Letting the Process Unfold

Have you considered how relationships work when you come to the table with preconceived ideas? In my personal experience, this doesn’t work out well. It doesn’t matter how many best friends I have had; this is a new person, a new time in my life, and a new type of interaction. It is unique.

No matter how many puppies (or Weimaraners) you have brought home, this is going to be different. Yes, there will be things that are similar. This Weimaraner will (no doubt) remind you of a former fur family member. Nonetheless, to press ahead with only a goal of achieving certain things in mind will rob you of an unusual opportunity. Bringing to the table your experience, and preconceived ideas may prove counterproductive.

We encourage people to take a deep breath and to move forward slowly this is about the journey. For all you folks out there giving advice, and setting goals for other new puppy owners, you might help them more by sharing less. All too often people feel pressured to impress someone — or to achieve (master) the perfect obedient young Weimaraner. We are not suggesting that you should work toward other than making every attempt to evoke compliance; however, we are suggesting you go about this in a different manner. You want this magnificent creature to have a desire to please you. When they desire to comply with your wishes, then you are not embattled in the ongoing war of who is in the lead. One thing to keep in mind here too is that the Weimaraner that doesn’t get control of the situation may turn to manipulation. It is amazing how they can wrap a person around their paw. The Weimaraner is all about the relationship and at the same time they have a large bag of tricks. Ultimately, your relationship is the foundation of all things possible. This idea is not to have a willy-nilly anything goes type of relationship. Respect must be elicited from the Weimaraner; likewise, you need to show them respect. They are not running things. There are many ways to show your approval and appreciation; however, the manner in which to interact and reward them will make all the difference.

Rewarding Achievements

The cookie-treat enticement has its place. Nevertheless, we hope everyone will (eventually) achieve compliance without the use of bribe. Otherwise, there is the chance that one day the treat-offering will not be as important as them crossing the road to get to something. By the time you get the Weims attention, it might be too late. No matter how this scenario ends, it is either the unthinkable heartbreaking outcome or the close call that leaves you shaken to the core. The latter is preferable; however, it means taking a step back and earning absolute compliance. 

Winning titles and demonstrating obedience is amazing–it is one way of receiving tangible rewards. Not everyone has the time, money, or knack for competing. Nevertheless, it is important to remember the most important things are the simple ones. Achieving the various disciplines (loose-leash compliance, housebreaking, crate training, and the recall to mention a few) can be challenging. The Weimaraner (and their antics) can get you off-track. A trained and obedient Weimaraner is compliant on the leash and off the leash. Very often the Weimaraner choose to be compliant off-leash because this puts them in control. Well, that is food for thought.

Jan and Willow have a collection of ribbons and trophies. Their achievements blow us away. We blessed to know Jan Magnuson, who has been involved with the Weimaraner on so many levels for more than 35 years. We are not diminishing her achievements by saying the show ring is not for everyone. You can still achieve great things with your Weimaraner. If you live near Jan, she holds classes. Click here to learn more about Jan’s classes. Everyone can benefit from proper socialization and a well-structured obedience class. Look for a place to participate, or an interesting activity to share with the Weimaraner. The venue can be something simple you both love and enjoy together.