hey there!

[zammara]

Hi to all of you..

I'm new and at present Weimy-less.

I started out researching Weimys nearly 2 years ago. I got very close to being an honoured owner of one of Kate Everett's Rivenwil pups, but I discovered I was expecting a baby at the same time. Not a good mix...

For those that knew Kate, you'll understand that she left a strong mark upon my memory and in my search for a Weimaraner companion!
Now that my baby daughter is 4 months old, I'm taking up the search again for a Weimy and hope that I'll recieve interesting views and advice in the process. I'm just sorry that I won't have Kate to offer her advice and humour any longer.

I'm interested to hear people's opinions about the pros and cons of getting a puppy versus a more mature rescue dog.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Natalia

[marjolein]

Welcome Natalia, from me and my LH's.

[Wetdog]

Welcome to the board Natalia---we are happy to have you join us.

[fialCo]

Welcome on the board, Natalia! Lithuanian weim team greets you:))
We hope you'll find here information you need!

Migle and Brera

[Cheryl]

Welcome, I raised a pup with my little ones and had adult dog(s) at the same time. It seems we never had just one. As long as I was a stay at home mom, it was very easy to house train and keep up with both babies (dog and human) at the same time but then I always had to be competent in multi tasking as a single parent of 3 little boys. If you do not intend to be a stay at home mom, I'd say an adult dog would be best if it is already housetrained. No matter if you get either or both, I would like to encourage you to teach your little human to always treat the animal or pet as that child expects to be treated, ie; no hair pulling, etc., as little humans need training for pets and animals just as importantly I'd like to caution you, too. This breed is very powerful and fast, so if you decide to have one while the child is so young, something will have to give, either you carry the child more often or the dog/pup must wait on you and the child, everything is give and take but you will be the one mostly giving so remember to think of yourself and get foot rubs often...

[zammara]

Hi there

Thanks for your advice Cheryl - it is much appreciated! (especially about foot rubs..!)
I fully respect you for raising 3 boys and Weimaraners at the same time, and your opinions are valuable.

I also have a son of 7 and I'm wondering how he will respond... We haven't had a dog since he was 5.

Is there a string on Weims and kids?
I might start that topic if I can't find anything about it, to hear other people's experiences.

I wouldn't feel concerned with a calmer breed but what with no experience of Weimaraners and such an energetic, intelligent animal, I feel that we need plenty of preparation in order to give it a good home.

[Wetdog]

There is a wide range of temperament differences between individuals within the breed---don't rely on the little "breed temperament" blurbs you find on websites and in books. Real life is far more complicated than that. That is also true of other breeds as well.

For your situation, I'd look at an older dog. Keep your search in line with breed rescues and responsible breeders. I recommend breed rescues because they are generally handled by people who are experienced with the breed, and have handled problems in the past and are prepared to help you find and avoid problems either before they happen, or before they get out of hand. Breeders also have older dogs from time to time due to various reasons. They may have show or work prospects that they kept which didn't work out for some reason or other that might be just what you need---for instance, a show prospect that had an undescended testicle that required nuetering. No longer a show prospect--but might be perfect for your needs.

I'd suggest contacting the Weimaraner Club of Great Britain and asking them for rescue and breeder suggestions. Choose the breeder or rescue that you feel comfortable with and feel you can trust, be honest and specific about your needs and wants and let them use their knowledge and experience to pick a dog for you.

[adatele]

Hey Zammara! Welcome to forum!
I your case I would choose an elder dog as well. Maturity gives them little bit more consciousness
My old dog past away last year, so I've got a young one. He is very good with my daughter (7), however they both need lots of attention and for working mum... --- it's just difficult to manage (in comparison with elder dog).

[jai]

Hi Zammara,
Welcome to the board. All the advice the members on this board give are sound and from experience. They all have the same goal and feeling for the breed, that is the weim can be a headstrong and powerful pet/show/hunt dog in your lives. Researching the breed is wonderful, but it won't give you the hands on you need. For example, my youngest was just about 1 when we got our pup. He was fast moving, playful and often at times rambunctious. I can't tell you how many times the pup ran past my daughter as she just stepped to walk and boom, she landed on her behind and he turned back to see what happened. I learned fast as Cheryl said to give and take and pick and choose. With a pup and a baby for x-mas something/one needed to be put in the play pen. That year it was the tree. You learn how to give the pup and the children time outs and you give your children responsibility for your pet. Having a weim is indeed like having a child. You will be followed where ever you go and the desire to please is there from all sides. I would too recommend an older dog, puppy training can be time consuming and the attention at the beginning is where it counts the most. With our weim ( he passed and I have been looking for another for some time) I spent hours outside with him and the kids, playing, training, teaching. Good luck and hope you get the pet you are looking for!! jai