Category Archives: Separation Anxiety
Going On Vacation?
~Is the Weim Onboard?
Separation anxiety is real and palpable –and the consequences are sometimes staggering. We have received notes from people who suffered the worst of outcomes–a loss. Others, and more frequently this is what happens, come home to destruction. The rock-solid trustworthy Weimaraner didn’t handle the absence as expected. Anyone who loves this breed has most likely seen reports outlining shocking Weimaraner behavior. We are positive that many of you have experienced this phenomenon firsthand. (Ouch)
Ideally, we need to help our Weimaraner learn how to adapt and adjust to change. For people new to this breed, this can be a foreign concept. Possibly they equate the Weimaraner separation to what they experienced with another breed–somehow, I highly doubt it. Maybe, but more than likely, this person is going to be caught short–shocked at what can happen. This separation anxiety thing is one of the reasons so many Weimaraner end up being rehomed. It is a sad reality. Nonetheless, many Weimar-addicts walk into the relationship eyes-open knowing about this trait and the other quirks and quandaries they might face.
Did you Move?
Don’t Forget To Update
Mesquite near the gate at her new home in Washington
Are you moving across town or the country? If you have moved or are moving one thing that is often forgotten is to update the Microchip Registry. Better yet, before you move make sure your contact information is up to date. What if the unforeseen happened during the relocation? Moving is demanding. All the packing and logistics of the relocation takes a concerted effort on your part. We understand how easy it would be to forget this little detail. AKC Reunite has you covered–Click Here to get to the Website.
Did You Forget Altogether?
When you took home the OwyheeStar puppy, it was microchipped. Our records indicate a percentage of you didn’t register with AKC Reunite. The fee is a one-time thing. That is your only cost for the microchip. We have you covered. Inside your portfolio, there were three papers all containing the microchip number.
- The OwyheeStar Health Record
- The AKC Reunite Portfolio
- The Veterinary Report
All three of these records can be found in the front flap slot of your puppy record folder. We talk a lot of people who feel displaced during the holiday season. Pets can also be left out of the mix and the Weimaraner, in particular, could suffer from anxiety. Separation anxiety often surfaces during a time of change or when the Weimar is left behind.
Lapdog
What Does Your Weim Do?
Ari is a Lap Weim and very clever at trying to run the show
We who love the breed know they are the ultimate velcro dog. This attribute can work against us; however, most Weimlovers are addicted to this trait. New to the Weimaraner–you might be shocked at a large breed being this clingy. They are also prone to separation anxiety.
How This Works
When present you are their security blanket. When their humans are absent, the unprepared Weimaraner may freak out. All too many have ended up in rescue or a shelter because unaware admirers acquired them only to discover they couldn’t live with them. Not understanding the separation anxiety lead to unearned freedom and coming home to destruction. It might be your favorite shoes. The sofa arm by the front window or the carpet might be the target of the Weim’s reaction to feeling abandoned. The arm-missing-castoff-sofas greet the unsuspecting returning owner. Most often the human counterpart is perplexed. They might have had a Weim before that didn’t behave like this; however, in this instance, something went awry. Your absence causes them to act out–typically chewing up something to relieve their stress. They fear you will not return to them. You forgot them. The amount of destruction can vary. Sometimes the Weimaraner can escape the environment and give chase looking for you–desperate to find you. The last scenario has ended in a loss more times than you can imagine.
Twists and Turns
Ari and Zeus made this mess for fun
Separation anxiety can take other forms. Some Weims sulk and then chew because they are upset with you. Nevertheless, they might withhold their love and refuse to even look at you. When your response is heartbrokenness and trying to win back their affection, they have the upper paw. Now, they can expand their toolbox with extreme manipulation. So, they can chew to relieve stress. They can chew because it has become a habit. They can chew to punish you. For those who are less committed, you can see how this can spin out of control.
Spiraling Out of Control
When coupled with incessant barking (and your neighbors are reporting you to the police) the destructive Weimaraner soon becomes abhorrent. People imagine that they would never dump their Weim at a shelter. Unfortunately, it happens too often. Therefore, our application process looks to discover the potential for failure with the breed as well as to gather the vital information necessary. Someone who is offended by us wanting the information may look elsewhere for their Weimaraner. It has to be that way. There are too many ways things can go awry–even for the most dog savvy person.
Much-Loved
Koda
Oh we love him so very, very much!!!! He’s super loving, smart and just ornery enough to make you laugh often!!! Wouldn’t trade him for the world.
