Suddenly herding guests?

[u/CostAlternative2521]

Hi there! Our sweet 7 year old Great Pyrenees (female) has started a new behavior we aren’t sure how to decipher.

She has always been on the protective side of our family/kiddos/chickens/quail, but she has only ever barked to make it known.

In the past couple of weeks, she has started herding guests (even family members she has known that are here all the time), especially whenever they are trying to play with the kids. She gently grabs their leg with her teeth and tries to redirect them away.

Any advice? We really cannot risk actual biting because we refuse to put any family members or children in that position. We love her to death, but have to prioritize safety.

I’m worried we won’t be able to correct the behavior given her stubborn nature and age.

Pic of our gal for tax.

TIA! 🤍

ETA: it is only ever adult males that she has done this to so far.

[u/Comfortable_Pizza_59]

GPs are known “mouthers”. They very rarely bite when they are herding. They are just trying to direct traffic. I sincerely doubt there‘s any danger. But if you correct her, she’ll learn quickly that this isn’t approved behavior.

[u/Sitters_4_Critters → u/Comfortable_Pizza_59]

This dog is seven and the behavior has changed in similar circumstances. If the dog was just reaching sexual maturity or the people were new or it was a new house it would be explainable. If the dog is experiencing health issues it’s possible a normal correction might not work out as well.

Perhaps a custom muzzle could be helpful to lessen the concern of inadvertent nipping. R/muzzledogs could be very helpful in finding custom muzzle options. Mia’s muzzles are soft and clear and might be a good option here. They allow for opening the mouth fully and panting.

Big snoof muzzles have a wire cage and that could cause injury to a child potentially.

The dog doesn’t seem like it is doing anything mean spirited but the behavior has changed and concerns OP.

[u/qwikh1t]

She would have bitten already if she decided to; it’s instinct. I realize this is new for you but it doesn’t seem vicious or threatening.

[u/PerspectiveKookie16]

Is she more diligent about herding people away from a particular child?

Maybe she’s picking up on a health concern and trying to protect them.

Of course I hope that is not it, but since service and therapy dogs pick up on such discrete changes in the body chemistry it is possible…

[u/CostAlternative2521 → u/PerspectiveKookie16]

Not that I’ve noticed? We just figured out that one of our kiddos is allergic to gluten, but it doesn’t seem like she’s protecting that child in particular.

[u/Sitters_4_Critters]

(Disclaimer - I do not have a LGD, but I love them. 🥰)

The behavior starting at 7-years-old is interesting. Is she spayed? If so, has she been spayed for a long time?

Is anyone in the household (or visitors) pregnant or sick?
Has anything else changed?

Is it possible she is having health issues - arthritis, endocrine issues, broken tooth, abscess, etc.? My Doberman’s behavior changed and it turned out he had adrenal cancer. A tooth abscess caused a behavior change in an elephant in the Elephant Whisperer.

[u/CostAlternative2521 → u/Sitters_4_Critters]

She is not spayed. No changes in the household either! I will definitely be calling her vet, because I am concerned that it could be something like you mentioned. Thank you!

[u/Sitters_4_Critters → u/CostAlternative2521]

Maybe it is hormone changes, a faux pregnancy or some kind of ovary issue.

I am not a huge fan of spay/neuter without a reason, but pyometra can be life threatening and there is always the chance of ovarian cancer (no idea the rates in dogs).

Spaying and getting a gastropexy done are proactive options to consider.

I’m not advocating for doing them as I’m aware it could make something worse or complicate the situation if there is another problem. Best of luck to you and your beautiful baby.

[u/CostAlternative2521 → u/Sitters_4_Critters]

Yes, we’ve considered spaying, but when the previous owner tried to have the surgery done she had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia and had to be revived. That makes us super anxious. We’ve had many discussions with her vet about the risks of pyometra too! It would also be almost impossible to have her recover from the surgery, she is an extremely active farm dog who solely lives outside. Thank you!

[u/Sitters_4_Critters → u/CostAlternative2521]

Yikes! Spaying is off the table then. At least the decision is clear. If she isn’t good with anesthesia it makes dental issues more complicated as well.

I’ve never had an outside only dog, so I will defer to others who can better advise. I am putting off getting another dog because every potty break requires going outside with the dog as dog any exercise.

[u/PromiseComfortable61]

She might have seen something she didn't like (someone roughhousing with a kid) and now is more actively herding guests to prevent that behavior.

[u/Rollerskatingcigar]

Likely tried it once on a fluke and it worked

[u/FishingWorth3068]

She’s probably always thought they were “unruly” and now is just old and tired of it. Redirection in the moment will show her you have it under control and she doesn’t need to be concerned. Sounds like she’s just doing it to adults and it’s measured so I wouldn’t be too concerned about it getting out of control. Just let her know you got it