A Weimaraner is a working
breed. That means the breed was bred originally to hunt
bear and boar. That makes this dog extremely energetic,
high strung, intelligent, and needy. Here are 5 key
rules when training a Weimaraner.
1. Engage Your Weimaraner
in Vigorous Exercise
The Weimaraner breed
has not been watered down since domestication. So its
instinct to hunt and dig are still deeply engrained.
These dogs have so much energy, they can outlast their
master in play any day of the week!
You must tire them out
by taking them to a dog run at least 2-3 times a day for
an hour each time. Let them jostle with other dogs. This
activity alone will wear them out. Another good idea
would be to start them on an agility training program.
2. Engage The
Weimaraner's Intellect
Another one of the 5
key rules when training a Weimaraner is engaging their
intellect. The Weimaraner is a very intelligent breed.
Mental stimulation for this dog is a must.
Agility training will
help with both physical stimulation and mental
stimulation. In agility training, the dog is trained to
go through an obstacle course. This makes the dog have
to think on its feet.
3. Alleviate Separation
Anxiety
Weimaraners tend to be
very clingy to their masters. They become very upset
when separated from their masters for very long periods
of time. Onf of the best 5 key rules when training a
Weimaraner is to slowly introduce your Weimeraner to the
concept of your leaving him.
First, let him see you
put on your shoes and coat. But then don't go anywhere.
Then, on another occasion, let him see you pick up your
keys as if you are getting ready to leave. Dogs know
when their masters are going out.
But again, you're not
going to actually leave. The idea is you want to work
your way into him getting used to you about to leave so
that his anxiety level becomes less and less.
Finally, after doing
those two exercises a few times, actually leave him and
come back in 5 minutes. The next time you leave him,
come back in 10 minutes. This will slowly build his
tolerance for his anxiety attacks.
4. Let Him Sleep On His
Own Bed
The fourth of the 5 key
rules to training a Weimaraner is to let your dog get
used to sleeping in his own bed! Many dog owners, myself
included, allow their dogs to sleep in the same bed.
The problem with this
is, your Weimaraner is already needy. If you allow him
to sleep in your bed, you'll never get him to go into a
crate. And, crate training is crucial for the
Weimaraner.
5. Crate Train Early
Lastly, crate training
for the Weimaraner is crucial. Crate training allows
your dog to view his crate as a safe haven. Feeling safe
emotionally is what Weimaraners crave.
Early crate training
your Weimaraner will also help with separation anxiety.
How? Dogs are den animals. Having a cave-like place to
go to is comforting for a dog. What better way for your
Weimaraner to feel safe in his natural habitat than by
putting him in a crate, which replicates a den for him?
