Category Archives: OwyheeStar Gray Ghost
Loki and Erica
~Modified Training/Staying Positive
Loki and I are making the best of things during these unusual times. Modified training moves forward, and this summer Loki got to try out the ATV’S. Apparently it’s not so different from the snowmobile– a couple of treats, and we were off! The goggles (RexSpecs) are not his favorite, but they were helpful in the dust.
One of the biggest things we worked on this summer was obedience. I’ve learned a lot in my time with Loki, and we’re getting close to where we want to be, which is strong off-leash reliability. One of the most important things we have to do is a remote down, which we use as an emergency stop. I use a voice command and a hand signal that he can see at a distance, and no matter what he is doing he must immediately drop into a down. We really struggled with this until I figured out to use his ball as motivation, and we made it into a game with fetch as his reward. I’ve learned for Loki that his obedience training needs a balance of games, while also firmly enforcing the commands when needed.
We had a nice little adventure this summer on a backpacking trip. Loki has his own pack so that he can carry his bulky (but light) sleeping bag and pad. The best part is that he can now carry out his own poop bags!
Happy early Thanksgiving 🙂
Erica + Loki
Breeder Comment
As you might remember, Loki is involved with Search and Rescue; therefore, absolute obedience is a must. While he is in training, nothing could be more accurate than Erica is also growing and learning how to get compliance. Their journey together is different than the average pet person–but every experience is fraught with potential issues. It is nothing short of amazing to see what they have achieved together. We know it has required a lot of dedication and hard work. Erica, thank you for what you and for remembering us with the update.
Tango
~The Ladies’ Man — Part Two
Tango’s “girlfriend” moved into the house across the street at the end of March. She’s three quarters Border Collie, one quarter Miniature Australian Shepherd. Her “dad” and I enjoy cracking a cold one in the field down the street, so if the weather is cool enough, one of us will text the other: “Field?”
Lily has a definite speed advantage on Tango, and a tight turning radius on her little legs. Because they met when Tango was around her size, he perceives her as equal in size, rather than less than half of his. She’s a sweetheart, but she’s good at keeping him in check when he gets a little too eager.
You realize Tango is very social this is his friend Abby–she’s half chocolate lab, half silver lab.
What a big adventure we embarked upon together just six short months ago, never expecting that fate would offer us so much more bonding time during these early months. He’s quite the little playboy. And not a day goes by without some stranger informing us how gorgeous he is.
Breeder Comment
Well first spoke to you six months ago and helped you plot a plan to raise the Weimaraner. You have excelled –for this, we are exceedingly happy. The Weimaraner is not the breed for everyone. As you well know, there are challenges. There are other breeds less challenging to get raised, but Tango is doing well. (Hurrah!) Of course, a Weimaraner is a puppy for three years. What can I say, and then they act puppy-like even longer. Some act puppyish for their entire life. They are full of life and energy, but this scenario helps to keep us young and active. Then there is that thing where they burrow deep into our heart and soul. What else can I say?
Tango
~The Ladies’ Man — Part One
As we continue to limit our exposure outside the house, the bulk of my social life consists of daily trips to the nearby dog park, sometimes supplemented by another outing if the temperature is tolerable. Tango has fun with lots of dogs, but it does seem as if he especially enjoys his time with the ladies.
At the dog park, he’s especially fond of three regulars: a Beagle, a Samoyed, and a Golden Retriever. Given the size difference, he’s fairly gentle with the Beagle, but the other two sure run him ragged. (That’s the point of a dog park run, right?)
We have a standing invitation to visit Judy’s co-worker’s farm. When we’re there, his running and wrestling matches with their Labrador turn positively ballistic. She really terrified him the first couple of times that we visited, but now he’s taller than her (she’ll have the weight advantage for a couple more months), so the tables are turning. A couple of weeks ago, her “parents” were away and we stopped in to let her run around, so that turned into four straight play dates in a row.
Breeder Comment
As we read your update, we were impressed on so many levels. You have managed an excellent socialization process despite the current COVID issue. And secondly, how Tango has changed your life–it is incredible how the Weimaraner changes a family structure and each of us in unpredictable ways. I like to think they make us better humans.
For our readers–watch for part two of Tango’s update. We know you look forward to hearing more about Tango’s life and experiences.
