get all the attention he missed out on as a youngster.

Sweet Mosey. 5-year old male, Akbash-mix, is looking for his well-matched home.

He is good with people although he’s a bit shy at first. He is not aggressive, but he might go and lie in another room until he feels comfortable to be with new people.

He is good with kids as in he basically sniffs them and let's them pet him but then he just ignores them. He’s generally laid back around other dogs. He ignores them too.

History:

Mosey came to us from a shelter and we don't have any background on him. A big thank you to Agnes and Jenn for transporting him.

Mosey is a handsome 5-year old Akbash mix, perhaps with Anatolian Shepherd.

He is a sweet boy. He presently has heartworm and is being treated for it. If you are interested in fostering or adopting this boy, we will fund any further treatments for him.

He is good with people. Seems fine with other dogs. We don’t know about cats, yet. He’s also good on a leash.

Always do your research first. Know that Akbash is also a guardian livestock dog with similar traits to that of a Pyr.

In short, here is what we know about the Pyr:

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

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 all year round so your vacuum stays full. NEVER shave a Pyr. Their double coats keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. 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.

Their instinct it to wander. Therefore, they require at least a 5-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, they need shelter from the elements. And, no electric collars.

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.

They dig holes in your garden to stay cool in summer.

They require a lot of socialization as pups onward with people and other dogs. They also require positive-reinforcement training (a trainer who shows you how to work with a clicker). Pyrs, nor any dogs, take kindly to any kind of punishment. It will lead to aggression. Always use positive-reinforcement training.

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 to 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. 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 dogs. 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.

They require regular walks, of course, so they get out and see the world. They must be leashed because they will wander. Again, they have been specifically bred to wander with sheep as they watch over them. It's suggested to use a front lead harness which will cut down on any damage to the spine should the dog pull although, with a little work from puppyhood, they should be good on a leash.

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:

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:

Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario

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

Contact Jennifer at 519-856-9711 or 519-993-0002 if you would like more information.

If you do want to meet this gorgeous boy, please fill out an adoption application.

It doesn’t mean you have to adopt him nor does it mean you will be able to adopt him. It simply gives us more information about you and a better idea if you will make a good match.