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"The
only real problem with the Weimaraner as a breed is that he is often
more intelligent than the person who owns him. When
this happens, it is not the happiest of man-dog relationships. The owner should
always be in command. Any person smart enough and strong willed enough to
properly select, train, and manage a Weimaraner is in for an unparalleled
dog-owning experience. The owner who overrates himself or under-rates his
Weimaraner is in for an ordeal."
(from the Roger Caras Dog Book).
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Weimaraner Needs:
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Companionship -
Weims
require your companionship. They go where you go, following you about
during the day. They prefer to be with you at all times. If this type
of behavior bothers you, a Weims is not for you. They do best
with a family that will almost always have someone home, especially their
special person; or if you have a job that they can go with you. They are
not the kind of dog you can leave home alone while you go off to work, all
day, every day. Dogs are pack animals - you are their pack and like
all breeds they are susceptible to 'separation anxiety'. |
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Exercise - Weims require a
great deal of exercise especially when young. They have been called hyper, but it is really
just youthful exuberance and a high energy level. There is a saying
in the Weims circles that goes "A tired Weims is a good
Weim". As they age they
do slow
down (like the rest of us do). They are an indoor dog in that they
should be with you - but
also need a safe fenced area. They are happiest with a person who loves to
get out with them a lot, although forced exercise,
such as running with an
owner while still growing -before 18 months - can be very detrimental to their joints. They do not have the option of putting on an expensive pair of
running shoes for additional shock absorption. Running
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Crate
Training
is also an essential part of your early puppy
training. It provides a den like environment that is strictly their own, a
safe haven so to speak (do not use it for punishment). It helps house
train them as they will very rarely soil their bed area; it teaches them to hold
their eliminations for longer periods of time - such as overnight for a puppy.
Also should there ever be a need for kenneling at a vet hospital they will
not freak out as much. Our puppies go into the crate right out of the
whelping box at 3-4 weeks of
age. |
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Terrible Two's -
They can be a handful between
the ages of 8 months and 2 years - when they enter the 'teenage years'. You
may think
they have forgotten everything you have taught them, but don't despair, it is
still there, and it will return ...shortly. Most dogs are given up during
this time, especially if they have not had any discipline training. Make
sure you and your dog have done your homework well! When you get past this
stage you have the beginnings of an outstanding companion! |
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Obedience Classes
- Absolutely essential - Weims
are very intelligent. I stress the intelligence
(such as mine can open all my doors; sliders, lever handles,
screens). They are also notorious counter surfers. You need to be very knowledgeable in dog behavior to think ahead
of them as they can really try your
patience. Weims
are a much better companion if they have had group obedience training for proper
socialization along
with their owners. Take your puppy to puppy obedience and continue on up to
advanced. It is a great time spent together. As you move up to higher levels, be sure and keep them
interested with lots of praise, treats and an upbeat tone to your voice.
I also recommend the positive method of
training your Weimaraner rather than the jerk and puke method. They respond to
this 'highly motivational
with lots of treats' method of training very well.
Obedience
classes help you to establish yourself as the 'leader' of the pack. The new
discipline of Rally, is very user friendly and is a great introduction to
formal obedience competition. |
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Agility /Tracking - This is really
fun - for both
you and your dog. You can start limited training for these as pups.
They excel at all of them. There are many books on agility and there are usually lots of
classes available. Tracking is a natural for them and classes are much harder to come by, but
there are some very good books available and the two of you can do this
on your own together.
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| Hunt - Field
This requires a more professional support by
either attaining the services of a professional trainer and or joining your
local
Weimaraner club and/or the local NAVDHA chapter training days. This
sport is extremely fulfilling for your dog of course, but you will be
surprised how much you love to see your dog doing what it was bred to do.
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| Male or
Female: If you are looking for a great companion and plan
on spaying/neutering the old adage 'get a female' becomes a moot point. By losing the hormones, you lose most
of those unwanted behaviors that are driven by hormones. Neutered males
can be more mellow and/or more affectionate than females. Although it
has been determined that neutering/spaying before adulthood can cause
skeletal problems. I highly recommend you keep an
open mind and take the puppy that best seems to fit you and your life style
regardless of gender. |
The Blue Issue
We have been breeding 'blues' for
20+ years.
Our first Weim was a blue puppy that most likely came from a 'backyard breeder'. We discovered the 'blue controversy' when we took our
sweet little blue girl out with other Weims. We did extensive research on
the issue and decided to stay with the blues and improve on the quality of each succeeding
generation.
The original blue dog was Casar von Gaiberg, born in
Germany. He was imported to the U.S. and earned his Championship
points along with other Weims. He was bred extensively and almost all
Weimaraner lines go back to Tell as he was called. The blue appearance was considered to be a
mutation or an introduction of another breed.
The
disqualification of the blue coat (Weimaraner Club of America only not AKC) took effect in 1972 after a
verbal battle within the WCA. Refer to this website
for the most comprehensive information on the blue Weimaraner -
www.blueweimaraner.com
The Weimaraner Club of
America has previously
not allowed blues to compete under any WCA events since the early 1970's but
as of 2008 a blue may compete if he/she has been
spayed/neutered. Intact blues are still barred from WCA events although they are allowed to
compete in all AKC events.
A DNA study has recently been completed and it
has been determined than there was no 'mutation'. We do not have any other
information at this time as the 'paper' for the study is being written for
publication. After 70 years the introduction of "Tell' into almost
all Weimaraner lines is a moot point. Blues are purebred Weimaraners and are AKC register able.
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Links
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Books
on Weimaraners and Insightful Reading
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Weimaraners by Susan Fox |
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Weimaraner Ways by Virginia Alexander and Jackie
Isabel |
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Essential Weimaraner by Patsy Hollings |
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Weimaraners Today by Vicky Bainbridge |
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How To Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar (Sirius
Puppy Training Manual) |
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Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson |
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For The Love of a Dog by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D |
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Dogs Never Lie About Love by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson |
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The Other End of The Leash by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. |
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Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier |
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Smarter than You Think by Paul Loeb & Suzanne
Havacek |
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Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin |
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The Dog’s Mind by Bruce Fogel |
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Dogspeak : How
to Understand Your Dog and Help
Him Understand You by Matthew Hoffman |
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And specifically for rescues – Second Hand Dog: How
to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet by Carol Lea Benjamin |
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The BARF Diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst |
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Switching to Raw - A Fresh Food Diet for Dogs that
Makes Sense by Susan K. Johnson |
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Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats - The Ultimate
Diet by Kymythy R. Schultze, C.C.N., A.H.I. |
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Health_Issues
Puppy Pics Weimaraners
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