Dogs

Tootega

A few months ago we had our Newfoundland, Tootega, put down due to age-related problems. The space she left was filled by two Great Pyrenees dogs. Gustav and Daenerys. Gustav is speculated to not be what he was originally sold as. He seems very slender and tall with silky fur, rather than the typical stout, fluffy Great Pyrenees. Daenerys, however, more appropriately fits the bill. She is very stocky and can keep up with Gustav's playing even though he is a few months older and has a good 60-70 lbs on her.

Gustav The Great

Gustav quickly showed interest in the chickens, but would not attack them. If anything he was just interested. When they go close enough he would nose them. He would sometimes walk in their general direction, which scared them because they thought they were being chased. Penelope will peck him if he gets too close, but he never learns his lesson.

'Danny'. Yes, she is named after the Game of Thrones character.

Daenerys was a little more active in her investigation of her new feathery friends. She chased them on a few occasions, sending them crashing about the patio. This worried us because in their panic they could easily hurt themselves. Their little expeditions into the house also were discouraged by the furry fiend behind the door. At one point she even cornered a few in the run. While she isn't violent and is fairly well-behaved around them, she still scares them with her curiosity.

I am still unsure about the chickens ever getting used to them. They will hopefully come around, although it may take awhile. Daenerys still needs to shed her puppy playfulness for her to stop prancing after them and startling them. Only then will they start to adjust. It took Tootega awhile to win their trust, but when she did they were fine walking under her or sitting on top of her.