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Great Pyrenees Training Tips and Resources

Get a Professional Dog Trainer

Enlist the help of a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist for tailored advice based on your dog's unique needs. The trainer should be familiar with livestock guardian breed or other large dog breeds. Great Pyrenees training should only use positive reinforcement, so avoid trainers that use a punishment-based format.  Peaceable Paws has useful training articles and trainer referrals.

Leash Training

Work on leash training to prevent reactive behaviors when encountering other dogs during walks. Use a sturdy, well-fitted harness instead of a collar. Great Pyrenees have strong necks, and a harness prevents strain on their neck and throat. Use a no-pull harness that discourages pulling behavior. While the Great Pyrenees temperament is wonderful, do not use prong or shock collars as this can trigger instinctive behaviors similar to being attacked by a pack of coyotes while protecting their flock!  

Consistent Rules

One of the most important Great Pyrenees training tips is to set clear rules for your Great Pyrenees. Consistency helps them understand expectations. Always respond to the unwanted behavior in the same manner - every single time! During leash training, your response to reactive behaviors should also be the same.

Use Neutral Territory for Great Pyrenees Training

When training your dog to meet new dogs, make sure that they're on neutral ground. In other words, both dogs should be in an safe, calm, and secure area where they have not established their boundaries. By doing so, you'll minimize territorial behavior. When taking your Great Pyrenees to meet new dogs, always use a leash.

Stay Calm

Your energy matters! When training your dog, stay calm and composed during interactions to help your dog feel secure. Here are additional Great Pyrenees training tips you should try to follow:

  • Use a calm tone of voice and avoid getting overly excited or agitated as it intensifies your dogs excitement.

  • Sudden movements can also contribute to your dogs excitement, so move slowly and deliberately to keep their energy level in check. 

  • Maintain a relaxed posture and redirect with commands - especially with leash training.

  • Ignore jumping or over-enthusiastic behavior. Don't reinforce this dog behavior by petting!

  • Create a calm environment. A good professional dog trainer should also be ensuring a secure and relaxed atmosphere. ​ ​