Coco and Casper tend to nap on either side of the back door, making it pretty difficult to get in or out almost all the time. Coco is doing really well, by the way. We’ve worked out a routine and haven’t had an accident in the house since the first day. She’s doing well with Chloe, too, most of the time. Chloe darted in one time, and Coco cornered her in the living room, snarling at her like she’d found a marauding raccoon in the house. Chloe was duly submissive (and was more than happy to get back out asap). So. Coco now sees the house as her domain. She’s okay with Chloe outside, but not inside. I’ll keep that in mind when I get ready to put them out in the field together. Probably they will need to go to a neutral field, like the sheep field, first, where neither of them feel so much ownership. At least Chloe’s response to bow down to Coco was a good one. (Coco bows down to no one, so it’s a good thing Chloe knows her place.) In any case, I was surprised by how quickly Coco decided she owned the house. It makes me feel safe to have her in the house, so I’m not sure I ever want to put her out! Great Pyrs are such amazing natural guardians. I’ve never experienced keeping one in the house before, and I like it.
Obstacles
Apr
19
19
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KellyWalkerStudios says:
I love that she “owns” the house now. I knew she would be happy there…because you all are there. She’s so beautiful and I am happy for all of you that she is home and healing so well. Yeah!
On April 19, 2012 at 7:19 am
Diane says:
aww what a sweet photo of Coco and Casper napping on either end of the door.I have 2 dogs in the house and would not want it any other way. If someone is at the door it sounds like they would bite their legs off. lol. They would not but people at the other end of the door do not know that. 🙂
On April 19, 2012 at 7:41 am
luvthecountry says:
We have had two rescue Pyrs as pets rather than LGDs. They are amazing house dogs. One was a puppy that was hit by a car and had it’s hip shattered and rebuilt. The other was a much older guy who was pretty much a couch potato at his age. I got the puppy when I was single and living by myself. He totally took care of me and our home. And he let me know who he liked and who he didn’t. But both were wonderful guard dogs. Pyrs are absolutely my favorite dogs ever.
It sounds like Coco prefers being with her people now. I’m sure she missed you all tons while she was gone and wants to be close to you. Does she sit on your feet yet? Mine did if I had to be gone from him for a while. So glad she is home and mending.
Jen
On April 19, 2012 at 8:03 am
Houseful says:
Recently I’ve been reading a book that reminds me of your situation with Coco and Casper. It is by Vicki Kaseorg, and it is called “I’m Listening with a Broken Ear.” It is a true story of Vicki’s rescue of a homeless dog (who has some aggression issues) and how that dog adjusts into her family. Vicki has to become the “alpha dog” herself. Vicki has a very entertaining and funny writing style, having me laughing out loud at times. You can find it on Amazon.
On April 19, 2012 at 8:08 am
beforethedawn says:
Too funny about the door!
Glad to hear Coco is settling in well, hopefully her and Chloe will establish the pecking order without too much fuss when Coco is ready to go back outside.
Our Pyr is a family dog, he’s a big teddy bear and loves attention. He always has to sleep near me, so I am always stepping over him. I don’t mind though, he’s the best dog ever. I’m not much of a dog person, but Pyr’s are my exception to the rule.
On April 19, 2012 at 10:13 am
JT says:
Glad to see Coco is doing so well. I don’t have Pyrs but thought I’d share a sad story about some sheep ranchers in Montana recently. They had just sheared their sheep and had them in a barn for the night due to the cold temps in early spring. Both of their Pyrs were outside. The barn somehow caught on fire and all the sheep were lost. According to the article the older Pyr (about 10 yrs) was so distraught over the loss of his sheep, he cried and moaned and they found him the next day where he had just laid down and died. The younger dog had to be farmed out to a neighbors ranch where they gave him a small herd of his own to guard until the owners got some more sheep to begin building up their herd. What amazing dogs!
On April 19, 2012 at 10:42 am
cabynfevr says:
I never even considered a Pyr, or knew much about them, until I started reading your blog. I’m a die-hard Lab person! You guys are winning me over though!
