How to Have a Happy Weimaraner

A Weimaraner is an energetic, playful, loving dog whose popularity is growing as more people learn about the breed. While it is an intelligent dog, the Weim can also be stubborn and willful and requires a firm but loving discipline. It's not hard to have a happy Weimaraner, and with a little work, you can even have a happy Weimaraner owner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Exercise your Weimaraner daily. The Weim is a very active dog and loves to run, jump and play. A happy Weimaraner is one who receives a level of exercise equal to her level of energy.
2. Allow your Weimaraner to participate in as many activities with you as possible. He is generally a very people-oriented dog, and nothing will make your Weimaraner more content than being allowed to spend quality time with you.
3. Keep your Weimaraner inside most of the time and always overnight. A Weim loves to play outside, preferably with you, but does prefer staying inside when not actively participating in an outdoor activity.
4. Train and socialize your Weimaraner to keep her happy, content and well adjusted. This breed is prone to separation anxiety and can attempt to dominate the household. Obedience training and socialization are highly recommended for this breed.
5. Retain a sense of humor when dealing with your Weimaraner to keep yourself and your dog happy. Many don't outgrow their puppy playfulness until well beyond their second birthday. A Weim is fun loving, likes to sleep on the softest bed in the house and, if allowed, will pack all 65 to 85 pounds of himself into your lap.
6. Introduce a cat to your Weimeraner when she is still a young pup or not at all. A Weim is a hunting dog and, as such, is bred to chase and even kill smaller animals. You will have a happier dog if she has another large breed dog as a playmate or even if she is an only pet.
7. Be aware of health issues common to a Weim, especially the often fatal condition of bloat. Be sure to take your Weimaraner to the vet for regular yearly checkups and to maintain the correct vaccination schedule as well as medications recommended by your vet to control fleas, ticks or other parasites common to your area.