Category Archives: Re-homed Weimaraner
OwyheeStar Week Twenty-Six 2016
Greetings From Far Eastern Oregon
The clover has been in bloom. Our neighbor has a two-year clover crop right across from our property. Our hay is looking equally good. The weather is conducive to crop growth; we are not speaking of water shortages so much. The last five years this has been a great concern. It appears that farmers have enough water for this year’s crop.
A not-so-recent-returned Weimaraner (Luke) found a new family. We were so happy that someone would consider him. He is a sweet boy. Our photo features the location of future garage. We would like to get concrete poured for parking but for the present, it is what it is–not so lovely. The happiness of Luke loading up to meet his family is what is important. The report thus far is he is adjusting well.
Monday — June 20 — Kaboom Talk (Register the Microchip)
Tuesday — June 21 — Summer Fun
Wednesday — June 22 — Close Your Eyes (Luna’s Gopher)
Thursday — June 23 — Zeke (Birthday happiness)
Friday — June 24 — Beginnings (George is Adjusting)
Product Review (new review coming soon!)
OwyheeStar blog. It is the only daily blog. There is a somewhat different blog located on our Primary Website–www.OwyheeStar.com. We are doing a once a month product review for www.Chewy.com. Our product for May found favor with Dusty–click here to read more about the Bayou Biscuits.
On a very personal note
We had to add an air conditioner to the dog porch. Scorching heat is on the way and opening the door to the house doesn’t cool that area enough, and it saps the cool from our kitchen. Dining and workstation areas. We had to adjust the puppy yards already too! They proved to need more space than we originally planned. So, it is done and done. We are going to buy some sod this morning and make a few repairs. With puppies, this is an ongoing situation. They are tough on the lawn. This area didn’t have the best grass anyhow.
Cliff has moved his air compressor to the front of the house in the hope of repairing the siding. We removed a window and the original door from that end of the house. It has been boarded up since then. He is going to replace it with the original siding even though there may be other changes in the future. From there the hope is to move to our new entrance and to get the door trimmed as well as a better walkway from the parking area. It won’t be fancy, but new and improved will be appreciated. Time to work on this has to fit around the farm work, the Weims, and the constant battle of the weeds. Why is it weeds thrive with no attention?
As Always
(Note–thank you to all of you who continue to send us updates. There is a lot to be learned from other Weimlovers; it puts a smile on our faces too!)
There is no way we could ever thank you enough for your love and support. We are immensely grateful for those who continually provide us with the material for the blog. Unfortunately, sometimes this is only photos and no script. There is no end in sight of our farmhouse remodel. We are doing it ourselves, and it is the installment plan–we are not borrowing to do this. We buy something and install it. Therefore, having the updates is greatly appreciated than usual–it is always a blessing!
Four Years
Then The Two Blue Sisters
Thank You — For Adopting Me
Four years ago we rescued this beautiful girl–a sister to our first OwyheeStar. It was one of the best decisions we ever made. When Cliff and Shela let us know they might get her back, we asked for the first chance to adopt her. We had met her and her mother on several occasions at the dog park, etc. It has been a beautiful, entertaining, and wacky journey.
The Weimaraner
Returns and Rescues
Luke–he has been here a long time; however, his new family will be picking him up soon!
Kudos to those who diligently work to save the Weimaraner from living situations that might be worse than death. This thought is a sad one, indeed. It is a less often reality because of those who love this breed. A Weimaraner placed on Craig’s List is all too often snatched up and soon cast off again. This cycle can lead to nothing good. Thank you, Rescue workers and individuals who look out for the displaced Weimarer to make sure they do not fall through the cracks. This work often cost you on every level, but you keep at, and the Weimaraner is made safer for your effort. This is no small matter. :O)
Recent News
Many of you know that we recently discussed a 4.5-year-old Weimaraner that has a behavior the family cannot abide. He is not able to stay along–even in the crate, he is beyond anxious and acting out. Let us just say that the importance of doing the basics cannot be overstated. We belabor the topics again and again because we want to forego this as a trend. Even the occasional event is upsetting to us who cherish this breed. No, it is not unique to the Weimaraner; however, they may well be more at risk due to certain traits (in this case it is separation anxiety).
Jan’s Comment
It always makes me so sad when someone talks about getting rid of their adult Weimaraner due to behavior issues. As a 40-year Weimaraner owner and all-breed dog trainer, I can tell you that most severe behavior issues (in any type of dog) could likely have been avoided or solved with the owner doing the right things. Being a kind, calm, confident leader, setting the house rules immediately, tons of fun socialization, and being pro-active in training, are all very important. To avoid or reduce separation anxiety, leave the puppy with trusted people and in trusted places often right from the start, to teach them everything is fine when you are not there- because dogs don’t have the same understanding of time that humans do, leaving a puppy with someone for only ten short minutes and then returning to get them is really helpful; don’t make a big deal out of coming or going, just act nonchalant and calm. We all have training challenges with our puppies and dogs, but it helps to see them as challenges and not problems- dogs are just being dogs, we as humans have the bigger brain and it is OUR responsibility to train them and teach them what is expected of them. LOVE our Weimars!
