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Puppy Kindergarten

~Andi’s Formal Training Begins Soon

Andi has her Forever Family right where she wants them–close at heart. We received the results from the titer test (done by Dr. Calhoun’s Idaho Veterinary Hospital–Nampa, Idaho)–Andi is safe to go out in public. Hurrah!

Andi with her Mallard — so, technically, she is a Duck Dog.

Nancy Says…

She doesn’t bark but sometimes she squeeks with good cheer.  Millie used to do that, Weimie squeaks, there’s nothing cuter.

What a wonderful dog she is.  I set up her crate which she immediately got into and sat telling me, “I got this.”  She adores my 5 yo grandson.  No indoor messes.  She prances behind me everywhere I go. She loves her toys keeping them all in a pile, her pile. She is not destructive in any way, tho I did move all my house plants up and gave a few away. She is absolutely the best!  She’s a people dog. Does she know how to bark?? Thunder outside right now, she is not bothered at all, calm and happy.

She is so well adjusted. Thank you for all you and Cliff did to socialize her. She is a very fast learner, she is so willing to please.

Stone

~The Little Blue Guy

We just got the results back from the 16 week Titer test. Stone tested positive for both antibodies, which is great! However, the vet technician warned me that Stone could still be at risk and that they suggest the 16 week vaccination. I am holding strong. 


Stone is very much at home here, loves his big brother, Blue, tolerates his crate, devours his food and then heads for Blue’s bowl (and shock of shock, Blue lets him eat from his bowl!), and continues to be the world’s best snuggler. Everyone stops me on our daily walks to coo over how sweet he is. Stone is really smart too – and we start Obedience Classes in May. 


But who leaves out dog treats when a Weim is waiting for the vet???


Thank you for our little angel. We love him so. 
Best, 
Victoria

Breeder Comment

As I always say–thank you, Victoria, for the update on Stone. You have been so excellent as sending things that I can share on the Blog. It means a lot to us.

We love to hear that Stone has settled into his routine and that he is doing well in every way. These photos are precious. I know everyone is going to appreciate seeing them.

Blue is Sharing

~Toys with Stone

Stone is continuing to grow – 12 pounds at his 9 week old shot and now, at almost 12 weeks, he is 16 pounds.

His older brother Blue is starting to learn how to share toys and play with puppy. I have to admit, I got rid of night time crating, Blue and Stone sleep together in a pile of cuddles on the bed. And Stone sleeps right through the night till about 5 am when I get up anyway.

AND the new vet is totally on your page about the Titer test! Thank goodness! He confirmed everything you said and I’m sending him the link to the test you ordered. So frustrating that every other vet (two of them) said it was woo woo and had no scientific basis but he said, yes, Weims have an autoimmune situation that the 16 week shot could impact. So, we are clear to get the Titer. I turned down the extra vaccinations today too. 
Stone is an amazing dog. He is wicked smart and so loving. He can sit, lie down, shake hands and do circles by hand command. You have given me such a special little guy. Everyone that meets him is blown away. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Not Long Ago

Breeder Comment

We are so delighted to hear about Stone’s quick adjustment. The news that your Vet agrees with the vaccine protocol is also excellent news. We spoke with a gentleman who added a second Weimaraner to his family this week–he said his resident rescue Weimaraner, has a vaccine reaction each time they give him a shot. Well–he is taking the information to his Vet to ask them to order this test. I sincerely hope they can work it out. Another woman approached her Vet but had to go to a second to work out a way to get this titer test done. The first wanted to do a $ 375 titer series, and even then they balked–wanting to give the vaccine. Typically a Titer to check for immunity to Parvo runs about $ 125–each antibody you check for is another $ 125. You can see the advantage of the less expensive option which tests for all three and costs less than $ 125. I cannot guess how much your Vet will charge. I believe it cost us around $ 60. We are encouraged that more people are finding a way to get the titer testing.

