A Weimaraner is a working breed. That means the breed was originally bred to hunt bears and wild boar. That makes this dog extremely energetic, nervous, intelligent, and needy. Here are 5 key rules when training a Weimaraner.
1. Engage your Weimaraner in vigorous exercise
The Weimaraner breed has not been diluted since domestication. So his instinct to hunt and dig is still deeply ingrained. These dogs have so much energy that they can outlive their master at play any day of the week!
You should tire them out by taking them for a dog run at least 2-3 times a day for an hour each time. Let them jostle with other dogs. This activity alone will wear them down. Another good idea would be to start them on an agility training program.
2. Engage the Weimaraner’s intellect
Another of the 5 key rules when training a Weimaraner is to engage their intellect. The Weimaraner is a very intelligent breed. Mental stimulation for this dog is a must.
Agility training will help with both physical stimulation and mental stimulation. In agility training, the dog is trained to go through an obstacle course. This causes the dog to have to think quickly.
3. Relieve separation anxiety
Weimaraners tend to be very attached to their masters. They get very angry when they are separated from their masters for long periods of time. One of the top 5 key rules when training a Weimaraner is to slowly introduce your Weimeraner to the concept that you quit.
First, let him see you put on your shoes and coat. But then don’t go anywhere. Then, on another occasion, let him watch you pick up the keys as if he were getting ready to leave. Dogs know when their masters come out.
But again, you’re not really going to leave. The idea is that you want to work your way until he gets used to the fact that you are about to leave so that his anxiety level is less and less.
Finally, after doing those two exercises a few times, quit and come back in 5 minutes. Next time you quit, come back in 10 minutes. This will slowly build your tolerance for your anxiety attacks.
4. Let him sleep in his own bed
The fourth of the 5 key rules for training a Weimaraner is to let your dog get used to sleeping in his own bed! Many dog owners, myself included, allow their dogs to sleep in the same bed.
The problem with this is that your Weimaraner is already in need. If you allow him to sleep in your bed, you will never get him into a cage. And cage training is crucial for the Weimaraner.
5. Early box train
Lastly, cage training for the Weimaraner is crucial. Cage training allows your dog to see his crate as a safe haven. Feeling emotionally secure is what Weimaraners crave.
Training your Weimaraner’s cage early will also help with separation anxiety. How? Dogs are burrowing animals. Having a cave-like place to go is comforting for a dog. What better way for your Weimaraner to feel safe in its natural habitat than by putting it in a box, which replicates a den for it?