Jan
Breeder Comment
Jan Magnuson is a Master Animal Control Officer at Des Moines (WA) Police Department and she also has her private dog training classes. Check her out at Sunstar All Breed Dog Training. As you might imagine, she sees a lot of this type of thing. We appreciate the fact that she works diligently to try to intervene and solve issues. She has resources and in addition, she teaches classes. This is an ideal way to get off to a good start. Jan shows her OwyheeStar and together they have earned titles as well as attained the status of Therapy Dog.
The 4.5-year-old Weimaraner will be coming to us soon. Eventually, we will have the assessment and more information after he settles into our routine. Once he is acclimated you find him by clicking here.
Why oh Why?
Quirks and Quandaries
Many years of working with the Weimaraner and people associated with the breed have taught us a few things. One to keep in mind is that even though you have had the breed before it doesn’t ensure smooth sailing. The twists and turns of getting them raised can take a sudden spin and normally this in direct response to human error. Very often, this associated issue develops when it appears you are doing everything right. It has always worked before; however, those with multiple children will tell you that even with the same parents (and DNA pool) no two are identical. Each must be considered for the person they are and what works for them. A stressor for one is of no concern to another. With that in mind, we saw this comment from an OwyheeStar Client. Here is their response to a blog posted last week.
Hi we received a puppy from you, Bella from the litter on May 5, 2015. We are experiencing something I’m not sure how to deal with. When Jon and I go to work or at night when we are asleep, she is chewing holes in our drywall. She is exercised two a day off leash. She has plenty of toys and chew things. We know it is separation anxiety (except that we are home at night). We’re not sure how to address this. We’ve never had a dog do this before and we previously owned two Weimies.
Trigger
A few of Bella’s Littermates
Please note this is not the Bella featured in Sunday’s Blog. Nevertheless, this Bella is a littermate to two recently featured Weims–Bentley and Molly. Trigger is also a littermate. You may well remember Trigger because he was lost and found and his story of recovery was featured on this blog too!
Sheetrock Chewing
This hole-in-the-wall-chewing is not an uncommon occurrence with this breed. Nevertheless, we have written about this on several occasions, and it is a behavior best avoided akin to digging, incessant barking, and chewing on the house siding. These behaviors can begin during a stressful situation or a transition period–some call them ‘fear periods’ during the developmental first three years. Yes, I said three years. The Weimaraner can demonstrate a teenage-type of flakiness that rivals the human counterpart.
The only response we know is to reel in the Weimaraner and to rely on the crate. Freedom must be earned. Continued freedom and allowance of this or any unwanted activity will ingrain it, and it can become nearly impossible to break the cycle. With the smallest stress, they may sneak around and find a place to chew for comfort or to let off the stress. No doubt the incurring response creates further anxiety and fuels the issue in many cases.
Unwanted Behaviors Thwarted
This (and other) undesirable behaviors can be overcome; however, the key is finding an approach that works. Being calm and proactive will serve you well. We recommend using the crate and supervising all activities until the behavior no longer becomes an issue. Positive reinforcement and getting them to realize you do not want this behavior is a plus. Stay calm and this means inside. If you are upset by the hole in the drywall (and who wouldn’t be?) then, this can add to the problem. Maybe some of you readers can speak to this situation. Please feel free to share your experience if you have overcome a quirky behavior situation. We appreciate your positive and appropriate suggestions. Cliff and I thank you in advance.
Please Note: A rehomed Weimaraner would also experience this type of stressor and can quickly become unmanageable. Change in a schedule, location, your attention, etc. are all potential catalysts.
Comments
Insight From OwyheeStar Clients & Fans
Yesterday, we spoke about the problem of relocating a separation anxiety prone Weimaraner. There are many considerations, and you can read the Dodging a Potential Issue blog and our suggestions if you missed yesterday’s post. Nevertheless, here are some of the comments and advice given.
Easy is a velcro-dog too… but he fortunately makes other places like hotels or houses of relatives to “his home” very quickly… my aunt was surprised to find him in her bed, but she has a sense for humor :o)
Hi, this is Ron Weatherman to tell you about OUR Sadie and her recent move. We sold our winter home in Mesquite, Nv. to return to our main home in Chewelah Wa. Sadie, who had a bed in most every room loves to travel and has gotten much better about being left for short periods of time. I have used a bark collar on occasion with great success. Returning to Washington was made more easy for her as she has many great memories here but her special toys, chew rags, bedding as well as sleeping on our bed for a few days made the transition more easy for her. She is very clingy with me and must be with me or under foot all the time. She has now returned to her nighttime bed and is doing fine. She is also 7 years old in one more month. Sadie is a big girl, now at 95 pounds of solid muscle. She gets a couple of miles walking every morning and play time in the afternoon. Instead of her life revolving around us, our lives revolve around her and all her needs. Worse or better than having children. Things we dislike the most are the facts that she is a Democrat or must be. She gets everything done for her and provided for her. Try as we do to convert her to being more conservative, she demands on being depended on us for everything and contributes nothing. Is that not a Democrat?
