Blog Archives
Earl Grey
~A Bundle of Energy and Joy
Earl was born February 28 and came to us during California’s quarantine. We weren’t really planning on getting a puppy but all of our kids were home and it seemed like a good thing to do. We are so glad we did! Earl has brought us so much joy (and so many smiles!)
We’ve been working on swimming, though he would much rather be retrieving his ball, which he could do all day long. Earl had endless energy so we’ve started taking him on hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. He is becoming quite the fitness trainer as he does not allow us to be stationary for long! And everyone who meets him is enamored by his striking good looks. (Luckily, he doesn’t realize how handsome he is.)
We are so grateful to Owyheestar for making our dreams come true of owning a Weim and getting us this wonderful dog!
Breeder Comment
Since Earl loves the retrieve, you should be able to work him into the water –for the water retrieve. Swimming is easier on the joints and burns a lot of energy. If you have a pond where you can work him along the edge, it would be a good plan to work on the water–slowly getting him to go further and further into the water. At first, toss along the end–where he will swim, this should be easy peasy.
From the Archives
Water and Your Weimaraner
~Puppy Swim
Most of you know that we try to swim puppies–time and weather permitting. Above is a GoPro Video of a litter swim taken a couple of years ago. It gives you a different perspective. Some pups are excellent swimmers; others struggle a little. Nonetheless, we have never had a puppy fail to be able to swim. Does this mean they will naturally take to the water? No! If you expect them to jump and take off, you may be disappointed. It will most likely require work to get them into the water and swimming. This effort is work we hope you invest. We deem this an essential part of the puppy raising process.
The Why and the How
Over the years we have written extensively on how to achieve the swim. More and more of our clients have managed to do this. Sometimes to their own surprise. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the Weimaraner.
To expend energy. The growing Weimaraner has boundless energy; however, they cannot be beating the pavement to run off this energy. Until the growth plates close, you need to limit high impact exercise. Many experts agree that about three miles is the limit. Imagine how quickly the Weimaraner puts in the three miles. Seriously, about a mile into your run they have probably gone this far. Using the swim is the ideal way to exercise without causing damage to the growing joints. We would go so far as to suggest it probably helps your Weimaraner get more years and miles from their body. That is something that serves everyone’s best interest. We think you can agree.
Hunter or not you need to master the recall. You say what do you mean by the recall? That is coming when called. Getting the retrieve to hand is also a part of the recall. The rock solid come when you call or give a command–verbal or otherwise. The bringing of a bumper or toy back to you. Keep away it funny and laughable; however, we don’t feel this is ever in the best interest of the Weimaraner or you.
Cliff and I suggest you find an area where there is no escape route. For example–a hallway (closing all the adjoining doors) will work for this exercise. You want to make this an exciting event. Something that they look forward to doing with you. Sit down in that hallway and work on the retrieve at least every day. You want to ingrain the love of the retrieve as well as getting them to bring the dedicated item it to hand. This discipline will serve you well and help you achieve the swim.
The hallway exercise should begin as soon as they arrive. Make it an event–the same person, the same bumper or toy, and somewhat a routine. Five-Seven throws blocking the exit with your body. Toss and retoss keeping the excitement going. This activity should be fun, short-lived, and you want to stop while they are still excited. Once you have the rock solid recall—then you can move to the yard. You may need to use a check cord in the larger venue. If you don’t know what that is, ask us. It is a long line that attaches to their collar and allows you to reel them back to you. Always giving them praise like it was all their idea.
Why the Retrieve
The Weimaraner that is in loves the retrieve then can be worked along the water–at first shallow water. A pond or something similar is ideal. Slopping sides even better. That way they can play at the water’s edge and retrieve. Eventually, you can edge them out a bit, and they will take off and swim a couple of strokes. This process takes patience. You might wonder how long. Can we say it takes as long as it takes? Typically, Cliff gets the water-retrieve in two weeks or less. The rewards are almost endless. You can do this! Believe in the process. Stay optimistic. Keep it fun. Stay at it until you achieve success.
Running Companions
For the long distance runner, this is the best way to set the Weimaraner up as your running companion. The growth plates typically close around 15 months. By then you should have them swimming. The waterwork can keep your running companion in the tip-top shape you need as well as help them develop muscles which may help prevent injury.