On April 19, 2012 at 10:45 am
cindyinohio says:
It’s so great to see Coco snoozing at home where she should be! We have two pyrs and they are just the best dogs ever. They are snuggly as can be when inside and will protect our chickens from predators when outside. Our male is an all-around protector of family and animals and our female is a couch potato when inside and a fierce guardian when outside. You may have a hard time when it’s time to put Coco outside….
On April 19, 2012 at 10:46 am
copgrrl says:
How exciting. Coco is now your house dog. I think that is wonderful! Everyone needs a good house hound!!!
On April 19, 2012 at 10:47 am
Dottie says:
What an adorable picture of Coco and Casper. They are as close as they can get even with that door in their way.
It’s amazing and wonderful how much love and companionship we can share with our dogs.
I raise Labrador Retrievers and my girls live in the house with me. They weigh 80 or 90 pounds and think they’re lap dogs. We’re best friends. I love them. Most of the time we’re tripping over each other because whatever I’m doing they’re right there with me.
Keep Coco with you Suzanne, it will be wonderful for both of you.
On April 19, 2012 at 10:53 am
Rose H says:
Lovely photo, and they really are close, though I understand they’re certainly an ‘obsticle’ there!
Great to see Coco, and read how well she’s doing, you’re both glad she’s home 🙂
On April 19, 2012 at 12:10 pm
lattelady says:
I believe most dogs, if given a chance, will bond deeply to people and animals. Our lab died of grief a week after my husband’s death.
How is the ‘hair’ situation with such a ‘fuzzy’ critter in the house?
On April 19, 2012 at 12:33 pm
NancyL says:
Looks like Coco is just soooo glad to be home!!!
On April 19, 2012 at 1:41 pm
AnnieB says:
I love that photo! Coco looks so comfy and snuggly, I don’t think I could put her back outside either….I’m sure she is happy being near her humans again and is thoroughly enjoying your company, just as you are enjoying hers.
On April 19, 2012 at 1:58 pm
joykenn says:
Coco and Chloe look so peaceful. You’re lucky that they worked out their dominance issues so well.
You know with just you and your daughter in the house at night it might be nice to have a protective large dog there also. So much safer than just the two of you alone. Coco might make a very nice house-at-night/field-by-day dog.
On April 19, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Stick Horse Cowgirls says:
I love large dogs in the house! They are almost naturally housetrained after puppyhood–they do NOT want to have an accident in the house! I love that! They also do not tolerate hot weather, and yes, I feel safer at night with a large dog in my home! My daughter has had pyranees and someone dumped a half pyranees puppy at their farm last year. His name is Cowboy and I absolutely love him. He guards the rabbit hutches!
Stick Horse Cowgirl V
On April 19, 2012 at 5:19 pm
joykenn says:
Casper, not Chloe! I knew that. All those C names.
On April 19, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Chickenlady62 says:
you know better then I ,that a guardian dog needs something to guard. Being house bound makes it tough to guard the sheep..so the next “best thing” to guard, to Coco, are her “sheople”… :woof: tag , you’re it. It is a good feeling knowing that your dog would rip any intruders neck in half :shocked: …..maybe good is not the right word…..safe….that is more like it :happyflower:
TinaH
On April 19, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Katharina says:
Yes, I knew Great Pyrs make wonderful indoor guardians as well. I have a mutt puppy who is just becoming protective of her environment, and am thinking how I would love to have a house guardian Great Pyr. They have the best personalities ever! Enjoy her time indoors, Suzanne.
On April 20, 2012 at 1:09 am
liz2 says:
Sweet photo of two friends staying close. I’m glad you have a guard dog in the house. Sorry poor baby Chloe received a scolding from Coco, but I guess it had to be done to let Chloe know that Coco is the alpha dog. I enjoy learning about Great Pyrs from you & your posters.
Have been inspired to do additional reading about the breed. Such wonderful dogs.
On April 20, 2012 at 4:12 am
bonita says:
I’m thinking those two dog friends are each glad for the other’s company and are keeping as close as possible. We know, that as a dog, Caspar can actually smell that Coco is not fully well. (Besides her just-from-the-hospital smell.) And, Caspar knows how horrible you and Morgan felt whilest Coco was missing and then while she was in hospital. For her part, Coco may be glad to be in the house, but, like others have mentioned, I bet she misses her goatie and sheepy charges.
On April 20, 2012 at 8:30 am