Weimaraner

The Grey Ghost, as it is also called in the United States, is an affectionate dog, with a heart of gold. He can sometimes prove to be clingy but knows how to keep to himself if need be. 

Very playful, especially with children, this German pointing dog is particularly fond of playtime. 

What’s more, playing helps the dog expend himself- both physically and mentally- and also  stimulates and tires him, trains him (learning self-control, static orders, recall etc.) and reinforces the owner-dog relationship. 

Be careful about ball or stick-fetching games as they reinforce this hunting dog’s retrieving instinct. If the ultimate purpose is not to use him for hunting, the latter games are to be avoided.
 

If the Weimaraner is well exercised on a day to day basis and has the possibility to use up his energy regularly, he will be able to remain relatively docile and to be at rest in his bed (or on the couch, since he appreciates comfort quite a bit). 

On the flipside, when he is out on a walk or in the middle of activity, his energy reaches such levels that it is at times tricky to calm him down. Everything is a question of balance and reasonable dosage.
 

The versatility of this German hunting dog indicates a certain degree of intelligence. He is balanced, docile, sensitive, and adapts to many ways of life. 

His somewhat proud side should not make you doubt his intelligence, quite the contrary in fact.
 

This dog’s stubborn and determined personality is very useful during various hunting missions since he reveals himself to be a very methodical and persevering tracker. 

Originally a pointing dog, the Weimaraner is furthermore a multifaceted hunter with a remarkable instinct that allows him to hunt for various pests just as well as bigger game. 
 

This majestic grey dog is sociable, gets along well with guests but does need some time to adapt and trust. 

In fact, those individuals that are too suspicious or even aggressive do not in the least meet the requirements of the breed’s official standards and will not be admissible. It is therefore important to carefully select the lineage of your prospective Weimaraner. 
 

With his noble and majestic appearance, this Weimaraner could sometimes seem snobby and independant, but it actually isn’t part of his real nature at all. He is very attached to his social group and values shared moments above all else. 

He does not like being put at a distance and needs to take part in his owners’ day-to-day life. As a result, this does make him somewhat dependant on his family, even if he can prove to be very autonomous when working.
 

Very close to his owners, it is difficult to leave a Weimaraner alone at home without having taken the time to expend his energy beforehand, and made sure that he is tired enough to sleep through your absences.

As soon as the Weimaraner pup first integrates the household, a gradual exposure to spending time alone will have to be undertaken, so that he can better tolerate his kin’s absences. 
 

This hunting dog can prove himself to be stubborn and somewhat pigheaded if he feels that his leader is not confident and authoritative enough. At times quite proud, the Weimaraner can grow docile if an environment of trust is cultivated. 

Training must be precocious, to prevent the dog from picking up bad habits, and firm so as to create a structure for the dog and make him feel safe. 

Some rules of conduct must be implemented to integrate this big dog as smoothly as possible into the household, as he will not accept exclusion from family life. 

Positive reinforcement training methods should absolutely be used, otherwise this seemingly noble dog’s sensitivity could be vexed. 
 

A rather balanced dog, his barking will never be excessive. If he starts barking, it’s often because he’s alone and bored, or because an uninvited guest is encroaching onto his habitual turf.

Hunting dog often implies fleeing dog. Accordingly, hunting dogs have a very evolved predatory instinct, and their nose often makes them flee the nest to follow intriguing scents. 

That being the case, the Weimaraner remains a somewhat atypical hunting dog who,  despite his incredible sense of smell, prefers to stay close to his kin. Good training and mutual understanding between the dog and the owner will help limit the risk of escapades.