Weimaraner Training and Care  There is a common misconception that "All puppies are the same". Not only is this thinking wrong, but when bringing up a Weimaraner, will lead to problems. While simply giving a puppy a toy to play with for the first six months may work for some breeds, it does not work with the Weimaraner puppy. The Weimaraner is extremely intelligent and the rules that are laid down early, are the ones that the puppy believes should apply for life. Weimaraner puppy training begins with the breeder instilling the basics and preferably putting the puppy through "Superdog training", and continues with the new owner from the first day that the puppy is brought into his new home. The Weimaraner always asks "Why?", and when you have had your Weimaraner for a year, you will begin to understand the meaning of this sentence. Consistency is needed when training a Weimaraner. A Weimaraner puppy, or any other puppy for that matter, should never be teased by an adult or a child, for example, by taking away their toy or chew, like a Nylabone Puppybone and then repeatedly tempting them with it. Instead, to show that you are the higher ranked in the pack, gently talk to the puppy in a calm non threatening voice, and approach him and firmly take the toy or Nylabone. Restrain the puppy while petting him and he will realize that taking the toy or chew back, is not acceptable behavior. Once you have the toy or chew in your possession, praise him for giving it to you.  He will respect your right as pack leader to take what is yours, and you can then give it back to him while praising him for having good manners. The tone of your voice when giving commands should display inner confidence and will play a great part in achieving your Weimaraners’ respect.

Crate Training  An indoor kennel or crate such as a Midwest life stages dog crate can be a great asset, as it can be a source of stress relief for both the Weimaraner and the owner. If you have to go out for several hours and your dog is in a crate, you don’t have to worry about coming home to a soiled floor or torn up floors or furniture. By appropriately using the crate you will gain mental control over your Weimi and establish the pecking order as it is saying to him “If I want to go out I will do so and I will walk you at my convenience”. The crate will also provide a place that is private for him and will become his “sanctuary”. It is the one place that he will never be told to “Get off”, as well as a place to escape to should he feel threatened or annoyed. When you bring your new Weimaraner puppy home, it is suggested that the kennel /crate be in the bedroom with you if possible. Although it is not always the case, be prepared for several sleepless nights as the Weimaraner can be very stubborn during this phase and will whine. When he does, you can gently remind him that you are there or if possible put the crate next to your bed and just put your hand on it to reassure him that he is not alone. Then after several good nights, if desired, you can start moving him farther from your room day by day until you finally have him in the room that you want. Above all, do not give in as you are setting the pattern for the future and you definitely want him to know that you make the decisions, not him.

Potty Training   The next training is usually the “potty” training and a good place to start is to remember to take him out after each feeding and after every awakening. Another good time to take him out is just before placing him in the kennel for the night. When you do take him out be prepared to spend time watching him while using words like “potty or pooh” or something of your own choice. When they finally take care of business be genuinely excited and praise them for being such a “Good boy or girl”. This will quickly establish the message that you are pleased when they do their duty outside. One final caution here is that if your indoor crate is too large for the puppy, he may relieve himself in it. If you have a Midwest life stages crate, it comes with a divider to shorten the inside length of the crate or otherwise you can place cardboard boxes in the rear of the crate to reduce the amount of space that he has to relieve himself.