Stone is one smart cookie–and you are doing so well with him. Thank you, for that as well as this update.

Henri’s

~Titer Test @ 16 Weeks

Lounging at the Idaho Veterinary Hospital


Dear Weimlovers!

You might remember that Dr. John Calhoun’s Idaho Veterinary Hospital (IVH) agreed to start offering the VacciCheck Titer Testing. OwyheeStar’s Henri was the first to be tested using this system–and the fabulous Rebecca A Balls (Certified Veterinary Technician) handled all the laboratory details. We cannot thank IVH and their competent staff for their professionalism and making this possible.

The results are returned a little different than with the traditional titer test–but by all reports it is reliable. Henri’s results showed her having protective antibodies sufficient enough to provide immunity to

CDV — Canine Distemper Virus

ICH — Infectious Canine Hepatitis–Adenovirus

CPV — Canine Parvo Virus

This less expensive titer test is relatively new so most Veterinary practices may not yet offer this option. Please click here to read about the titer test, and ask your Vet if they can make this available to you–it is affordable, accurate, and helps you avoid vaccine reactions that are common in our breed.

Chloe

At 7 Months

Foss's Chloe_1306

Hello!

My how time flies! Our Chloe (from Hattee x Stackhouse) is now almost 7 months old and we can hardly believe that she’s been with us 5 months. You don’t quite realize as it’s happening but she has grown so much. We did her 12 week puppy shots then the 16 week titer check which showed positive antibodies so didn’t need the 16 week shots! She got her Rabies shot at 6 months and other than being a little lethargic the day after seems to have tolerated it well, she weighs 46.8lbs. Does that seem about on track for her age? I have hundreds of pictures but tried to narrow down for this update but will send more. The attached are of her sitting pretty for a photo at 9 weeks and 6 months.
She is so smart and has a very good recall-largely achieved in the early stages with the use of treats/praise for coming when called and now occasionally gets a treat reward but always praise. She walks calmly with loose leash about 60% of the time (our work is ongoing). We were prepared to put in a lot of effort for ongoing mental and physical exercise and I believe it’s been paying off. We have our pre-meal routine of 20 minutes playing fetch then 10-15 minutes obedience training before she gets breakfast/dinner.

Foss's Chloe_0641

Nine Weeks

We are so thankful that we crate trained her from day one and she now voluntarily naps in her crate and sleeps in it 3-4 nights/week (yes she sleeps on the bed with us the other nights). Chloe also spends some alone time in her crate often; whether its for an hour while we run to the store, half hour while I clean floors or sometimes for several hours while I’m sleeping during the day between work shifts. Overall Chloe is so incredibly sweet and has been such an amazing addition to our home and I cannot imagine life without her. We are immensely grateful for this wonderful Weimaraner puppy and have even started talking about when to add a 2nd-we think maybe once Chloe is about a year old.

Foss's Chloe_1344

Six Months

I have whole collections of photos/updates about our trips to the Sandy river delta dog park, to the coast, and hiking around that I’ll send in additional emails in the next week or so in better format if you would like to include them on the OwyheeStar website. Hope you and Cliff are well and enjoying some spring weather!

Take care,
Brittany, Don, and Chloe

Breeder Comment

Thank you for the great update. It was good to hear you followed the vaccine protocol. As you can see, the Rabies is a very powerful shot. The Weimaraner Vaccine protocol, which ended at the twelve-week puppy shot (no Lepto) was more than enough to provide protection. It is well known that a percentage of Weimaraners have a severe reaction to the sixteen-week puppy shot–even when they have no response to previous vaccinations. We always believe it is better to be safe than sorry. In addition, there are many unknowns. Who can say what the vaccine reaction (evident or not) causes behind the scenes. We wholeheartedly believe in vaccines but the right protocol is a must.

Your training accomplishments are admirable. We know it requires digging deep and staying the course. It is so worth it. Keep up the great work. It is paying huge dividends. We look forward to working with you again.