Great Pyrenees as Gardeners

Oh, yes!  The Great Pyrenees I was telling your about also herded irisarians.
Escorted them to the iris beds.  Kept them out of the "wildlife sanctuary"
without an approved, human escort.

Now, to anyone who has taken our praise of the Pyrs to heart and is considering
a puppy --  a Pyr's view of the world is quite simple:

1.  I am master of my domain.
2.  The shepherd is my partner.
3.  Together, we can handle anything.

Once you understand this, these dogs are so intelligent that they almost train
themselves. 

If you take the conventional training approach, however, which requires you to
start by convincing the dog that you are the leader of the pack -- you'll be in
for a harder time of it.  This sets up a test of wills.   If you "win", and
convince a Pyr that you're the "master", it will no longer feel responsible for
its domain.  If you "lose" it will not accept you as a worthy partner.   If
you're lucky -- some say, "if the dog succeeds in training you" -- you'll come
to an understanding and forge a partnership in spite of the false start.

Sharon McAllister (73372.1745@compuserve.com)
Now training a 6-month-old, 100-pound "What do you mean THAT's a PUPPY?!?!?!"
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