Koda still doesn’t like being in a crate while we are gone! A carabiner solved the getting out issue but I have no idea how he got the zipper on his bed open to tear up the foam. I guess we take out everything except his stuffy while we are gone now. His crating seems to be going backwards. Koda doesn’t realize how stubborn his dad is though. Ha-ha! 🙂
I just wish he would do better when we were gone. I’m sure part of it is due to how much time he spends with me during the day. Working from home isn’t always a good thing. We are talking about taking him to the doggy day care one day a week some friends of ours take their dogs to. I think that would be good for him. Don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere!!! 🙂
Breeder’s Comment
I don’t suppose Koda can blame this on the neighbor’s dog.
Safe 4th Of July
Happy Birthday, America!
As birthday celebrations go, American’s Independence Day is spectacular. It tends to begin early and drag on for days afterward. This scenario is to many a person and their pet’s chagrin. Even the rock-solid gun dog may well shake and quiver at the barrage of blasts coming from seemingly ever direction. It is no secret that every year shelters are filled to overflowing, and workers are scrambling to reunite pets with their families. We trust everyone has their pet’s microchip on file with AKC Reunite–this can get them back to you quickly should the unthinkable happen.
Separation is not the only untoward situation stemming from this holiday. Fireworks poisoning is a thing–click here to get the details. If it isn’t enough that so many pets are traumatized by the blasts, there are other ways to get into trouble. We don’t want to think about those things on a day like to today, but ingested fireworks can lead to an emergency situation. For the pet that isn’t afraid of anything, they might chase and capture the pod–they might swallow poison or get burned. Then too, while you have your eyes on the sparklers or whatever, who would see the Weimaraner’s stealthy action at the food table or in the garbage. Cooked bones (in particular poultry) can be deadly. Long after the plate is cleaned (or the trash raided) the reality can surface. It is hard to be vigilant 24 X 7 on a day such as today. The Weimaraner is paw-ty smart and manipulative by nature.
Thank you, for including your Weimaraner in the family activities. Only you know what is appropriate. We mention these potential dangers because it is impossible to think of everything in the midst of all we are doing to make the day special. We don’t want your holiday ruined due to one moment you let down your guard. Here’s to hoping everyone comes through without a hitch. Have a fabulous 4th of July!
PS: This photo at the top is of Lily–from her Daycare this week where they celebrated the holiday early.
When Dinner’s Late
You Might have seen this Look
The Weimaraner likes routine. Even better, they like to be in control. Ilsa’s family remembered her bed but where is the dinner. Seriously, a late meal is never a popular event. Who can put on the miffed look better than a Weim?
They had to learn how to be adaptable. If not, there are a lot of these looks. They don’t like their crate moved; their schedule changed, etc. It is as if they say, “you humans don’t get it.”
We do suggest that despite the put-off pouting experience, it is important that they learn how to adapt to change. If not, then worse things than the evil-eye glare are sure to happen. We are not speaking of the typical Weim mischief. Nor the freak-out (separation anxiety induced) you forgot me acting out behavior. We are talking more about the I am going to make-you-pay-thing. Oh, yes it happens. Some of you know exactly of what we speak. Dusty says, “Woof.”
The Need To
Touch
~the importance of which cannot be overstated!
Stanley needs to touch me while he sleeps.
🐾
🐶
~ Melinda
Space Not Included
If you like to have your space–to not have people or your fur family member touching you, this is most likely the wrong breed for you. Weimaraners, typically are tightly connected to their humans. There are exceptions–some are a bit more independent. Nevertheless, the umbilical-type-tie with their human counterpart is prevalent. They are never happier than when they are touching you.
Distractions and Dilemmas
Of course, they love to be running free and playing. Generally–even during a romp, the Weimaraner (young and old) will give you some eye contact. I think it is to make sure you are doing what you should do. They need to manage the situation on both ends. You need to be where you belong. On occasion, they can get distracted when they find a gopher or vole. For a moment, you are out of mind and sight. Once the treasure is secure, the question is where to place it for safe keeping, or if it should be a special gift. You might not appreciate the occasional gopher on your pillow. It begs the question as to whether the Weimaraner owns the pillow or it is a treasured share. (hmm) Good question.
Note—this is the same trait which brings on severe separation anxiety. When left behind, the Weimar often feels abandoned. They must learn how to stay alone. This scenario is vastly misunderstood by many, and one reason so many Weimaraners end up in rescue. It is a tragedy.
The Look
The Weimaraner Knows
~my eyes are on you!
The Velcro-nature of the Weimaraner is no secret. Are you going somewhere? You best be taking me along or I am going to eat this place. “Woof!”
