Blog Archives
Miranda
~Never miss a mud puddle –bath tubs are evil
I’d give you an update on Miranda (Bettee x Manfred, 2019).
It’s hard to believe she’s already 10 months old, but still very much all puppy! She spent her summer camping with us and now comes to expect morning and evening hikes in the woods. Fortunately we worked on recall with her all spring so she was able to frolick along with us, meaning up and back countless times as she is always checking in.
She is proving quite the water dog. And this means ANY water: lake, stream, muddy road crossing, puddle…anything but bath water! Our biggest challenge is with loose leash walking. Having to share the road with other walkers or those big scary cars is just too overwhelming for her right now. So we just keep working on it in a quiet setting every day.
Colleen
Breeder Comment
Miranda is lovely–and what adventures you are sharing. Lake, stream, muddy road crossing, puddle….anything but bath water!
Nixon
Our sweet boy Nixon went on his first full river float/kayak adventure yesterday! We were on the river for 3 miles and 4 hours. He swam, ran, tromped his way through the fields and river banks the entire time! Took a short break on the kayak twice, passed 5 other dogs he didn’t bat an eye at, was super curious about the crawdads the kids were catching and even caught a sand piper bird that he ever so gently brought back to me and I returned to his nest safely 😂
He was absolutely amazing and to say he slept good was an understatement! Loving our boy and all the adventures!
Breeder Comment
What a great family adventure. The sandpiper story was excellent. We appreciate you allowing us to share your story with our readers and follow along with you on your journey.
Water Dog
~Porsche took to water like a Duck
This is a shout out to Cliff, and the wonderful job he does introducing puppies to water. Porsche took to water like a Duck (a little University of Oregon humor). She swims the McKenzie river, lakes, and at the local dog swim center. She plays in the sprinkler, and loves supervising the filling of her play pool.
On the other hand, she also loves to explore a local slough along our walks. When she emerges, grinning like the Cheshire Cat, tail wagging furiously, she is festooned with sticky weeds, burrs, blackberry brambles, and a few wild flowers. Now, that is a picture best left to the imagination.
Best to all, JuneAnn
Breeder Comment
We appreciate the humor–and so will many of our Weim-loving fans who look forward to the OwyheeStar Blog. Porsche is extraordinary in and out of the water. Sadly we can so readily imagine the slough experience. Thank you, JuneAnn–you are the best.
At the Dog Park
~On a Hot Day
Today mom took me to the park! We had so much fun! I love the dog park there are so many fun things to do there and sometimes my friends come to play with me.
Today I jumped into the creek I love the water especially on a hot day. I can’t wait til grandma takes me back to the park on Monday so we can play some more!
Breeder Comment
That looks to be a great place to go on a very hot day. We are glad you love the water.
4th of July
~With Lu–ears flapping
In the video below our grand-daughter is tubing on July 4 and Lu is playing “spotter” – wondering why in the world she’s not in there too!Lu loves to ride and alternates between going to the front of the boat and sitting on the cushioned bench (gets major scents up there) and sitting or standing right by dad, the pilot.
First couple of times she was uncertain about the noise and vibration, but quickly became accustomed to riding on water and loves watching the scenery, birds, and just getting to “be with” (you know how that is!).
Fireworks — No Problem
BTW, she has never reacted at all one way or another to the loud firecrackers on the 4th, or thunder, or anything else that we as humans might consider as disturbing. Not sure if you pre-conditioned them to loud noises, but we also have a gun range that we walk by regularly on our way to running on the dunes. same thing, no reaction. But let someone walk or ride a bike past the front gate she’s on full protection mode!
Sharyl
Breeder Comment
This video not only entertained us–it was so much fun to watch Lu with her ears flapping. Thank you, Sharyl, for thinking of us. I am sure all our readers will enjoy this, too.
We do condition the pups to sound–all bets are off when they leave here. (Haha) They have to adjust to a new family, the new environment, and their humans may unwittingly do things that ingrain a fear. It happens. Kudos to you for keeping Lu well-balanced.
Macy
~Loves our boat and swimming
All is well in Tennessee Macy loves going for rides with her little brother. I will get a picture of her favorite thing going out on the boat and swimming.
Thanks so much
Don
Breeder Comment
We are so happy to hear that Macy is doing well–and a good friend to your son, too! It is especially sweet to know she is a great hunting companion–loves the water retrieve too.
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
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!
The Ocean
~Willow Makes a Splash
We wanted a water dog & we weren’t disappointed with Willow. She’s definitely claimed Ventura Beach and isn’t afraid to jump in. She’s also an avid ball chaser. She cracks us up with her stealthy fetching skills. At 10 months, she’s grown into a gorgeous Weim, and such a love. We couldn’t be happier with our new baby.
Breeder Comment
We are glad that Willow didn’t disappoint. We appreciate all the Facebook posts featuring Willow. So, we have known you for a very long time–our connection is through the Weimaraner. First, it was Roxy and now Willow. Thank you–for your loyalty and keeping us updated.
Water Anyone
Kula Bleu,
“says Oh Yeah!”
Here is Kula doing what he loves, swimming after sticks in the river, even when the water gets cold, he is keen for a swim! He is super good at navigating the currents and rapids and knows the commands right or left when he loses track of a stick and I can direct him from the shore!
Breeder Comment
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