Mouthing Weims

In many cases, we see Weimlovers, who are so addicted to this breed that they are willingly blinded to the Weimaraner’s ability to manipulate them, and their surrounding world. Most of the time this is not lethal as with Jonestown, but it can have some pretty ugly outcomes.

Mouthing can seem harmless. Over time, it can become a problem. It can be so cute when the Weimaraner meets you at the door, and gently grabs you by your arm. They continue on by leading you (arm-in-their-mouth) into the house. Their tail is wagging, and there is nothing aggressive about this behavior. It might scare another person, but you (the beloved human) find it amusing. The two of you have a special connection. That being said, mouthing from a Weim’s point of view puts them in control. It gives them the upper-paw. You are the one blindly letting them leading the way. This is empowering to the Weimaraner.

We suggest you discourage this behavior. Don’t overreact, but find ways not to allow this to happen. For example, carry a ball that you hand them; keep a toy by the door that they get when you come home. It is so much the better they carry this, than they lead you. We are sure some of our readers will post suggestions here. There are other ways to stop this unwanted behavior.

This behavior can Prove Costly

Consider the risks involved. Allowing them to mouth you could escalate into a battle of the wills. You must always win their respect, and gain their compliance. At the same time, you have to maintain your composure, and stay upbeat (as well as positive). A fun atmosphere produces positive outcomes. Beyond the jockeying for compliance, your best friend might get into trouble when someone catches a tooth. Older people have thin skin, and a tooth can create a deep gouge that appears to be more than happenstance. This can cost you emotionally, and financially. Someone could file a grievance against you and your beloved (well-manner, and well-meaning) pet. They don’t love them like you do. Children are another danger.

The toddler is full of energy, and this constant motion fuels the Weim’s need to get with the program. In their zeal to take part in the fun, a child is easily knocked over. Food can be snatched from their hand, and remember those sharp teeth hurt. This can lead to a terrible situation, and this is equally true within the family structure. You got the pup for the kids, but they don’t enjoy the pup. We want you to avoid this scenario too. Ultimately, it comes back to the kind of leadership you provide. It takes time. Raising the Weimaraner puppy doesn’t happen in a few short months. It takes time for the journey to unfold. You have to invest in the relationship, and you have to gain the young Weim’s attention, respect, and compliance. Sending the pup to a camp or trainer rarely fixes the problem. The issue is about the family dynamics, the household environment, and your relationship with the Weimaraner. Another person can get compliance, but that doesn’t fix your relationship.

It Comes Back to Your Relationship

This Weimaraner  (and your relationship) can be fixed, but it will require a lot of desire on your part. This is the dig-deep, and humbling kind of desire. It will be important to use the right approach. Finally, change will require investment of your time, energy, and getting the Weim-savvy kind of help. Usually, you must go back to square-one, and begin the process as if this was a new relationship–all the while you must have the right attitude. Frustration, and such will thwart your attempt to make this work.

These situations are best avoided. Some people come to the end of what they feel they can do. Truly, in some instances it is the right thing to give the pup back to the breeder, or turn them over to rescue. This is in many situations the best hope of getting a second chance for this pup.  Sadly, the same pup often goes to a new home (after rehabilitation), and thrives. There are hurt feelings, and sad moments. It is our hope that writing about the various pitfalls will help avoid such situations. Weimlovers, and those that work at Weim rescue will be the first to tell you this breed is not for everyone.