Separation Anxiety
~Its a Thing
Set an early goal to teach your Weimaraner how to stay alone. No one can say they will never have to be away from their beloved Weimaraner–the retired or those that work from home included. There is nothing harder than leaving the beloved new family addition. The dream and excitement of bringing your baby home all too often are what paves the way for well-meaning poor decisions. People align their whole schedule for the event–and so should they. Nevertheless, part of this needs to include finding a way to prepare them for when you are gone. Taking two weeks off from work to help the puppy adapt (and to feed your soul with puppy breath moments) is wonderful in theory. It can be a great experience; however, there is a question (or two) you need to ask yourself. Am I setting my new family member up to feel abandoned? Does my plan help them learn that they will be left alone but I am always going return? Is there another safe place and family that they will call their second home?
Preparing Them
Everyone’s lifestyle is different. It is more challenging to accomplish such a thing when you are home 24 X 7–the retired person, the person who works from home, or the stay at home parent. Through the Weimar pup’s eyes, they believe their initial two-week period to be their new lifestyle norm. You have replaced their litter. You are their everything. This feeling is both euphoric and at the same time presents unexpected challenges. Just balance the need to be everything to the new pup with the understanding you need to prepare them for anything. That is part of being an excellent Weimaraner parent. The unforeseen car accident, illness, or surgery means you need a plan. No one is immune. You Weimaraner needs to see the alternative living situation as something other than just being left behind. If not, things can go sideways just when you need stability–not something anyone wants to face.
When we Create Extreme Dependency
All too often, the human element unwittingly sets the stage to create, even more, dependency. It happens when we employ our well-meaning doting type of behavior thinking. In our concerted effort to do what is best; we all too often create problems best avoided. The already prone to separation anxiety Weimaraner (when left behind) easily slips into a habitual acting out behaviors due to feeling abandoned. This goal of them feeling safe in your absence can only be achieved when they learn how to stay alone. There are several ways to reach this aim. Your plan needs to start early and be realistic for you and your lifestyle. Never forget freedom is earned–and each twist and turn is a new challenge that requires monitoring until the positive outcome is rock solid. Therefore, just leaving them in the yard can be a quick undoing of their previous excellent outdoor behavior. People typically find the crate training is vital to their success. Others employ the use of an alternative family or some other setting where the Weimaraner can learn to feel safe. You will return. The time to learn this skill is before it is needed.
To Your Aid
Work to be Accomplished
Everyone should have the willing and able assistant Weimaraner–Not! No, they are not going to delight everyone for any number of reasons. They are often clingy and in your way. They help you achieve whatever household task you are doing. Here are a few chosen ways they provide assistance:
- Clean the kitchen counters–especially if you left the pot roast or some other delicious mouth tingling treat, typically, known as dinner.
- Sort the laundry and keep it warm–especially when it just came out of the laundry. This process serves more than one purpose. It is warming the Weimaraner’s soul and at the same time leaving you with their beautiful scent–marked.
- Decorate the house–window painting is a favorite. It is sometimes called nose art.
- Help with the computer–they love to work the keyboard.
We know this is a short list of the endless number of essential tasks they perform. They are invaluable in the yard and garden. They pick produce–mostly eaten berries etc. They eradicate rodents and bring you their find as a tribute. The watch out for the humans they love and soak up affection that might go wasted. Possibly the most important duty is to make us better people. We learn invaluable lessons every day.
Left Behind
Maggie
This (Left Behind) novel series tells the story of being left in a world when the rapture occurs. The Weimaraner version is something a bit different. Staying behind is not something they would choose. Learning how to stay alone can be taught.
Severe Separation Anxiety
The Weimaraner (if possible) would crawl under your skin and nest next to your heart if possible. There are independent Weimaraners. They might want their own way, but they also want human compliance. For many, it is a perplexing thought. They don’t understand separation anxiety or how to counteract it. Just Weimaraners have a great article written by Chris Conklin — Dealing with Separation Anxiety.
We recommend starting early. Use the appropriate size kennel. The den-like atmosphere is preferred by many Weims; remember you want the Weimaraner to settle not be on guard. The open wire kennel is not the best choice for the very alert Weimaraner. This choice is one consideration. Regardless of you kennel decisions, mastering crate training is crucial.
The benefits of using the crate is a longer discussion; nevertheless, it is a valuable tool. The separation anxiety crazed Weimaraner can engage in many unwanted behaviors; some of which are life-threatening.
- The enclosed kennel provides a security–and feels safe to the Weimaraner.
- Even if you believe it is cruel and the Weimaraner resists the crate–it can become your best friend.
- The Weimaraner who is worried tends to nibble and chew (more than usual).
- The Weimaraner who feels abandoned can dig a hole through the carpet or wall trying to escape to find you.
Avoiding separation anxiety is a good goal. It is what is best for our beloved Weimaraner and all who love them.
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