Imagine this: You are held hostage by your Weimaraner. You cannot leave the house to do any brief errand and leave your Weimaraner alone because he will destroy the house, become completely unglued and bark and howl in misery. Does this sound familiar? I sincerely hope not! But if this is something you are struggling with, or you are interested in doing whatever you can to prevent this with your new Weimaraner, this article may help.
Get me outa here!
Weimaraners are notorious for being prone to separation anxiety, but some behaviors are normal and due to boredom. True separation anxiety is a highly anxious mental state where your Weimaraner cannot cope with your absence, and this is manifested in negative behavior. When left alone, your dog may drool, bark, or howl excessively; he may inappropriately urinate or defecate or be extremely destructive.
I asked noted Weimaraner trainer, Chris Conklin, for some tips on how to prevent and manage separation anxiety. As a Weim owner, breeder and rescuer, she has unique insight to this specifically with Weimaraners.
Q – How can you prevent or curtail future problems with a new Weimaraner puppy?
CC – By establishing a routine that involves crating the puppy not only when you are gone but at set times when you are home. Giving the puppy behavioral responsibilities like waiting when entering and exiting doors and at dinner times. Not giving your puppy, no matter how well behaved, all of the privledges of an adult dog like sleeping in your bed or being loose unattended in your home.
Q – How can you prevent or curtail future problems with a new Weimaraner Rescue?
CC – A rescue dog should be treated just like a puppy with a bigger attention span. Don’t move them in like they have lived with you forever, reserve privledges for them to earn as they learn the rules and routines of your household.
Q – What are some signs to recognize that you might have a problem in the future?
CC – A dog or pup that paces whines or cries when an owner leaves the room or the house for a short period, especially when other family memebers are still present. SA can also have genetic roots so make sure when purchasing a pup that neither parent is prone to SA.
Q – Why are Weims prone to SA?
CC – As a very intelligent breed they are often given privledges in the home that they are not emotionally capable of handling or that make their owners appear weak or submissive. As Weim owners we tend to make them integral to the functions of our households and lives without giving them enough behavioral responsibilites. They begin to think we cannot function in our own homes without their input or presence, so when we leave they are brought to a state of panic that we, as submissive pack members versus leaders, are alone in the bigger world without them. In a pack situation only the more dominant members leave for hunting; lower,weaker and submissive members are most often left to watch young and guard the den.
Chris Conklin has been training dog owners since 1985. She is the founder and director of Michigan Weimaraner Rescue, and breeds under the kennel name Celestial Weimaraners
See the next article on Dealing with Separation Anxiety.
Does your Weimaraner suffer from Separation Anxiety? Let us know what has worked for you and your dog by posting in the comments below.
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I adopted a Weimaraner from a young family a few years ago. They had been so stressed by the high energy level that they would keep her in the garage. She had already been handed around a few times before this. I put her on an anti-anxiety prescription for a one month period (graduating up in strength and then down in strength). Initially she had terrible separation anxiety and would try to destroy everything in sight. She did some shocking damage to one kennel I had. Upon bringing her home, I kenneled her immediately and the first night she howled for 20 minutes. The second night for 10 minutes. The third night she whimpered a couple of minutes and then was quiet. I also had (and still do have) strict meal times. I exercise her daily. Within one month she was doing very well. Within one year, she was completely comfortable and confident in her environment and people who did not like her at first began to comment that she was one of the best dogs they had ever seen. I realized early on that as a hunting dog, leash walking was not an optimal solution so I made sure she had plenty of room to run off lead and engage in hunt activities. She always comes when called and checks back in regularly when we are on hikes. She sits, stays and heels beautifully. I did not teach her to heel. She would do that on her own after pointing a critter so I began to praise her for it. I set aside time for close affection daily, but because of her size and strength I keep it regimented as she will still get excited and puppy like. Basically, they are a breed that thrives on order and routine. If our routine is ever broken, she will let you know immediately that she is uncomfortable, but calms down with verbal assurances. Everyone loves her and she is a favorite for taking on hikes and long walks (until she brings you a dead animal, but I always congratulate her).
I love this! It sounds like all she needed was an understanding owner, what a great gal! Thank you for posting your story!