Q.
I have a cat. Would a Weim do well with one?
A.
Sometimes we get dogs that are cat friendly, but since this is a hunting
and sporting breed, most have high prey drives and might not do well
with a cat. However, if a weim is brought up with a cat from a young
age, then they will do well.
Q.
I am a college student and I want a weimaraner. I live in an apartment.
A.
We typically do not adopt to students, as their schedules are usually
very hectic and varied. Weims are a breed that likes things to consistent.
We have found that student life is not conducive for weims. It is advised
to wait until you finish school and get more of a permanent schedule.
Also there are very few weims that make good apartment dogs.
Q.
Where do the dogs you get come from? Why do you get so many?
A.
We typically get weims from shelters and as strays. Most come as owner
surrenders. Lack of research before choosing the breed as a pet and
changing lifestyles are the most common reasons for the dogs we get.
Many people get the breed and the novelty wears off and even still,
people are not willing to work through training issues or behavioral
problems. Most dogs we get are very wonderful and just need a second
chance in the proper environment. The breed as become very popular and
are being breed by backyard breeders everywhere which contributes to
the problem.
Q.
I have young children, do weims do well with kids.
A.
Weims do well with older children. We have found that a household with
2 or more young children is not the best for most weims. Weims require
a major attention commitment from their owner. We have found that a
household with 2 or more really young children does not have the energy
or time commitment needed. Weimaraners are like having and extra child.
We are very careful
in placing dogs in homes with children as many of the dogs we get in
have backgrounds that are unknown. We receive many calls of families
expecting a child and want to get a weimaraner. This is not advisable
as the family will be busy with the new arrival and most likely the
dog will not get the attention it deserves. If you have children, and
are considering a weim, please be sure that you and all family members
are willing to contribute to its care and well being.
Q.
Do Weimaraners need a fence? I have an electric underground fence?
A.
Our position on electronic fences is this: They are not our first choice,
but if used correctly can be better than not having one at all. Dogs
should never be left out in one unsupervised. We have
known cases of electronic fences backfiring and injuring dogs. Proper
training should be given if you are to use one. The fence does not stop
intruders or other dogs. The fence can be a help if leash walking isn't
desirable for potty breaks.
Most weims need
a permanent fence. There are occasions when we get a dog that is trustworthy
enough to be placed in a home without a fence. It must be an excellent
situation and the dog mature enough to handle it. We will not place
a dog in a home where it is to be kept outside within an electronic
fence. We also do not place dogs in homes where they
are to be outside dogs.
Some weims are escape
artists. So then we ask for the big guns of a privacy fence.
Q.
When is the best time to start training?
A.
with pups, as early as 10-12 weeks. With adults as soon as you get them.
We recommend that if you rescue a weim, that you at least take them
through one set of classes, just to bond and develop a working relationship.
Choose an instructor that is motivational and uses motivational methods.
We do not recommend board and train classes. YOU must work with your
weim.
