Blog Archives
Shoresy
~ We Made It Home
Probably off to a bad start as he slept with us last night. Slept about 7 hours. No accidents, had breakfast this morning and a solid poop outside. Every time he drinks water we take him out and praise him when he does his business. He is a little clingy but that was expected. He wants to be on a lap. Crate training starts today.
He will actively try to play with the other two boys with varying degrees of success. Our other weim ignores him still and the lab tolerates him till he gets underfoot then requests his space with a growl. We Supervise him closely as the lab could easily break the little guy. He loves exploring the back yard and is showing more of his personality every hour. Thanks again.
Breeder Comment
We are delighted to hear the news. It is a bit more tricky to incorporate a puppy into a home with two adult resident dogs–and many things are to be expected. One for sure–is the extra work to monitor interaction to ensure the pup’s safety.
More importantly, we have to guard our feelings about the things we see. The very intuitive Weimaraner picks up on your unspoken signals–your concern, any disappointment, or whatever. Sometimes a resident Weimar has their nose out of joint and tries to manipulate you into getting rid of the new interloper. The best approach is to keep things the same as before the pup arrived–and make sure the resident Weimaraner still believes they are in control of their universe. Lavishing the newest family member with too much attention and displacing other fur family members can drag out the process. Eventually, the dust will settle (feelings will adjust), and they will, at a minimum, tolerate the new arrival–more than likely, they will become inseparable.
Tango
~Things Are Going Pretty Well
I’m working from home today. (Tango is sacked out right next to me, which is pretty great.) He is often near my feet or on someone’s lap.
We are head over heels in love with Tango. There’s really no other way to say it. We’re working through the standard struggles. We had at least one potty accident (I’m blaming the rest on Blue #1 before she left! For those that don’t know, she piggybacked a ride with us), but for the most part, I’ve been pretty good about getting him out regularly, so we’re developing sort of a routine. (Fortunately, my sleep apnea has gotten me used to being awake three or four times a night – now, it’s just timed to coincide with his schedule.)
He’s very tentative – I think Cliff referenced that when we picked him up, that he seems to be skeptical of just about everything. We’re also struggling through various versions of crate training. I’ve looked at a few videos on YouTube, so I think we’ll adjust our methods this evening. Obviously, we’ll keep working at it. Beth told me that their first three nights were murder, but the fourth night was fine, so we’re hopeful that we’re almost there with regard to the overnight.
We were able to arrange with one of Judy’s former students, who’s doing online school, for her to come to the house for the bulk of the day during the four days per week when I’m at Oregon State. Judy’s also angling for him to spend some time with her at school. We took Tango for his first walk yesterday on a remote driveway in the hills south of Eugene, and then for his first (careful) walk around the block last night, trying to tucker him out before bed. One of Judy’s co-workers was over on Sunday afternoon, and taught her how to roll Tango on his back and rub his tummy until he falls asleep. That’s their (Judy and Tango’s) bonding time. I hate to brag, because I’m so happy that Tango and Judy are bonding, but his favorite thing of all seems to be getting up on my belly/chest, and falling asleep. I love it, too, and I’m curious how we’ll maintain it once he’s sixty or seventy pounds (or more!). He’s already such a tank!
We had a great night last night. Tango got tuckered out at Judy’s school during an afternoon visit, and was pretty rummy by late evening. We switched him back into the big wire crate last night after having tried a couple of nights in a smaller plastic crate that Judy’s borrowed from a co-worker. He seemed to be more comfortable there, and barely whined at all. Some soft singing to put him to sleep also seemed to help. Judy literally woke up worried at one point because she hadn’t heard any yelping and wasn’t sure he was even in our room. That was with three wake-ups to pee. That’s a win!
~ After Luna’s Vaccine Reaction
We got and read your E-mail last night, and Judy went through the paperwork in the puppy packet that we received from you. Our Vet agreed with the titer recommendation.
Tom and Judy (1/22/2020)
Breeder Comment
We are ever so happy to hear you have been doing well–it is excellent news that Tango is getting you adjusted and trained. (Haha) We included several of your photos. Thanks ever so much.
Thank you for looking at the paperwork. I think all too often people fail to read it–because they find themselves engaged in everything puppy. And, as we all know, this can take over your life in so many ways.
Buddy
~Is Perfect for Us!
Thank you so much! We are so excited. I’ve wanted to get a puppy from you for about 10 years now. I’m glad you made it home safely. We’ll be home in about an hour and a half. I’m obsessed with Christmas so we are naming him Buddy (Buddy the Elf).
Breeder Comment
Cliff and I were delighted to place Buddy in your arms yesterday. It is our joy to carefully raise each pup and then to see them move on–and to begin a life with their forever families.
Precious
This Happened
Deja Vu produced three tiny pups. Last time we mated her we ended up with one, so we are thrilled to get the three babies. These were taken the next morning after they arrived–day one. We just had to capture a few photos of the moment.
We all can attest to how quickly a pup grows. By four months, they are looking adult-like. They are powerful and fast as lightning. Yes, the young pup can look deceptively quiet, calm, and lazy. There are only two speeds–any Weimlover knows that is the truth. There is on–which is also known as full speed ahead. Then there is off–it might be a lazy stroll, a snuggle, or more than likely a flop. I’m done.
