Blog Archives
Edgar
Edgar will be 4 next month. We moved to Colorado last fall and everyone is starting to get used to the change. Doug is still Edgar’s favorite person but he loves all of the kids and worries when they get too far away. My youngest loves to play with him like he’s her brother. She runs with him, gets him up onto the play equipment and tries to make him go down the slide. She also likes to dress him up on occasion.
He tolerates this but clearly doesn’t like to wear cat ears.
Breeder Comment
What a life Edgar has. I am glad he tolerates the cat ears–we know it must not be a fun thing for him. (Haha) Otherwise he has quite the life–and we love his inclusion. It speaks volumes.
Mando
~ Part One
On April 30th 2020, we met “Mando” for the first time and it’s been an amazing journey we’ve been having together ever since!! Our little Covid-19 blessing is not going to know what to do when “Dad” actually goes back to work! The entire family has been working/schooling from home his whole life so far.
Micron (where I work) has had all of the Boise team working from home (that didn’t absolutely have to be on-site to do their job) for almost 3 months months now. All of the time we’ve had with Mando so far has been during this unusual time for us, but totally the normal for him now!I get up in the AM, get ready for work and Mando goes along with me throughout the entire process (get ready locked in the bathroom with me, make coffee and get him breakfast in the kitchen with me, etc.) eventually ending with us both upstairs (while I tell him “let’s go to work Mando” as we head upstairs). We end up in my office (baby gate in place to keep him in with me) and I log into work. Of course we take breaks for him to get outside and get his meals, but all day (7-4) is me and Mando working together upstairs. For the first several weeks that meant him curled up in my lap, but the last week or so he’s just gotten too big to be comfortable in my lap and has moved to his bed for his AM naps.
~Will
Breeder Comment
We could not be happier for Mando–he has a great start with his ‘Forever Family,’ and all is well. Watch for part two –coming tomorrow.
OwyheeStar’s Henri
~Her First Swim
Cliff has had her to the pond a couple of times–and retrieved in chest-deep water before. The key to the quick success was her love of the retrieve. This water work is one of the many benefits of having your Weim crazy for the retrieve.
Please note that there was a couple of bumpers left from a trip out with another Weimaraner earlier–and Cliff tossed a rock to try to get Henri to retrieve the additional bumper. Hurrah–for-Henri she did several water-retrieves, and there was no hesitation at entering the water. And, she picked up that extra bumper too!
Run, Dusty, Run
~Your Free
We are saddened to report that our beloved Dusty has departed his earthy domain, and joined the great group of Weimaraners awaiting his arrival at Heaven’s Door. We really cannot say more, but please remember him as captured in the lovely photo.
Second Christmas
~ Dasher
This was our second Christmas with our Dash. As you can see, he’s grown up quite a bit from last year at this time. He continues to be a happy, healthy and handsome boy. He just has the best disposition and we love him so. We just wanted to let you know that we are so grateful that we got him from you. All the best to our OwyheeStar family. Audrey & Dave
Breeder Comment
Thank you for sharing this lovely photo of Dash. We are thrilled that he more than met your expectations.
Thoughts
Good Morning Weimlovers!
Dusty-Sit/Stay (by Larry Cleveland)
I am awaiting the arrival of dawn anxiously. I love with Mr. Sun peeks out and teases us with his essence–right before he peers over the horizon. Everything has an ethereal quality that is defined deep within our soul. It speaks to us of the promise and the arrival of a new beginning. Things we often take for granted. The wise person’s spirit doesn’t waste this opportunity. Forgive yourself, others, and let the past be the past. Today is a fresh start.
This truth applies to every relationship– Weimaraner included. Possibly yesterday was not the best. If so, today is a new start. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Set aside the mistakes and issues. Begin afresh and work toward success. Always start and end with a positive solid-rock activity. Don’t concern yourself with falling short in some areas. There is not a timeline for success. It (seeing a positive outcome) happens when you stay the course. Over time you will achieve together. Never forget this is a journey and arriving at your destination doesn’t have a set time. Close your ears to all those who offer their free advice and cite the fact you don’t know what you are doing. If you are making progress and slowly achieving the basic disciplines rejoice in the sweet progress. Stay on the path. Here is what Cliff has to say about achieving the basics (on a previous blog).
