Requires Daily Attention and Human Companionship
Weimaraners like people and they want to be with their owner at all times. They will follow their owner from room to room, and may even nudge the bathroom door open to join him. A few have even been known to hop in the bathtub with their owner. When you are sitting on the couch relaxing chances are your Weim will be on your lap or lying on the couch touching you. Think velcro! The Weimaraner is not a breed to be left in a kennel or the backyard with little attention. Such neglect may cause your Weim to become hyperactive, destructive, or mentaly unstable. If you are a person who is gone to work all day and leads an active social life most evenings, a Weimaraner is not for you!
Exercise Requirements
Weimaraners need rigorous daily exercise. Few, if any, other breed of dog requires as much exercise as the Weimaraner. A two-mile jog around the neighborhood may not be enough exercise. They need to run hard and often. Think Energizer Bunny on steroids! Weimaraners are a good choice for active people who enjoy biking, hiking, jogging, or running. Games of fetch and swimming are also suitable forms of exercise for your Weim. A Weim without adequate exercise will become bored, and a bored Weim may become destructive. Think: digging, barking, chewing, or escape artist. Think: yard, flowerbed, furniture, shoes, or running the neighborhood at large.
Training
The Weimaraner is a powerful and strong-willed dog. He requires an owner who can take charge and be a good leader. If the owner can’t or won’t take charge and lead, then the Weim will. Weimaraners are slow to mature and puppyhood can last a long time. Think two, three or even four years! It takes training and proper socialization to develop a secure, well-behaved adult. In general, Weimaraners are affectionate and have a strong desire to please. Some Weims have a stubborn streak that can be challenging. Weimaraners are also sensitive; harsh or severe punishment can ruin their trust. Once their trust is lost it is nearly impossible to regain. Weimaraners are intelligent and respond best to clear, consistent commands.
Intelligence
Weimaraners are considered average to exceptional in problem-solving aptitude. Many Weim owners will tell you their dog thinks it’s a person. Weims have a knack for opening various cabinets and helping themselves to whatever is edible. Many, but not all, Weims are capable of opening doors. Some will sneak food off countertops while others may lick dirty dishes sitting in the sink. Weimaraners are observant and have a tendancy to copy other dogs. This can be useful when they copy a good behavior but you must remember they will copy both good and bad behaviors.
Protectiveness
Weimaraners have a more highly developed protective instinct than other sporting breeds. Adults will typically bark to alert their owners to the presence of strangers, other dogs, or intrusions such as delivery trucks. However, he should never exhibit viciousness.
Creatures of Comfort
Despite their athletic prowess, Weimaraners are creatures of comfort. They might choose to lie in front of the fireplace, or on your lap on the couch. Weims will gladly sit on chairs at the table and sleep on couches or beds with their heads resting comfortably on pillows. Others prefer to crawl under the covers. Many Weims are great cuddlers.
Prey Drive
Developed as an all-around hunting dog, the Weimaraner has a strong prey drive. This may be exhibited as aggression against other animals, or even other dogs. Weims are great chasers of bikers, cats, joggers, and even vehicles or tractors. For some, everything that runs is fair game. In rare instances a running child in particular, one who is crying or screaming, could trigger their prey drive. Not every Weim will have a strong prey drive; but for those that do, it cannot be trained out of them, it can only be managed. These dogs should never be trusted alone with small animals or birds.