To Burn Off Energy
For those less inclined or find themselves challenged to keep up with the Weimaraner, this is an excellent way to burn off the excess energy. The Weimaraner will still be able to join you on walks, etc. But tiring the Weimaraner out is challenging. The waterwork helps and does it without injury. Of course, there are other pros to having the water-friendly Weimaraner.
Imprinting the Idea
We swim the pups with the idea that it imprints this experience. If you wonder, the Weimaraner has webbed toes. There are hundreds of updates on our blog that feature OwyheeStar pups and adults enjoying the water–swimming, retrieving, and playing in it. We hope you will achieve the swim.
Here is Stackhouse — a strong swimmer
Hope’s First Swim
Hope is 13 months old, and yesterday was the first time she had been to the pond since she was a pup. I don’t remember exactly, but I am reasonably sure she did the puppy swim about a year ago.
Regardless, she has not been acclimated to the water until now. Cliff took her out to the pond on Monday evening. She got into the water chest high but didn’t swim. Tuesday, a whole different thing happened. Remember when we say to ingrain the love of the retrieve. Here is why–
Bacchus
~ And Company
Just wanted to send a couple of clips of the pack, Bacchus (Boone x Juniper) turned two on Monday. Everyone enjoyed winter and all its snow but now that the ice has melted on the pond we are celebrating Spring. Jon and I so enjoy our three Weim’s, endless entertainment and loving Joy.
Very Best to you both, be well, stay well
Love, Jon, Laura, Grace and all the kids
Breeder Comment
Happy Birthday, Bacchus–you are looking good! What a pleasant place you have to share with your family.
Zeus
~ At Birch Bay
I just had to share these new pictures of Zeus with you! They were taken at Birch Bay which is about a 2 minute walk from our house! I feel so blessed to live here. It was about 80 degrees one night and Mike and I thought Zeus would like to go for a swim! Usually I take him to the beach when the tide is out so that he can run on the sand for a few miles . The bay is really shallow so when the tide goes out, it goes way out! There is lots of room for him to run. That night the tide was coming in so the water was deeper. You can see how much fun he had splashing through the water and chasing his toy!
He is a good swimmer because I take him to the doggy pool nearby to swim occasionally. We went a little further out in the bay and he was able to swim. The water is super warm and he seems to like that…. I do too! 😉 I can’t tell you how much I love him and what a big part of my life he is! He has also learned how to give “kisses”. He crinkles up his lips and lets me kiss him. I know some people think it is gross but my Zeus doesn’t have germs ….right?? Haha
Jeanne & Zeus
Breeder Comment
Thank you for sharing with us. I love that Zeus swims and loves the water. What a fabulous place to live and share a life with Zeus.
Berkley
~ At Two-Years
Hope you and your readers enjoy these fun shots and videos of Berkley, our big two year old. She’s so much fun.
This when we went camping at Lake Kachess. Stephan would take her on the paddle board and say, “where’s Amanda” and she would jump ship and swim to me…2 times a day, in addition to a lot of fetch!
Enjoy! — Amanda
Breeder Comment
What a fabulous swimming Weimaraner. We love seeing the fur family member in the middle of family events. Thank you!
Ace
~ Swims
We just returned from a marathon camping trip that included many fun activities but we were able to get the new puppy swimming!!! Here are a few highlights of the puppy!!
Breeder Comment
We are so happy to read that Ace swims–that is three OwyheeStar swimmers in your household. Seems to me, that I remember you have had difficulty in the past getting the Weimaraner to swim. But recently–you score. That is so awesome.
Toby
~Loves the Water–No Reservation Whatsoever
We are off to a great start with summer! This picture is a great one of my Toby enjoying some boating! I’ve never had a dog who likes to jump like this but nothing is stopping him from getting his toys!
He’s probably the most athletic dog I’ve ever had. That skill set can be a bad thing considering he scales a new fence as well as a new hot wire at the top….eeek I didn’t get a picture of Lucy but she even jumped off the boat too to come after me while swimming and even though she’s the nose and doesn’t retrieve, she manage twice to get the floating frisbee and bring it back:)
Breeder Comment
Hello Jeff–so kind of you to think of us and to send along the great photo. Your loyalty is much appreciated–it has been quite a few years since we first connected — what a journey–thanks for all you have done–all the many updates, etc.
We swam Bernie’s litter yesterday–
Into the Ball
~ And Water, Too!
Diesel is so into the ball! He loves the water retrieve. Oh, and by the way, Duchess did well in the water too!