These shares were comments made to our Blog. There were other comments made on Facebook. Please feel free to comment, like, or share your thoughts. It doesn’t matter if we are not all of the same exact persuasion. Each of us has a different experience and something tidbit of information that might be helpful.
For those starting out with a puppy, we suggest you consider this situation in the mix. The concrete thinking Weimaraner can be trained very quickly; however, there are twists and turns. Your process needs to include a plan to help them become adaptable to change. Otherwise, an unforeseen situation may catch you and the Weimaraner off guard, and it can pose issues best avoided. Adding this factor in the mix also can help prevent severe separation anxiety.
Many thanks again for all the comments and your invaluable insight.
Ginger
Her and Her Sisters
(Left to Right)–Mousse, Vidalia, Gilligan, Ginger, and Cindee.
OwyheeStar fans have heard of Ginger. She didn’t produce many pups in her short OwyheeStar career, but those she did are cherished. Her litters were always sired by the noteworthy ‘OwyheeStar Once In A Blue Moon‘ (Blue). We worked many years to get a mating between Callie and Zee. When we did have a mating that produced a litter, we kept all four females she produced. It was impossible to know which one might produce pups. This is a lineage that produces small litters at best–sometimes a mating produces nothing. Vidalia, Cindee, Mousse, and Ginger were the names we chose for Callie’s four pups. Vidalia and Ginger are both already busy about their second career. A lovely Western Oregon Woman, who spends a great deal of time with her grandson, adopted Vidalia (Vi). He thought grandma was calling her Chai, and thus Vi became Chai. Isn’t that adorable? Cindee resides in Central Oregon where she has a Weim brother, but her primary duty is to be Mama’s Weim. Reports of her relationship are nothing short of heartwarming. They wrote to us saying were it possible for them to be a three-Weim family, they would take Ginger in a heartbeat. They are so happy that Ginger found a wonder life purpose. Mousse has been the best producing of the four. Vi refused to mate and never produced a puppy. Cindee has a very few pups, and Ginger a few more than Cindee. It was good (despite Shela’s objection) that Cliff had the wisdom to keep all four. What if the choice had been Vidalia? The many years of trying to get pups from a Callie X Zee mating would have been for naught.
Ginger’s New Purpose
Ginger is a sensitive, sweet, and loving girl. Nonetheless, she is extremely tender-spirited. If you raise your voice, she squats in an automatic submissive act as if she had been abusive. All the while she is squatting she is also waging her tail. She doesn’t do the submissive pee thing, but she is anything but dominant. She is not quick to trust people she doesn’t know. The right home for Ginger was vitally important. It always is; however, this was even more imperative than the usual re-home considerations.
The Right Home for Ginger
A woman (Stacy) who has a heart for critters kept thinking Ethan needed a dog. She is always matching up people with a dog that needs a home. Many times we talked about the various Weims we have at OwyheeStar, who could benefit from finding a placement. Stacy is someone special to all of us involved. She is Becca’s close friend and Shela’s physical therapist. Ethan needed the right dog. Ginger had to have the right place to blossom and to enjoy her golden years in style. It was also a consideration that Ethan’s family had not had a dog. They liked them and grew up with them, but sometimes the timing is not right. Adding to the consideration, Ethan is not a typical young man. He has a big heart, is very engaging, and faces many challenges. He does all this with a smile. Unfortunately, he had a severe vaccine reaction that targeted his coccyx region that left him with a lifetime disability. Barring a miracle, he will always need crutches.
Ginger had no previous experience with crutches. We could not be sure she would not be fearful of them. Nevertheless, when introduced, she didn’t even seem to take notice of Ethan’s crutches. She was friendly but less than her usual shy self. Before Ginger’s departure, she was spayed. Therefore, there was a couple week delay. We tried working with her a bit to help her prepare; however, we all know change is difficult for the Weimaraner. At first, her new family was worried. She would not eat or drink much at all. In turn, she wasn’t going to the bathroom much which is also a concern. She stole a blanket and would hide in the bathroom using it like an oversized safe spot. We problem solved on several occasions to help them get through the transition.
Ginger More than Coping
Twenty-one days after Ginger and Ethan left OwyheeStar they are in the mountains of North Georgia. Her new family travels for their work. Ethan home schools and Ginger is with him 24 X 7. 
The transition was tricky, but she is much-loved and adjusting well to her new life. She has a friend and a purpose. Did you see that smile? Becka, Ethan, and Ginger enjoy a moment together in above photo. There will be a lot of travel moving from job to job, but Ginger will be riding next to Ethan as an integral part of the family life.
We are so excited for Ginger. We are thrilled for Ethan too! They have each other, and they are off on the memory-making-adventure of boyhood dreams. The kind that boys remember forever. We are thankful that Becka has kept us updated as it was possible. We look forward to hearing from them as the journey unfolds.
Breeder’s Comment