Top Activities For Pyradors

Introduction

Owners of Pyradors know this stunning animal is both a beautiful and devoted pet. This hybrid is the blend of characteristics from both parent breeds: the Great Pyrenees and Labrador Retriever. Both parent breeds are known for their gorgeous appearance and watchdog abilities.

The Great Pyrenees is a stable guardian with a loving and calm temperament. Great Pyrenees are friendly towards their family but wary of both animal and human strangers. They have a low energy level, and because of their stubborn nature, can be somewhat difficult to train. The Labrador retriever, on the other hand, is easily one of the most popular and preferred dog breeds, and for good reason. Gentle in nature and eager to learn and show obedience, this pooch is easily trainable and social with both people and other pups. The Labrador loves retrieving, hence its name, and also has a preference for the water. Combined with the Great Pyrenees, this friendly pooch is a lovable pet, ideal for companionship and eager to please.

Building Your Own Agility Course

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Various Household Items

Ladder Ball Set

2 x 4 Pieces of Wood

Patio Furniture

Stool or Chair

Rope

Treats

Leash

Activity description

This activity involves you creating your own agility course for your Pyrador to explore. All you need to do is find some simple household items and get creative! If you don't have any supplies, try your local hardware store. You also need to find a location that is spacious enough to fit your course, ideally a backyard or large field.

This activity requires minimal effort, only creative thinking and a positive outlook. Your pup can explore your course rain or shine, depending on when you're up for it! It's also relatively cheap to build, especially if you already have items you can use without making any purchases.

Step

1

Finding items for the course

The first thing you need to do is locate items to build your course. Household items can be easily converted into obstacles, with a little creativity. Some items to try out include 2 x 4 pieces of wood, backyard games like ladder toss, rope, patio furniture, as well as large and medium sized obstacles such as stools or chairs. You will also need space to set up your course, such as a large backyard. It would be optimal to find a permanent location so you don't need to keep dismantling your course.

Step

2

Assembling your agility course

Simply begin by using your gathered items to set up your course. Space out activities so your pooch has room for building up momentum for jumps and landing safely. Watching videos online is a “paw-tastic” way to get ideas for obstacles. Our personal favorite "do it yourself" item is using a ladder ball game set for a jumping obstacle, as it's adjustable.

Step

3

Exploring and mastering the course

Once you've finished the course, introduce your Pyrador to the course. Keep them on-leash while you take them through each of the obstacles slowly and carefully, ensuring they understand the task (e.g., jump over the stool). After you’ve explored the course, your pup can begin to master it. Before long, they’ll be able to navigate the course without issue. At this point, you may choose to re-arrange the course to provide more mental stimulation.

Taking Your Pyrador For a Swim

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Free

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Towel

Leash

Activity description

Labrador Retrievers are known for their innate interest and love for swimming. Most Pyradors inherit this trait, which is why finding a local and reliable swim location is recommended for owners of this dog breed. When it comes to finding a location, many beaches, lakes, and conservation areas are dog-friendly and have low or no costs for visiting.

Swing by your destination and get your pooch used to the water before trying anything too fancy. It shouldn't take long and require little or no materials -- however, incentives may encourage their initial exploration. Swimming, of course, is recommended on warm or hot days, but be sure to have access to shade in case they don’t love the water, as Pyradors don't favor heat.

Step

1

Selecting a location

The first step to going for a swim is finding a location. If you have a pool, you won't need to go anywhere! Letting your pooch swim in a pool does have its drawbacks, such as accidental ripping of the pool liner. Local beaches, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes are other options. Just be sure they're dog friendly before making your way over.

Step

2

Head to the swimming hole

Once you've found your beach, head out with your pooch. Be sure you have all the required supplies. It's a good idea to bring along a portable water dish for your pup with fresh drinking water. Treats, toys, and towels are also recommended.

Step

3

Discovering the water

Depending on the Pyrador, some may jump right in and engage in swimming naturally, while others may take their time. Begin by taking your pup to the water to feel out their interest level. Slowly bring them into the water, and if necessary, use a treat or toy as an incentive to get them in. Once they're comfortable, they may swim to where they can no longer touch the bottom. They'll also likely enjoy partaking in water games, such as catch or retrieve the toy.

Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Favorite Treat(s)

Favorite Toy(s)

Activity description

When it comes to obedience training, each Pyrador is their own dog. Depending on the traits inherited from their parents, a Pyrador can either be an independent pooch, with some resistance to training, or a pup that's eager to learn and ready for any and all challenges.

Owners quickly find out what kind of attitude their Pyrador has towards training shortly after sessions begin. Using obedience training on your Pyrador requires little materials, preferably some form of physical reward as well as plenty of praise. It's important to note that patience is key when deploying obedience training methods, as all dogs learn at their own pace. Repeated training is necessary to reinforce and retain the behavior, so repeat training sessions multiple times a week.

Step

1

Teach your Pyrador to sit

The most easily taught command when it comes to obedience training is "sit". This command can be taught by simply using a treat, positive encouragement, and your own body language. Begin by holding the treat in your hand and raising it up while simultaneously giving the command, "Sit." Be firm and calm when you give the command. Reward the behavior with praise and a treat immediately to encourage its repetition in the future.

Step

2

Teach them to stay

Teaching your Pyrador to stay can be a handy command, especially when you're greeting a visitor at the door. Begin by using the sit command. Following this, give a firm command to "stay" and slowly back away from your Pyrador. Repeat the command as you get further away. After a prolonged period of time (preferably 15 seconds or more), release your pup by saying, "Come," having them return to you.

Step

3

Teach recall skills

The third command is teaching a Pyrador to "come" back to their owner on command. Leash your pup for this one. Begin by having your Pyrador complete the "stay" command. After you have them stay, slightly pull on the leash while moving away from them and giving the command "come." After repeating this multiple times, remove the leash and have your pup stay. Move away from them to a different location in the house and call them to come. Begin by using a short distance, and increase it as training progresses.

More Fun Ideas...

Walkies

One of the easiest ways to exercise your Pyrador is taking them for a walk. As they require moderate exercise, you either want to take them on a long walk, multiple short walks, or couple a brief walk with other physical activities, such as swimming.

Finding a Playmate

Most Pyradors are friendly toward other pups, though they may be wary at first. It's best to socialize your pooch as a puppy so that they're used to the presence of other pups and come to "pre-fur" their company.

Conclusion

Pyradors are a remarkable combination of the stunning yet independent Great Pyrenees and with the friendly and intelligent Labrador Retriever. From swimming to obedience training, your Pyrador has the energy level and intelligence to endure physically and mentally stimulating activities. The energetic attributes of the Labrador mixed with the more laid-back nature of the Great Pyrenees make exercise requirements for this pup moderate, with a recommendation of an hour of vigorous physical activity daily.