Weimaraner Puppy Training

Temperament

• While happy, affectionate and protective, the Weimaraner can develop dominance issues that should be dealt with by a firm and capable trainer. Teach the dog to recognize the authority of its owner, who should unquestionably be the pack leader. Owners who do not exercise strong leadership over their dogs will run into problems; the dogs will become restless, anxious and stubborn. Enforce your rules and be consistent with praise and punishment. Don't get lazy. If the dog shouldn't jump on the counter, never let him. If he does something worthy, praise him for it. These dogs crave responsibility and are happiest when they have a task to perform. Puppies that receive proper training will grow into stable, calm and helpful adult Weimaraners.

Socialization

• A large part of a Weimaraner's training relies on socialization. Although they love rigorous activity and the opportunity to play, a dog who isn't socialized can become defensive or combative to other dogs. Because of their strong hunting background, introduce them to smaller pets early on, as it comes naturally to treat these animals as prey. Socialization with people is just as important. Weimaraners love people and want to be a part of the family. A tendency toward separation anxiety makes them very attached to humans and causes them to get over-excited easily. Dogs with untreated separation anxiety can become destructive. An excited puppy might be cute, but a strong and willful 75 lb. hunting dog is a different story.

Exercise

• An essential part of Weimaraner care is exercise. These high-stamina hounds will measure 23 to 27 inches at the shoulders and weigh a lean and muscular 70 to 85 lbs. as adults, and they were bred to run fast. No amount of exercise is too much for a Weimaraner. They don't, however, do well with heat, cold or loneliness, so don't leave them outside for long periods of time. They want to be with the family. Take long walks on a short leash, as letting the dog lead you can make him headstrong. Dogs of this breed can be anxious and neurotic. The best way to calm them is to keep them busy. Without enough exercise, their pent-up energy will make them difficult to control and difficult to train.

Commands

• Teach a Weimaraner "sit" as its first command. The "sit" command, when enforced, curbs the dog's excitability and willingness to jump. Weimaraners that aren't accustomed to being around small children or elderly people might knock them down in overzealousness. Again, extensive socialization and a competent trainer can eliminate this behavior. Both generally eager and eager to please, the breed takes well to training and tricks, especially when motivated by treats and praise. They can, however, lose focus in a busy or distracting situation, and it's up to the trainer to keep them under control. Weimaraners that are hit or disciplined too harshly will become fearful and attempt to avoid training.

Health

• These dogs, often called "gray ghosts," are prone to bloat, which occurs when the stomach fills with air and puts pressure on other organs. It is extremely serious and can be deadly within hours. A dog who is exhibiting signs of bloat--swollen belly, dry-heaving, retching, restlessness, shallow and rapid breathing--should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Bloat can be avoided by feeding the dog more than once a day (hunger-based enthusiasm can cause the dog to swallow air) and limiting exercise before and after eating and drinking. The dog should be calm during mealtimes. As with many large or heavy dogs, it's also common for Weimaraners to develop hip dysplasia with age. The average dog of this breed lives to be 10 to 12 years old.

Weimaraner Success

• A successfully trained and socialized Weimaraner is friendly, playful and affectionate toward humans and other animals. The Weimaraner is calm, obedient and an excellent watch dog. If you don't use the dog for hunting, he will be eager to learn new skills and tricks. Crate training is possible, but too much time in the crate will make the dog extremely unhappy. In comparison to other breeds, this dog can take more time and attention and is happiest when included in activities. Because of his high-maintenance demeanor, he may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners, but he'll thrive with a highly active, nurturing companion.