Category Archives: Finds
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.
Every Breath You Take
~ Sounds Like
I often wonder how we do it. You know–raise a puppy. We bring the little bundle home and hover over them. It is essential to do the hovering thing–otherwise, how can you accomplish the housebreaking, etc.? But this obsession with our new fur baby runs deep–some of this never goes away.
Their every sound–a rattling, a snore, a hacking sound is cause for alarm. We watch breath-abated wondering if we need to run to the Vet. Ah–it is hard to know sometimes. We always suggest you wait and watch a bit–possibly take their temperature. Remember that a pet’s temperature is much higher than ours–typically around 101 degrees. Anything above 104 degrees is emergent. Of course, if you were monitoring their temperature and it was 102 degrees and then within an hour 103 degrees, there might be cause for alarm. Always err on the side of caution–but rushing to the Vet for everything is probably not necessary. In fact, your alarm will be internalized by the puppy increasing the stress-factor. Try to stay calm.
A lot–and I do mean a lot, of our concerns, are for nothing. Puppies can cough, they snort, the sneeze, they can reverse sneeze (something we recently learned), they choke, and create a myriad of noises. Many of which are concerning. Most of which are in the end nothing at all. Thank goodness.
Keep your eye on them. A pup can ingest something in quick order–so despite saying not to overreact, there is vigilance. Recently, Henri went under my recliner and came out with a packet –that must have been attached underneath the chair. We didn’t realize it was there, but Henri found two–probably toxic packets. Oh my gosh–it is good we heard the crackling sound and asked what she had. We retrieved each package and tossed them in the trash. Thankfully they were not broken open.
When in the Southwest
It is Lizards
Did you know the Weimaraner is a Watch Dog? Of course, you did. All that nose art on your window didn’t come from the goldfish. (Haha)
In the Northwest, it is the squirrels who taunt the Weim window watchers. Or maybe it is a feral cat that walks the fence gingerly out of reach. Bunnies and other scurriers are also fair game–sometimes the watching crew gets after the watched. The chase is on if caught it might not end well.
In the southwest, the lizards taunt the Weimaraner. It doesn’t take much to get their attention–sparrows, blackbirds, robins, butterflies, and sometimes bugs. Some Weims are more attuned to their duty of watching the premises than others. Nothing gets by these two.
Weimar Games
Snowball!
Gracie made this game up as is the way with Weims. She buries the ball under the snow and then surprises herself when she digs it out – every time! She lets me throw the ball every so often so I don’t get bored. Out in the snow with Gracie and our best to you.
Nancy, Tony & Lisa
Eke
Not What You Think
The Weimar might bring an occasion rodent, bird, or the found object to the door. Nevertheless, for most of us, there is a limit to our excitement for these gifts.
I am reminded of an adventure Leon, and I had when I about four years old. We came back from the woodsy neighborhood trek with a stick wrapped with a rattlesnake. We thought it was great. We didn’t understand the dangers. We had found this great snake, and it was dead. We just wanted to share our delight which was met with shrieks and a stern warning never to touch another snake. Today, I have no love for snakes even though I am acutely aware of the benefits they provide.
This story ended better than it began. Jessica writes:
Timber brought this snake out of the trees today while we were on our walk. Freaked me out until I realized it was a rubber snake.
It is the truth that this turned out well; however, for most of it, there would have been a certain amount of alarm. We say, rightly so. How on earth would you get then to leave a dangerous snake without getting hurt? There is a scary thought.
Willow Says
Finders-Keepers!
What the Weim finds is theirs. Right? Sometimes this is true. If they snatch something from another dog or a child, it might not be a good thing to encourage the behavior.
Willow found this ball on her walk. Of course, her Mama has bought her a lot of balls and other toys, but this find is amazing. Don’t you love her expression?
Jagger’s Duck
Jagger was hoping for a similar outcome when he pilfered another dog’s duck. Jagger helped himself to the duck, but Warren insisted they return it. It was not such a popular decision.
We believe that the Weimaraner loves finding things. Sticks, rocks, and toys are all good finds. They might also net a dead fish, frog, or mouse. This list is not always welcome in the house. Remember toads are toxic, so if your Weimaraner has one in their mouth it could be a concern. Any toad might cause foaming at the mouth which is scary in and of itself; however, most of the time a rinse with the hose eliminates the worst of the toxins. Keep in mind some toads are deadly–these are not the typical Pacific Northwest toad–click here to learn more.
Another popular find is the shed. Antlers are left for the picking each year, and these magnificent creatures grow a new set. Isn’t that amazing? You can train your Weimaraner to help you shed hunt too! Keith and Kash found a few excellent ones.
Stick with the Weim
Do you ever wonder why you buy the expensive dog toys?
You might find them shredded, or cast aside for a found object. Many times the preferred item will be a random stick. Another draw would be the clean clothing direct from the clothes dryer. Socks are fun, but pose a danger when ingested. Regardless, the Weim likes their toys. They have their special ones, but all too often they are cast aside for the random find.
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