Weim Info

[mulroony]

I know a topic like this kind of exists, but my question is different.

What do the Weim owner's think I should expect from a rescued Weim? So far this is what I have...

-High energy drive
-High prey drive (which does not make them good w/ smaller dogs, cats, etc)
-Hard headed
-Not great w/ little kids (seen this with most rescues, and it is fine, won't be little kids around)
-SA common

I was wondering about the difference between males and females when it comes to dominance. I would not mind having a bit more of a dominant male this size if the dominance is not very aggression oriented, if that makes any sense. I am also kind of looking for a pup to take the role as "head", since although Shelby tries to be tough she is actually a big wuss. Also just how high is their prey drive for smaller dogs like a 10-15 lbs yorkie if they are not raised to be around smaller dogs?

Thanks

[Novel]

I don't think they are hard headed at all. They are extremely sensitive and intelligent, and the independence comes along when they think that their way would be better. Example... You can teach them a trick in two minutes, and you think they've got it. Next time you practice the trick, they've changed how they do it, because they thought maybe you'd like it better the other way.
I think they're great with kids, but, are big. I'm sure you know that there are considerations about all dogs being with kids. My nieces love them to death and see them quite infrequently, and I don't have any kids.

The SA is not really SA, unless you say that every Weim has SA. That is just their natural temperament to be with you. It's not SA, it's just how they are. So you can treat it like SA, and work with their behavior and do things a certain way to not encourage the SA like behavior, but, they'll always be like that. I've never met one yet that doesn't exhibit some SA type behaviors.

As far as difference between males and females. Males are bigger babies.. which means they usually exhibit more of the SA type behavior. Females are a bit more independent, and can do more without being at your side. Males are a bit more easy going, more accepting, where the females are a bit more wary and suspicious. I think that has to do with natural instincts, and would follow through to most breeds.
Males mature at about 3, going through adolescence which makes you want to pull our your hair, but then calm down (as much as a Weim can). IMO, females don't go through as many ups and downs, but take as long to mentally mature, maybe even longer.

The dominance they exhibit is not so much aggressive as it is sneaky. A weak willed owner will soon see their life taken over by their dog! Not joking. He will tell you when to get up, when to get dinner, when to take him for a walk... etc. And you'll be jumping through hoops to not get them to exhibit their SA behaviors. Or, with a thorough understanding of pack hierarchy and doggy dynamics, you must patiently tell them what is acceptable and what is not, and that YOU are the one making the rules.

They are great dogs, but they are not for everyone. I would never recommend one to a family that has not had a dog before. You need to understand dogs. And, your first one will tell you wether they are for you or not. A friend's first Weimie grew worse and worse until on it's second bite that broke skin, they decided to have her put down. Their next dog was a Weim. You get attached to them if they are your kind of dog. You either love them or hate them, I've never met anyone yet that is wishy washy about a Weim. Either best dog ever or worst darn dog that ever graced their vision. And it's because of their personalities. It either scratches you right where you needed, or irritates the living goobers out of you!

[mrsgrubby]

When I was reading up on them, was fostering two, I kept reading that they need a strong hand, but a fair hand.

I also found them difficult to potty train. I know Novel has her pup pretty much trained, but I had a bit of trouble with my two.. More trouble than normal, and when checking into it, found that weims are known to be a bit difficult to potty train.

[Novel]

I think you may be right Mrs Grubby. I think they potty train a little bit tougher because they think too much. Most dogs say, oh... good outside, bad inside. I think Weims think, oh... not good here? Is three inches away good? let's try. I don't know. Because I spend all day with them, and we're outside for a good portion of it, they don't have many opportunities to have mistakes. when Jazz is inside, and I'm not physically standing with her, she was crated. Now, after two weeks she is allowed for a half hour to be out and about with no problems, even if I'm not watching. Plus, the other dogs help too!

I would say not a stron hand, but a strong will, and each dog is different. A strong hand would demoralize Topper completely. He is corrected by voice alone. Alley too. Laney, she fools you into thinking she needs a strong hand, but, it comes down to will again. She pushes me.
The rule is no dogs on the steps for inside until I say so. This means there is no pushing. They must all stand nicely at the bottom of the steps until I have the door opened and I say OK. Alley and Topper sit and wait. Laney will race up the steps before I get there, but then run back down. Then she'll put one foot on the steps, and if I don't see to correct her, she'll put two feet up. If I tell her off, she hops off, then depending on her mood, she'll do it again. I've spent more on heating the outside while I battle with her. It's not a strong hand that is needed, she just doesn't want to do what I ask, and if I let her get away with it, she'll push further. If I yell, she gets more stubborn. If I wait patiently while she knocks off her act, she stops being a fool sooner.

[12weimgirl]

Originally Posted by Novel

I don't think they are hard headed at all. They are extremely sensitive and intelligent, and the independence comes along when they think that their way would be better. Example... You can teach them a trick in two minutes, and you think they've got it. Next time you practice the trick, they've changed how they do it, because they thought maybe you'd like it better the other way.
I think they're great with kids, but, are big. I'm sure you know that there are considerations about all dogs being with kids. My nieces love them to death and see them quite infrequently, and I don't have any kids.

The SA is not really SA, unless you say that every Weim has SA. That is just their natural temperament to be with you. It's not SA, it's just how they are. So you can treat it like SA, and work with their behavior and do things a certain way to not encourage the SA like behavior, but, they'll always be like that. I've never met one yet that doesn't exhibit some SA type behaviors.

As far as difference between males and females. Males are bigger babies.. which means they usually exhibit more of the SA type behavior. Females are a bit more independent, and can do more without being at your side. Males are a bit more easy going, more accepting, where the females are a bit more wary and suspicious. I think that has to do with natural instincts, and would follow through to most breeds.
Males mature at about 3, going through adolescence which makes you want to pull our your hair, but then calm down (as much as a Weim can). IMO, females don't go through as many ups and downs, but take as long to mentally mature, maybe even longer.

The dominance they exhibit is not so much aggressive as it is sneaky. A weak willed owner will soon see their life taken over by their dog! Not joking. He will tell you when to get up, when to get dinner, when to take him for a walk... etc. And you'll be jumping through hoops to not get them to exhibit their SA behaviors. Or, with a thorough understanding of pack hierarchy and doggy dynamics, you must patiently tell them what is acceptable and what is not, and that YOU are the one making the rules.

They are great dogs, but they are not for everyone. I would never recommend one to a family that has not had a dog before. You need to understand dogs. And, your first one will tell you wether they are for you or not. A friend's first Weimie grew worse and worse until on it's second bite that broke skin, they decided to have her put down. Their next dog was a Weim. You get attached to them if they are your kind of dog. You either love them or hate them, I've never met anyone yet that is wishy washy about a Weim. Either best dog ever or worst darn dog that ever graced their vision. And it's because of their personalities. It either scratches you right where you needed, or irritates the living goobers out of you!

Your right novel i dont think they are hard headed at all. And yes weims are very sensitive and smart. I know mine is Belle. From: Weimgirl AKA Lauren.