Seven Steps to Making Sure They’re Having Fun at Home Without You
I know it seems quite unfathomable to think about being on vacation without your Weim at your side, but sometimes it can be cost prohibitive to travel with them. And then there’s the issue of some places (and some people!) not welcoming dogs. Whatever the case may be, here’s how to make the whole situation bearable for you and your Weim.
1 – Prepare Early
Early doesn’t mean a few weeks before your departure. Early means… Make a point to alone train him when you first get your Weim. Crate training goes a long way here as well. A properly crate trained Weim thinks his crate is his home, so use it as a his portable home when you vacation.
(Shameless plug –> You can get crate training tips in our new ebook, “Your New Weimaraner Puppy: How To Survive the First Six Months.”)
2 – Practice Makes Perfect
I like boarding my pups for their first time around six months old for a short time, just for practice. By this age, I’ve already done #1, and so they have spent a few hours in their crate at someone else’s home. I then graduate them to a weekend boarding experience at someone’s home. If you haven’t had a chance to do this and you have a vacation planned, take your Weim to the boarding place a few times before you go.
3 – Know How to Use Your Dog Friends
Weim people understand Weims and are far more tolerant of their…ahem, unique… behaviors. Sharing doggy duties with your Weimy friends means that both of you win. Use your friends wisely, and your Weim won’t even notice that you are gone.
4 – Interview, Check References
Your vet, your dog park friends, co-workers… There are a lot of people out there that have dogs, and they usually aren’t short on opinions. Ask around and get references. Make an appointment to check out the boarding facility. Do you feel comfortable there? Does your Weimaraner?
5 – Don’t Vaccinate Just Before Boarding
This one kind of goes along with #1. Most boarding facilities require your Weim to be up-to-date on vaccines, including bordatella. Because Weims can have vaccine related issues, it’s not wise to vaccinate them just prior to a potentially stressful event like boarding. Hint: Some trainers that specialize in Weimaraners and who have a select clientele may be able to work with you on limited vaccines. Ask!
6 – Make The Best of It – Training
If your dog is going to be boarded, might as well get some training in while you are at it. Board-and-train can be more expensive, but far more fun for your Weimaraner! Maybe a field trainer for some bird fun?
7 – Have Fun on Your Vacation!
Weims are a sort of addiction. They are always by our sides, and we always want to be near theirs. If you prepare them, they will not stress out while you are away. Now, whether YOU will have separation anxiety is another story…
(Another shameless plug –> Learn to manage your Weim’s separation anxiety with the “Separation Anxiety Tool Book”)
Leave a Reply