Weimaraner puppy help!?
Written by on Friday, September 19, 2008 – 3:21 pm -The puppy has become quite nippy (she needs to learn bite inhibition) I work with animal rescue so I’m aware of a lot of dog characteristics but this is the first time dealing with a Weimy.
I want to help this family out. What we do know is that the dog was taken from its litter way too young (we are not sure exactly what age), and was purchased by a very young couple who shortly thereafter broke up. A friend took the dog, to try and find a home for it and eventually her parents decided to give the dog a home. Since then they have been working very hard on training and socialization. We do not know the exact age of her, but we estimate 14 weeks.
The problem they are having is she will nip/bite everything espcially at their hands and clothes. She jumps up on to people (she is getting better with this) but when she sits and you go to pet her she bites your hands. This is not out of aggression, just a simple lack of knowing what to do. I suggested a muzzle so that they can begin to work with her and build her focus, or a gentle leader. I would love to hear other suggestions or which you think would be most appropriate.
They have only had the dog a week, and have just started crate training. So they will try that as well..any other thoughts from some experienced Weimy owners?
Thanks for both of your help! 
The dog is doing so much better already. Crate training is coming along well, and is already getting pretty good on her leash (original owners never had her on a leash). The family is a very dog experienced. Looks like this will be a great match! I think they all just needed time to settle into a routine. Thanks again!
Are they pretty experienced dog owners? If not, my suggestion would be to place the Weimaraner in a breed rescue and get an easier dog breed..
I love Weim’s as they are brilliant dogs, but, they also can be very troublesome dogs. For the nipping, they will want to react as a littermate would, yelp like it hurts.
This site has some good info on training Weim’s..
http://www.adonaiweims.com/trouble.html
They are on the right track with crate training, that’s important to prevent separation anxiety later which is very common with these dogs..
Posted in weimaraner rescue | 3 Comments »
By steve b on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
If you have been through all the normal stuff like yelping loudly when she nips and then ignoring her you could try holding on to her bottom jaw with your thumb in her mouth and one finger underneath the jaw. Don’t put any pressure on and make sure you move your hand as she mover her head. After a little while let go of her jaw but leave your hand there. If she licks your hand (which is likely) give loads of praise. If she nips again repeat the above. It worked with one of ours (English Pointer not Weimaraner) but it does take a bit of time
References :
By Jenna on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
Are they pretty experienced dog owners? If not, my suggestion would be to place the Weimaraner in a breed rescue and get an easier dog breed..
I love Weim’s as they are brilliant dogs, but, they also can be very troublesome dogs. For the nipping, they will want to react as a littermate would, yelp like it hurts.
This site has some good info on training Weim’s..
http://www.adonaiweims.com/trouble.html
They are on the right track with crate training, that’s important to prevent separation anxiety later which is very common with these dogs..
References :
By craig on Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
I would suggest that you real Ceaser Millan’s book called Ceasers Way. Another great read is Jean Donaldson’s Culture Clash.
Sounds like the pup did not learn pack culture from its mom and brothers and sisters. You need to become a pack leader. The dog will respond to your calm assertive energy and will respect you if your always calm and consistent. Never yell, shake, slap or give your weim harsh repremands when they are young. My weim Lily bit and bit until she was about 22 weeks old. She comes from an amazing kennel and was socailized. They are a stubborn and smart breed and will step up to the pack leader role if you dont. Work with your pup they grow out of puppy bitting sooner then later. My second advice would be to keep you weimy pup active ( leaving them in a crate only builds energy that you will later have to release ) Crates are amazing if used properly. They keep your pup safe when you cannot watch them but they do not teach your puppy about biting. Dogs are not children DO NOT give your dog time outs. They do not understand why they are in a crate, when put there for bad behaviour.
Good Luck
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