How to satisfy the restless spirit for a Great Pyrenese/St. Bernard mix puppy

[whmayfield]

Hi,

I read the Foundation Training for the Restless Spirit but I am not clear on how to satisfy the restless spirit for a Great Pyrenese/St. Bernard mix 9wk old puppy. I assume he would have a strong drive to guard but I am not sure how to satisfy that drive as a puppy being house trained.

What activities can I do with the puppy to satisfy this drive?
Are there other drives I need to consider as well for this mix?

Note that when Bosco has passed through your Foundation steps, he will be our first guard dog for our chickens, goats, and for the farm property.

Thanks!

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

It sounds like your puppy will have a job to do as he gets older that will fulfill his instinct to guard. I would suggest allowing him to spend a lot of time around the farm animals so he is familiar with them as part of his pack from an early age.

Otherwise, the only other things to consider would be if he shows a strong instinct to chew on things, chase, tug, etc...

If that is the case you can give him chew toys when appropriate, play appropriate games of tug, or fetch... whichever he seems to take to best. This can help prevent him from picking up bad habits in the home, such as chewing furniture, your slippers, etc...

Basically, if you see him having a tendency toward bad habits - consider first if it is something due to not having a proper outlet.