Thinking About Surrendering Your Great Pyrenees?
Our rescue receives about 50 owner-surrender requests every month. Sometimes surrender really is necessary, but some of the problems that feel impossible today can be solved. Before giving up your dog, take a moment to see whether one of these common Great Pyrenees challenges has another path forward.
Escaping & Fencing
Great Pyrenees were bred to patrol large areas and can be determined roamers. Better containment, supervised outdoor time, secure gates and addressing digging or climbing points can sometimes make a dramatic difference.
Barking
Guarding and alert barking are normal Great Pyrenees behaviors. Bringing the dog inside more, reducing nighttime triggers, increasing enrichment and changing the environment may help make barking manageable.
Resource Guarding, Behavior & Training
Resource guarding—protecting food, treats, toys, sleeping areas or other valued things—is a problem we frequently see with Great Pyrenees and can create serious conflict in a home. Do not punish or forcibly take guarded items, especially if the dog is growling or threatening to bite. Management, preventing confrontations and working with a qualified trainer or behavior professional can often help. Pyrenees are also independent thinkers, so consistent routines and positive-reinforcement training are especially important.
Livestock, Pets & Family
Introductions, resource guarding, livestock behavior and household conflicts can require careful management. Separating problem situations and getting qualified behavioral guidance may provide options you have not tried yet.
Aggression or a Bite History?
Please be completely honest with us about any aggression. We have experience with difficult Great Pyrenees, including dogs with serious aggression and bite histories, and have accepted dogs from as far away as Ventura County, California because of aggression.
Tell us about all growling, snapping, attempted bites, actual bites, resource-guarding incidents and known triggers—even if you believe an incident was minor, accidental or justified. Accurate information does not automatically mean we will give up on a dog. It helps us evaluate the situation and protect the people who will handle and care for your dog.
Do not put yourself, a family member or anyone else at risk trying to test or provoke aggressive behavior.
Please disclose any aggression, resource guarding, growling, snapping or bite history on your Owner Surrender Request. Accurate information does not automatically mean we will give up on a dog. After reviewing your request, we may ask you to complete our more detailed Temperament Test.
Housing & Life Changes
Moving, landlord restrictions, family changes and other unexpected circumstances can put owners in a difficult position. If time allows, explore every housing and family option available before making a permanent decision.
Financial or Veterinary Difficulty
If cost or a medical problem is driving the decision, ask your veterinarian about treatment options, payment resources or local assistance programs. There may be alternatives worth investigating before surrender.
Still Need to Surrender Your Great Pyrenees?
We understand that sometimes surrender really is necessary. Please give us as much information as possible so we can understand your dog’s needs and your situation.