Expert Tips on Training a Great Pyrenees Dog Now

Training a Great Pyrenees dog takes patience, love, and a little humor. These dogs are smart but stubborn. They think for themselves, which can make training tricky. When I first started Great Pyrenees training, I made mistakes. 

I used commands that worked on other dogs, but not on my Pyrenees. I had to learn their unique way of thinking. In this guide, I’ll show you how to train a Great Pyrenees dog the right way. We’ll cover house training, obedience, and handling their strong instincts. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Great Pyrenees Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is a dog like no other. They are calm, loyal, and incredibly smart—but they also have a strong independent streak. Unlike eager-to-please breeds, they think for themselves. This can make Great Pyrenees training a challenge, but once you understand how they think, everything becomes easier.

These dogs were bred to guard livestock in the mountains. That means they are always alert, protective, and a little stubborn. If you ask them to “sit,” they might look at you as if to say, “Why?”—not because they don’t understand, but because they need a good reason. This independence is why some people wonder, “Are Great Pyrenees easy to train?” The short answer? Not in the traditional sense, but with the right approach, they can become well-mannered and obedient.

Socialization is key from a young age. How to train a Great Pyrenees puppy starts with exposing them to new people, pets, and places early. Without this, their natural guarding instincts can make them overly protective. They need to learn that not every visitor or passing dog is a threat. If you skip this step, you might end up with a dog that barks at every little noise.

Patience is everything. If you expect fast results, you’ll get frustrated. But if you respect their nature and work with it, training a Great Pyrenees dog becomes much easier. Think of it like a partnership—earn their trust, and they will listen. Their intelligence, once guided in the right way, makes them incredible companions.

How to Train a Great Pyrenees Dog

Training a Great Pyrenees dog is a unique journey. These dogs are independent thinkers, and that can make training feel like you’re negotiating with a stubborn, yet incredibly smart, friend. When I first started training my Great Pyrenees, I quickly learned that what worked for other breeds didn’t always work for them. I had to adjust my approach to fit their independent nature, but with patience and the right techniques, you can help them become well-behaved and obedient companions. Let’s dive into how to train a Great Pyrenees dog effectively.

1.Basic Obedience Training

Great Pyrenees training begins with the basics—just like any other breed. Teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel” lays the groundwork. But remember, your Great Pyrenees might need more convincing to follow these commands. Unlike other dogs that aim to please, these dogs need a reason to obey. Positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, goes a long way. If they know something good is coming, they’re more likely to listen. Patience is your best friend here because sometimes they’ll act like they know better.

For example, I used to tell my Pyrenees to “sit” before we crossed the street. Instead of sitting immediately, he would just stand there, giving me a look like, “Why do we need to stop here?” I had to be consistent and reward him for sitting, so he eventually understood that I needed his cooperation, even if he didn’t see the point.

2. House Training & Potty Training

When it comes to house training a Great Pyrenees puppy, consistency is key. These pups can be a little slow to pick up on potty training, but that’s normal for large breeds. The best way to approach this is with scheduled potty breaks. Take them outside at regular intervals—especially after meals, playtime, and naps. Crate training can also help, as dogs generally don’t like to soil their sleeping areas. But accidents will happen, and that’s okay. Stay patient and never scold them harshly—it will only confuse them.

When my Pyrenees had an accident in the house, I learned to calmly clean it up and continue our routine. Over time, he understood where to go, and the accidents stopped. Just like with obedience, training a Great Pyrenees dog to use the bathroom in the right place requires persistence and patience.

3. Socialization & Behavior Training

Socialization is one of the most important parts of training a Great Pyrenees puppy. Because they were bred as livestock guardians, they naturally have strong protective instincts. Without early socialization, these instincts can lead to them becoming overly protective or aggressive. Start by introducing your puppy to new people, other dogs, and different environments from an early age. This helps them understand that not every situation is a threat.

I made the mistake of keeping my Pyrenees too isolated when he was young, and later, he would bark at every visitor who came to our home. It took some extra work to help him realize that our friends and family were not intruders. Introducing your Great Pyrenees to new experiences early on will save you from these kinds of issues down the line.

4. Leash Training & Outdoor Behavior

Leash training a Great Pyrenees can be one of the biggest challenges. These are strong, independent dogs, and if they want to pull on the leash, they can drag you along for the ride! I recommend starting leash training early and using a strong, sturdy harness. Use positive reinforcement when they walk calmly by your side, and never yank or pull on the leash, as this can make them more resistant.

I remember trying to leash train my Pyrenees for the first time, and it felt like I was being dragged around the block. But with time, patience, and treats, he eventually learned that walking next to me at a steady pace was more rewarding.

Key Takeaway: Patience and Consistency Are Essential

Training a Great Pyrenees dog takes more time and effort than some other breeds, but it’s incredibly rewarding. With the right approach, patience, and plenty of treats, your Pyrenees can become a well-behaved member of your family. Keep sessions short, fun, and positive, and remember, it’s a partnership—you’re teaching them, but they’re also teaching you to work with their unique personality.

If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll end up with a loyal, well-mannered dog that’s as independent as they are loving.