Good Morning Weimlovers!

Dusty-Sit/Stay (by Larry Cleveland)

I am awaiting the arrival of dawn anxiously. I love with Mr. Sun peeks out and teases us with his essence–right before he peers over the horizon. Everything has an ethereal quality that is defined deep within our soul. It speaks to us of the promise and the arrival of a new beginning. Things we often take for granted. The wise person’s spirit doesn’t waste this opportunity. Forgive yourself, others, and let the past be the past. Today is a fresh start.

This truth applies to every relationship– Weimaraner included. Possibly yesterday was not the best. If so, today is a new start. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Set aside the mistakes and issues. Begin afresh and work toward success. Always start and end with a positive solid-rock activity. Don’t concern yourself with falling short in some areas. There is not a timeline for success. It (seeing a positive outcome) happens when you stay the course. Over time you will achieve together. Never forget this is a journey and arriving at your destination doesn’t have a set time. Close your ears to all those who offer their free advice and cite the fact you don’t know what you are doing. If you are making progress and slowly achieving the basic disciplines rejoice in the sweet progress. Stay on the path. Here is what Cliff has to say about achieving the basics (on a previous blog).

This is what I hope every OwyheeStar Weimlover will accomplish……..

1. Loose Leash Heeling (on a regular flat collar)
2. Sit-stay
3. Down-Stay
4. Come; followed by the Sit-stay

In the Midst of the Struggle

Dusty contemplating freedom to do what he wants (photo by Larry Cleveland)

The solution to your struggles is around the corner. Seeking answers. Everyone will give you their ear and their expert advice. If you don’t find the answer there, then the Information Age provides unprecedented opportunity. A Google search will (most likely) yield thousands of suggestions. It can be overwhelming. Most folks either pick on one philosophy or they pick and choose the ideas they like. We suggest sticking to one thing at a time; however, it is important to keep the end in mind. Just because something provides a much needed short-term solution, it might not be one that deals with the underlying issue. We keep discussing the loose lead (or leash) achievement because this is the perfect example. When you rely on the head halter, the Gentle Leader, a prong collar or the front clipping harness, it makes it easier for you. Nevertheless, it doesn’t get you compliance. The moment you are not using that device that thwarts their pulling, they pull even more fiercely. Ultimately, getting them to want to comply with your request it more important. It may well be life-saving. Can you see the point? Compliance on the leash is more important than getting off-leash compliance because when the Weimaraner run’s free, they are in control. They love being in control. When the defer to you and walk compliantly on the leash, then they earn the right to be off-leash.

Dusty is compliant on and off leash (photo by Larry Cleveland)

Remember

There are times they will need to be on the leash. During these encounters, there is nothing worse than having them lunge at other dogs. Being pulled down the lane is not ideal either. Many of you will continue to use the devices because it is a habit and to start from the beginning to achieve the best outcome would be an arduous task. For those beginning, we hope you consider the approach that gets underlying compliance. Thank you, for reading and hearing our heartfelt suggestions.