Carefree Hattee
~ Running Loose
Here are a few snapshots of Hattee who has the current litter which is featured on our Website. It is the Early Summer Litter –we are not expecting pups until Fall or Early Winter. Thanks to Hattee for the eight beautiful babies–all have been promised.
Nutz
~ More Hugs Please
After a long day of Mark and I at work, sometimes she just wants hugs..
Breeder Comment
The Weimaraner can rarely get enough hugs or touching. For those who desire space–this breed is probably not going to work.
Loki and Erica
~Summer Snow on Mt. Hood
Thought I’d share some of our fun so far this summer.
A few weeks ago we did some training on Mt. Hood— you have to work a little harder to find snow in the summer!
This is Loki peering into the cave at the subject he just found— he had to dig in to get his toy!
Yesterday (on the 4th of July) we had a chance to participate in our American Hero’s parade. It was by far the largest group of people we’ve been around— Loki just wanted to say “hi” to everyone along the route… not our best loose-leash heel haha.
After Hood, I decided to start training Loki to wear Rex Specs for super bright conditions… the first step is to introduce him to the frames without the lenses… I think he is less than impressed. But he gets lots of treats when he has them on!
Hope you and Cliff are doing well 🙂
-Erica (With Loki –Search and Rescue Training)
Breeder Comment
We are always amazed at your success–you are doing an excellent job with Loki. We loved the share from your work on Mt. Hood as well as the American Heroes Parade. The both of you make us proud.
It seems the Rex Specs probably seem like a punishment (Haha), but they are an excellent idea. Let us know how it comes along. I think it is like everything else you are doing with Loki–keep after it, and you will master it. He will learn to accept the goggles. I am positive. Anyhow you can tell Loki he is not the first OwyheeStar to don these goggles–click here.
Colorado OwyheeStar
~Office Help
All is well. All systems are working and we have had only one accident (my fault), otherwise, she’s going outside regularly. She does well at the office and actually asked to go out!
P.S. please put me down for a blue female with the tail. Let me know when I need to send a deposit.
Breeder Comment
First, we want to thank Steve for being such a fantastic Weimlover. Now, some of you might wonder he what he means when he says, “with a tail.” Don’t all Weims have a tail? Yes, they do.
Steve means he wants an undocked tail on his next pup–which is what this one has by request. We have a particular protocol we follow for this type of request. For one thing, the deposit is sizeable–because if the person happens to walk away, then finding another home for the pup is an arduous task. It can be done, but it requires a lot of extra work. Therefore, we need more to get on the Wait List for the undocked tail, as well as to reserve such a puppy. Once the decision has been made, as about one-week, then docking the tail also becomes more involved.
First Christmas
~With Chester in Oregon
Chester has been helping Mama wrap presents and when I say help, but I mean stealing all the presents and trying to run away with them. Luckily I have caught him before the presents are ruined. I think Chester is worried he is on the naughty list because he has decided to bark at my Santa on the mantel then proceed to run away. He brings me so much joy and laughter. Brandon and I both love him so much! Happy holidays!
Breeder Comment
We are ever so thankful to you folks–and happy for Chester.
Santa–well maybe we can consider that a fat guy dressed in red who suddenly appears to stare at Chester, is a bit disconcerting. Where did he come from? He wasn’t there before. And he just stares at me with those twinkly eyes, Mom. What’s up with that?
Love
What Does It Look Like?
It doesn’t require an explanation if you know what we are talking about–such a loyal friend is not one you come by every day. Maybe you are blessed indeed. We sincerely hope it is true.
Birdy Girl
First Hunt
~For Milly
Just wanted to share some pics from Milly’s first hunts as requested. Her first hunt was at a release sight, and she did fantastic. Pointed a few, didn’t range too far and listened well. She had her first wild bird hunt this weekend and did amazing. Pointed several birds, worked methodically, and most importantly had a blast.
Chris and two others hunted behind her and both couldn’t believe how well she performed, especially for being so young. Chris and his hunting companions are looking forward to many more hunts behind this extremely birdy girl! 😊
Breeder Comment
We are happy to get this update with the photos. Thank you, ever so much for taking the time and effort to record her first hunt. You are off to a fabulous start. We could not be happier. Go, Milly!