This is what I hope every OwyheeStar Weimlover will accomplish……..
- Loose Leash Heeling (on a regular flat collar)
- Sit-stay
- Down-Stay
- Come; followed by the Sit-stay
In the Midst of the Struggle
Dusty contemplating freedom to do what he wants (photo by Larry Cleveland)
The solution to your struggles is around the corner. Seeking answers. Everyone will give you their ear and their expert advice. If you don’t find the answer there, then the Information Age provides unprecedented opportunity. A Google search will (most likely) yield thousands of suggestions. It can be overwhelming. Most folks either pick on one philosophy or they pick and choose the ideas they like. We suggest sticking to one thing at a time; however, it is important to keep the end in mind. Just because something provides a much needed short-term solution, it might not be one that deals with the underlying issue. We keep discussing the loose lead (or leash) achievement because this is the perfect example. When you rely on the head halter, the Gentle Leader, a prong collar or the front clipping harness, it makes it easier for you. Nevertheless, it doesn’t get you compliance. The moment you are not using that device that thwarts their pulling, they pull even more fiercely. Ultimately, getting them to want to comply with your request it more important. It may well be life-saving. Can you see the point? Compliance on the leash is more important than getting off-leash compliance because when the Weimaraner run’s free, they are in control. They love being in control. When the defer to you and walk compliantly on the leash, then they earn the right to be off-leash.
Dusty is compliant on and off leash (photo by Larry Cleveland)
Remember
There are times they will need to be on the leash. During these encounters, there is nothing worse than having them lunge at other dogs. Being pulled down the lane is not ideal either. Many of you will continue to use the devices because it is a habit and to start from the beginning to achieve the best outcome would be an arduous task. For those beginning, we hope you consider the approach that gets underlying compliance. Thank you, for reading and hearing our heartfelt suggestions.
Piggy Izzy
We don’t believe it!
Izzie had her Vet visit this weekend and she is up to 27.6 pounds. What a little piggy. She was so good at the vets too. She didn’t bark or whine or piddle on the floor the whole time we were there. Her teeth are great and her heart sounded perfect. She has new teeth coming in too and boy does she want to chew. I just wanted to thank you for the most wonderful dog we could have hoped for. She is perfect in every way and we all love her.
Ellie is an comfort specialist
Why should I leave a perfectly comfortable bed?
Thought you’d like an update on Ellie. She’s fully integrated into the family and performing well as a working dog except in one area. She hates to get up for work!
Leah has her in agility training. (http://www.qquestagility.com ) She and our other dog, Trooper, have a great time running around the 40 acres here.
Comments from Cliff and Shela:
We appreciate Robert and Leah (who are both very busy) taking the time to update us regarding Ellie. This is their first Weimaraner. Many of us can attest to the fact that figuring these creatures out is an interesting adventure. Often, it is more us finding out how easily we are controlled. As for her hating to get out of bed, and go to work, what can we say? They say this breed is very human-like. We know a lot of people that are much the same. We like to think of the Weimaraner as having two speeds–on and off.
Emma is learning to swim….
We are still so very in love with our baby Emma Blue!
Emma (comfortable and innocent)
She is excelling in so many ways, and we are so proud of her accomplishments and improvements. She is much better behaved in the house and in the yard (no more digging for the most part ;), and she is doing really well at not jumping on visitors…not perfect but sooo much better!!
Getting her in the water has taken effort, and patience….
Recently we have been working on getting her in the water. Since she came to us in late September and it was a little while after that until she was fully vaccinated, this month has really been our first opportunity to get her in the water.
She wasn’t a huge fan (of the idea of getting in the water), but we felt it best not to pressure her or rush it. When we carry her out she swims really well back to the shore/edge of the pool, so at least we know she can swim-she won’t sink. We were hoping that once she figures out it’s not so bad that she will love it-its such good low-impact exercise for her.
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 