Activities For An Anatolian Pyrenees

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Introduction

Your Anatolian Pyrenees gets the best of both the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees, which are both large dogs, so your pooch is likely to reach about 100 to 120 pounds when fully grown. Both breeds were bred to be protectors or guardians of livestock like sheep or goats, and for that reason, some of their favorite activities involve herding and guarding. However, these breeds are also known to be very gentle and fun and will enjoy just about any type of activity they do that involves their favorite humans.

Guarding

Most Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Free
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Herding animals
Activity description
Since your dog is bred for guarding, let them do what they are born to do. Guarding sheep or other types of livestock such as goats or even cattle comes naturally to both of these breeds, so you should have no trouble at all training them to do it. In fact, you may not have to do much at all. However, if your dog is a puppy, you may need to help them get used to the idea. Your pooch may not be used to being around any other types of animal, so they will need to be socialized and learn to create a bond with the herd.
Step
1
Socializing your dog
From an early age, puppies are usually socialized with their littermate, mother, and any other animals or humans that care for them. However, they probably have no idea what sheep or goats are. Therefore, you are going to have to let your pooch get used to the herd. The first step is to let them spend time together. First, bring your fur baby with you to take care of the herd and let them hang out and play with the flock.
Step
2
It's your flock now
Once your little buddy is used to being around the flock, let them spend the day with the animals alone. You can supervise from a distance to make sure they are okay together, but you need to leave them alone enough to bond and for your dog to know they are in charge of protecting the herd. Do this for several weeks, letting your dog take charge of the animals on a daily basis.
Step
3
Watch out for strangers
After a few weeks, your pup should know that they are there to protect the herd and it is time to test their skills. Invite some friends over that your dog does not know and have them approach the flock. Your dog should protect their pack by barking at the intruders and moving toward them in a threatening manner. Your friends should run away, and you should praise your pooch and give them a treat to reinforce the behavior.
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Herding

Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Free
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Herding animals
Treats
Activity description
Besides protecting, your dog may also be good at herding. With the instinct to protect and guard their pack or herd, comes the instinct to herd those same animals away from danger. Sheepherding or sheepdog trials is a herding event that shows off your pooch’s ability to herd their group around fields, into and out of a pen, and into and out of enclosures as instructed. You can let your dog do this at home if you have land and some animals they can take care of, or you can train your dog to do it for competition against other dogs. There are different types of events that include different animals such as sheep, geese, goats, and cattle, depending on the venue. The group is usually about four to six animals, and your dog will have to herd them from an open field, around and through some obstacles, and into a pen.
Step
1
Give Fido a flock
Let your dog have their own group of animals, whether it is geese, sheep, goats, or cattle. They usually use sheep, so it may be best to stick with sheep if you can. Make sure your pooch knows that it is their job to herd the sheep and take care of them. Give your dog a treat for getting the sheep to listen.
Step
2
Do it every day
You should have your fur baby herding every day, if possible, so they get used to the herd and they get used to your dog being in charge. If your dog is having trouble getting the herd to listen, help out a little by letting the sheep know that your dog is the boss.
Step
3
Watch and learn
Take your pup to a few sheep herding trials and see how they react to the crowd, the noise, and the other animals. If your dog is nervous or scared, keep coming back several times and see if they get used to it. If not, you may need to forget the idea of competing. If your pooch is excited and ready to go, sign up and let them show off their stuff.
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Cart Pulling

Least Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Cart
Treats
Activity description
Pulling a cart, also known as carting, is actually a sport that has been around for many years. In fact, it was called dryland mushing and was used by people who needed help pulling wood, meat, or bricks in certain occupations. There is also a sport called sulky driving where one or two dogs pull people who are riding in the sulky, which is a two or four-wheeled cart. It is good discipline and exercise for larger breed dogs who can handle the weight of the cart and whatever is put inside the cart. Some people just like to have their dog help them pull a cart or wagon while they do yard work or to pull small children around for fun.
Step
1
Get a physical
Make sure your dog is healthy enough to pull a cart and see how much weight your dog is physically able to pull before you try any kind of training. It is recommended that the load should not be more than three times your dog’s weight. Take your pooch to see the veterinarian to get their blessing before doing any kind of carting.
Step
2
Harness your pooch
You have to get your dog used to the harness and the wooden poles used to pull the cart. Let your pup wear the harness around the house and everywhere else for a few days to get used to it. Then you can attach the poles and let your dog pull them around for a short time, building up to more time every day. Give your dog a treat every time they pull the poles around.
Step
3
Load 'em up
Attach the cart and let your fur baby pull it around empty for a while before putting any weight in the cart. Start putting weight in the cart five pounds at a time until you get to the weight you want your dog to pull. Remember not to allow more than three times your dog’s weight at any time and give them a treat for a job well done.
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More Fun Ideas...

Dock Jumping

Your dog may enjoy dock jumping if they are fond of swimming. In this sport, your pooch just has to jump off a dock after a toy that you throw into the water. In a competition, the dog who jumps the farthest wins. However, you should give your dog a treat every time they jump, no matter how far they go.

Fetch

Of course, all dogs know how to fetch, right? Not necessarily. Some dogs may look at the ball or toy you throw and just ignore it. In fact, there are dogs that do not care about fetching at all. In that case, your dog may just lay there and watch you throw the ball and go get it yourself. This would be your dog’s way of teaching you to fetch.

Conclusion

Big dogs like your Anatolian Pyrenees may look scary, but they are typically gentle giants and make excellent family pets. They will not only love hanging out with you at home, but they also enjoy getting out and playing every day. All dogs need at least a half hour to an hour of physical activity every day so make sure you have the time to spend with your pooch.