The ‘Sage’ Page
Stories from someone who ‘Really’ is as old as he looks
Weimaraners
Ryanstock
Weimaraners
2011
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This week I though we should change the tone a little. We are going to discuss the merits of owning a Weimaraner. Many people believe that they would like to own a Weimaraner the problem is that they do not know exactly what that entails. Owning a dog should be a pleasure and usually that is the case. Just believing that you can buy a dog and everything else will fall into place is a gross misapprehension when the dog is a Weimaraner. Some people will try drink and drugs, and with those if it makes you ill or if you do not like the experience you can stop. When you purchase a Weimaraner if you do not like the experience then you have that experience every single day for ten or twelve years. When they develop antisocial habits they just continue and get worse. If you have neighbours who dislike constant barking then with a Weimaraner that develops this trait he or she will not stop without some intervention to correct the problem. If allowed to chew the Weimaraner will still be chewing when you return home and that as I have witnessed means it could take the plaster off the walls and remove your electric wiring ! Many breeds that develop bad habits will over time grow out of most of them and even if the don’t they will allow you to train them easily in to your way of doing things. The Weimaraner responds well to training but this is not always accepted readily when in it’s early stages , so be prepared for a long slog to get to that final result.So if you are not totally committed to putting in all the effort required to overcome the problems then do not make the purchase. There are dogs for everyone so think carefully before buying your dog. Some dogs just fit in with the family environment and they are a joy to own. If you have commitments, be it work, family or just a lack of time to spend to do the necessary work then a Weimaraner should not be high on your list of choices.
On the plus side if you have owned a dog before then even if you are not familiar with the problems that are presented to you then you should find it easy to work with someone that can help you retrain your dog. If you are a novice then before the problem gets too severe you should seek advice and be guided by the person that is familiar with the traits of the Weimaraner. This breed needs to understand your routine, it needs to know where it fits into the family structure and most importantly is has to know what the parameters are, what is permissible and what is not. The Weimaraner is a very challenging breed to take on, but if you really want a dog that will test you and constantly question you, then the Weimaraner is that dog.
Over the years I can look back at some of the disputes I had with my first dog and I look back with fondness. I was a novice and he was particularly intelligent , so we did not always agree in those early days, he taught me an awful lot and as I gained knowledge I hope I was able to reciprocate with a few things that he enjoyed. As the years have passed by we have had many Weimaraners here at ‘Ryanstock’ and each one becomes less of a challenge. We have a youngster now that we have called ‘The Stig’ and at 14 weeks he is doing exactly what his father did, and his mother and her mother. Things have become a bit predictable now and so they are less difficult to resolve, I love to see that spirit in such a tiny puppy, the willingness to want to challenge us. For our puppy, life should be both interesting and enjoyable as we work all our dogs so his brain will never be short of a few puzzles and his instincts will be brought back to life, requiring him to develop his skills in the field of work. He will be with us most days for nearly all of the time and will benefit like his mother in constant training and challenges. He will enjoy the companionship of his mum, gran, dad, half brother and great uncle. We have converted the vehicle so that when we go out for the day the family comes too, so he can go off and have a day at the shows whilst his relatives enjoy the change of scene and some restful time.
You will have gathered by now that owning a Weimaraner is a life changing experience. If you do not devote time to this breed like any other member of your family then you could struggle. That is why more than 200 Weimaraners need rescue and rehoming each year. If however you are serious about your ownership responsibilities then along with the frustration, disappointment, misery, anger and tearfulness, you will enjoy the gratification of devotion, protection, thrills , enjoyment and total satisfaction.
The Weimaraner loves without boundaries , whether you are kind or cruel. It will defend itself if beaten but win him over by your knowledge and ability and you will know no better friendship and loyalty in your lifetime.
Never choose this breed because it looks nice or because you like the colour. Always choose it because you have lots of time that needs filling and life has become a bit steady for you and you really want a new challenge, one that if you are able to meet will be perhaps the most rewarding of your life !