As always, my boy Foster is in the mix. He and the Weims–they are pretty much my life.
Yes, Duchess who is about six-months old now also swam. She loves the water. She is a natural.
Breeder Comment
We wish you lovely summer weather–and lots of opportunities to enjoy the water as well as the sunshine this summer.
Water and Your Weimaraner
~Puppy Swim
Dear Readers–this is a repost of a previous blog. We are getting ready to swim the Bernie X Boone 2019 Litter–we wanted to share this essential information to those with the young Weimaraner.
Most of you know that we try to swim puppies–time and weather permitting. Above is a GoPro Video of a litter swim taken a couple of years ago. It gives you a different perspective. Some pups are excellent swimmers; others struggle a little. Nonetheless, we have never had a puppy fail to be able to swim. Does this mean they will naturally take to the water? No! If you expect them to jump and take off, you may be disappointed. It will most likely require work to get them into the water and swimming. This effort is work we hope you invest. We deem this an essential part of the puppy raising process.
The Why and the How
Over the years, we have written extensively on how to achieve the swim. More and more of our clients have managed to do this. Sometimes to their own surprise. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the Weimaraner.
To expend energy. The growing Weimaraner has boundless energy; however, they cannot be beating the pavement to run off this energy. Until the growth plates close, you need to limit high impact exercise. Many experts agree that about three miles should be the limit. Imagine how quickly the Weimaraner puts in the three miles. Seriously, nearly a mile into your run they have probably gone this far. Using the swim is the ideal way to exercise without causing damage to the growing joints. We would go so far as to suggest it probably helps your Weimaraner get more years and miles from their body. That is something that serves everyone’s best interest. We think you can agree.
Hunter or not, you need to master the recall. You say what do you mean by the recall? That is coming when called. Getting the retrieve to hand is also a part of the recall. The rock-solid come when you call or give a command–verbal or otherwise. The bringing of a bumper or toy back to you is a must. Keep away it funny and laughable; however, we don’t feel this is ever in the best interest of the Weimaraner or you.
Cliff and I suggest you find an area where there is no escape route. For example–a hallway (closing all the adjoining doors) will work for this exercise. You want to make this an exciting event. Something that they look forward to doing with you. Sit down in that hallway and work on the retrieve at least every day. You want to ingrain the love of the retrieve as well as getting them to bring the dedicated item it to hand. This discipline will serve you well and help you achieve the swim.
The hallway exercise should begin as soon as they arrive. Make it an event–the same person, the same bumper or toy, and somewhat a routine. Five-Seven throws blocking the exit with your body. Toss and retoss keeping the excitement going. This activity should be fun, short-lived, and you want to stop while they are still excited. Once you have the rock-solid recall—then you can move to the yard. You may need to use a check cord in the larger venue. If you don’t know what that is, ask us. It is a long line that attaches to their collar and allows you to reel them back to you. Always giving them praise like it was all their idea.
Why the Retrieve
The Weimaraner that is in loves the retrieve then can be worked along the water–at first, make it shallow water. A pond or something similar is ideal. Sloping sides are the best. That way, the Weimaraner can play at the water’s edge and retrieve. Eventually, you can edge them out a bit, and they will take off and swim a couple of strokes. This process takes patience. You might wonder how long. Can we say it takes as long as it takes? Typically, Cliff gets the water-retrieve in two weeks or less. The rewards are almost endless. You can do this! Believe in the process. Stay optimistic. Keep it fun. Stay at it until you achieve success.
Running Companions
For the long distance runner, this is the best way to set the Weimaraner up as your running companion. The growth plates typically close around 15 months. By then you should have them swimming. The waterwork can keep your running companion in the tip-top shape you need as well as help them develop muscles which may help prevent injury.
To Burn Off Energy
For those less inclined or find themselves challenged to keep up with the Weimaraner, this is an excellent way to burn off the excess energy. The Weimaraner will still be able to join you on walks, etc. But tiring the Weimaraner out is challenging. The waterwork helps and does it without injury. Of course, there are other pros to having the water-friendly Weimaraner.
Imprinting the Idea
We swim the pups with the idea that it imprints this experience. If you wonder, the Weimaraner has webbed toes. There are hundreds of updates on our blog that feature OwyheeStar pups and adults enjoying the water–swimming, retrieving, and playing in it. We hope your Weimaraner will swim–and love the water.
Here is Stackhouse — a strong swimmer
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