For now, they have one focus–nursing and staying warm. It is enough.
Home Safe
California Girl
~ Style
Yes, we made it home safe. Style and I are doing well. We are exploring options for hunt training.
Breeder Comment
We are happy you made it safely to Southern California. We look forward to hearing about the hunting and your training. Thanks ever so much!
Azula
Smart and Opinionated
~Quick Study
Azula is super smart, she was already bringing her toy back to me.
She is an opinionated and self-assured little girl – and has bonded to us quickly. She’s also been super good about going outside to do her business! We love her spunk and affectionate manner. Now if only her tiny raptor teeth were less sharp…
Azula was sleeping in her crate 😊. As you can see, she doesn’t always sleep in her crate. Right now she’s crashed out next to my 16-year-old.
Other Fur Family
Here she is checking out one of the cats….
Neither of our two cats is amused by her – but the one you saw will actually probably be fine soon – she loves to play and was out hunting voles while we were keeping Azula entertained…
Breeder Comment
We are happy that little Miss Azula is settling in quickly. Before long, she and the cats will have things worked out–probably a chess match situation. We appreciate the update–the photos and the video is fabulous. We look forward to hearing how things go as she matures. We expect great things. Thanks for your loyalty. We don’t take it lightly.
Life Changing
Remi
~ February 28, 2018
Just had to send you a quick update on how our girl is doing. She is so wonderful! Of course, the puppy stage is extra busy but she is doing so well with house training (only one accident!) and getting used to her crate. Last night she actually slept all night in her crate next to our bed without any whining and woke up so happy.
She certainly has a big personality and she has bonded very well with us so far. She follows me around all day and I just love it (velcro dog :)). It was really cute on the long drive home because she just wanted to be in the back of the car with the kids. They absolutely adore her! I think I told you that my oldest son cried tears of joy for about an hour after we picked her up. He said he just loves her so much already and it is a dream come true. I remember getting our Weimaraner as a kid when I was six and the instant love that I felt for her.Anyway, thank you again for a fabulous experience and all your work in getting her prepared for the transition. It’s clear that she had an introduction to house training and being in the crate and you’ve made our job easier!Thanks, Haley
Breeder Comment
Loki
The Trip Home
~Part One–Our Beginning
It’s been an eventful few weeks; however, Loki and I had a fairly uneventful trip back home. We stopped by Walla Walla on the way to see my family, who fell in love with Loki—I wasn’t sure they were going to let us leave!
Settling In
There were a few housebreaking accidents the first week… but I’ve learned pretty quickly. So has Loki. He goes to work with me every day and has the office under his spell. He is curious and friendly with strangers, and though he is quiet in new situations, he comes out of his shell once he’s had a chance to take it all in.
Breeder Comment
We are so happy to hear from Erica. She sent us a lengthy update which we will break into three parts. We appreciate her detailed explanation of the experience thus far. There is more at stake with Loki–as he is hopefully going to become a part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team with Erica. This pup is her first to train for SAR, so there is a lot to consider. Nothing but the best combined with attention to every detail– at the same time she keeps calm and collected. This approach will get the desired result.
Finally, let’s all remember raising your first pup is a growth experience. Well–raising the Weimaraner is always a growth experience. They require you to dig deep and to get ahead of the stuff that comes with as well as to avoid being reactive. (OMG) Well, anyone who has been down this path knows that there are surprises. Some are welcome and others not so much. More than anything, the Weimaraner needs to bond and develop the desire to want to please you. Of course, that doesn’t mean they do not have to obey and achieve specific necessary skills. There are those who became so enamored with their intelligent and engaging pup that in the excitement they forgot this is a journey for the Weimaraner and their human. Respect is a two-way street. We cannot wait to see what Loki and Erica achieve together. It is not a race with a time limit. It is a journey to see what they (Erica and Loki) can accomplish as partners.
Oakley
Adding the Second
Dudley–the resident Weimar
We made it all about Dudley yesterday and last night. He got his usual walk by himself and business as usual. Oakley is intent on following his new big brother. Wherever he goes he wants to go. Dudley quickly got used to this but is not ready for Oakley to snuggle with him, as Oakley would like. They’re also learning to share me as you can see from the photos. We figure as long as we don’t force the issue that they will get along soon. They play well together … chasing each other in circles.Breeder Comment
Resolutions
With the New Year and the idea of setting a New Year’s Resolution forefront, we might consider one. Another time we set these kinds of unrealistic and humorous goals is when we bring home the new Weimar. We say to ourselves that we are not making the same mistakes as last time. (oops) We pronounce things will be different. Maybe we say they are not on the furniture. (OMG) Well recently, we have heard many such a proclamation. Come on folks; we are all with Jeff and Marisa. Remember a couple of weeks ago when our blog featured the lovely Schatzi? If not click on her name to see that post.
Wind forward a couple of weeks and we hear from Papa Jeff how things are going. He writes “So much for not getting on the couch!!! She is great!!”
Have we not all been here? Well, consider this–it is typical that we go the way we went before or make new mistakes. Maybe you understand for what I speak.
