newfoundland attacks 2nd time - Page 2

Yes they make excellent livestock guardians, especially with sheep or goats - they stay WITH the livestock and don't leave them at all, unlike other LG breeds who do "perimeter guarding" mainly for predators - the GP guards "from within" which is one reason they are white and hairy - they will guard their flock against predators OR people.  When I used to have a pet sitting service, I took care of one sheep/goat farm who used GP with the flock, and Anatolians as perimeter guardians.  The anatolians hung out aroudn the house, slept all day, then went on guard at dark and were gone all night, guarding the property which included the sheep.  The GP lived with the sheep and never left them - I even had to drive a 4 wheeler out to find the flock (hundreds of open acres) because when I found the flock I'd find the dogs - and I had to feed them out there, they woudln't leave the flock for any reason.  Not "friendly" but not "aggressive" still I wouldn't have gone over to pet them or anything - they didn't invite attention for sure.

molly

LOL yes I tend to give dog who aren't inviting my attention a large berth and admire them from afar ;-)

Coincidently, I am having some trouble with a Great Pyrs at the local park where I exercise both my dogs.  I live in the suburbs and there are quite afew dogs off lease in the park.  I keep my GSD close to me in focus training as she can be dominant with other dogs.  Her recall is good and she will ignore other dogs.  However other dogs may run up to us and fortunately so far they do not linger long and run off back to their owner.  My other dog I would consider is a stable and social English Springer Spaniel.

Two weeks ago we came across a GP in one of our walks.  I keep my GSD focussed and was shocked horror that the GP attacked my ESS.  I shouted to the guy to get his dog and with much struggle he managed.  The GP looked like he meant to "finish the job" and was still pulling on his lead to get to us.  Fortunately, both my dogs were unnerved but I did not hang around to exchange words with the man.

Three days later, the GP spotted us in the middle of the field and trotted towards us.  I called my dogs and started pacing away and I could see its owner calling his dog with no avail.  When the GP got close, I stood my ground and yelled at it with both my dogs behind me.  On the third yell, the GP growled at me just as the owner grabbed hold of its collar.  I was exhausted and shaken by the chase but again I did not hand around to exchange words with the man.  I assumed that he will have some common sense in future not to let his dog off leash.

Three days ago, I saw the GP off leash and quickly signalled to his owner to put on the bloody leash.  He had his mobile and he waved back to say, it is ok.  At this point I thought I cannot panic and kept my GSD next to me while my ESS walked aside of me.  The GP trotted towards me and the dogs and leaped up as if to take a chunk of me.  The owner managed to grab his dog just in time.  My legs were like jelly.  I was furious but again I did not hang around to exchange words as I could see he was struggling to contain the raging beast.   I reported the incident to the park warden to ensure that his dog is leash up in future.

What concerns me about the most recent incident that he GP was not in so much going for my dogs but me.  Perhaps I stood up and defended my dogs in the field on our second encounter which has changed the status.  What annoyed me when I spoke to several walkers in the park is the comment that this dog (Great Pyrs) is usually good with most dogs and is a gentle giant.   I really hope my next encounter will see this dogs on a leash.  Its just not fair to other dog walkers if anyone who has a dominant dog with a lousy recall running loose in the park. 

My heartfelt condolences to Loiuse (OP) for the tragic loss of Milley.