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I have a Pyr-Collie mix (the mom is pure pyr, the dad is collie, though I don't know if he's pure). I'm wondering what temperament this might produce in this pup.

I have a pure Collie and I'm having a difficult time training her. I'm what you'd consider a 'lax' trainer. I have 3 kids and don't spend a whole lot of time training my animals. I like them to be obedient, but I live way in the country and I don't care if they know how to heel or do tricks or whatever. I just want them to not be aggressive or chase my chickens! We mainly spend time socializing with our animals, rather than 'training' them.

This Collie I have (5 mos old) has become quite timid, I'm thinking because she has low-confidence. We're working on her to build her confidence, but she's still quite sensitive and my husband accidentally kicked her once and she still hasn't gotten over it, no matter how hard he's tried to let her know that she's ok! (and he's not really going to hurt her!)

Anyway, if you know how I can solve that 2nd problem, that'd be terrific, but also if anyone knows what temperament this new pup is going to be, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!
javashackgirl

or email me @ javashackgirl@yahoo.com

>>I have a Pyr-Collie mix (the mom is pure pyr, the dad is collie, though I don't know if he's pure). I'm wondering what temperament this might produce in this pup.
>>
>>I have a pure Collie and I'm having a difficult time training her. I'm what you'd consider a 'lax' trainer. I have 3 kids and don't spend a whole lot of time training my animals. I like them to be obedient, but I live way in the country and I don't care if they know how to heel or do tricks or whatever. I just want them to not be aggressive or chase my chickens! We mainly spend time socializing with our animals, rather than 'training' them.
>>
>>This Collie I have (5 mos old) has become quite timid, I'm thinking because she has low-confidence. We're working on her to build her confidence, but she's still quite sensitive and my husband accidentally kicked her once and she still hasn't gotten over it, no matter how hard he's tried to let her know that she's ok! (and he's not really going to hurt her!)
>>
>>Anyway, if you know how I can solve that 2nd problem, that'd be terrific, but also if anyone knows what temperament this new pup is going to be, I'd really appreciate it.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>javashackgirl
>>
>>or email me @ javashackgirl@yahoo.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>

Sounds like you need some training help in person, both to assess the temperament of the mix, and to help the scared dog. The longer the fear persists, the more of a problem it can turn into for the dog's temperament later toward men and possibly also children.

A Pyrenees/Collie could be a handful. You've got the independent livestock-guarding with large size, and then combine that with a high activity level and possibly barking.

As far as the chickens, best to handle that with fencing. That's just too tempting for a lot of dogs if they are alone with the chickens.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com