Why Does My Great Pyrenees Ignore Me? Understanding Independent Dog Behavior
If you’ve ever asked your Great Pyrenees to “sit,” only to be met with a long pause and a slow blink, you’re not alone. Pyrs are famously independent dogs—and while they’re incredibly intelligent, they often seem to operate on their own mysterious internal code.
The good news? They’re not ignoring you out of defiance. It’s just part of who they are.
Great Pyrenees were bred for centuries to guard flocks of sheep in the remote Pyrenees Mountains. These dogs needed to be able to make decisions on their own, often without a shepherd nearby. That independence is hardwired into their DNA.
Today, instead of guarding sheep, they may be guarding your yard, your couch, or your kids—but they still like to think for themselves.
This means traditional training techniques that rely on obedience for obedience’s sake don’t
always work. Your Pyr isn’t ignoring you to be stubborn; they’re evaluating whether your request makes sense in the current context. For example, if you ask them to lie down while they’re in “guard mode” near a window, they may resist.
Not because they don’t know the command, but because they’re working.
To train a Great Pyrenees effectively, use positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency. Short training sessions, high-value treats, and calm repetition are key. Pyrs don’t respond well to force or scolding.
Build trust and make sure your dog understands that listening to you is a good thing, not a power struggle.
It’s also worth adjusting expectations. Pyrs may never be as responsive as a border collie or Labrador—and that’s okay. Their strength lies in their calm presence, protective instincts, and unwavering loyalty.
When your Pyr chooses to listen to you, it’s because they trust you—not because they feel obligated. And honestly? That kind of respect feels pretty special.
So the next time your Pyr stares at you blankly after a command, take a deep breath and remember: this is a dog who was born to think for himself. He’s not ignoring you—he’s just making up his mind.
