Activities for Weims
Most everyone knows that Weimaraners were specifically bred as hunting dogs. In the early days they were large prey hunters, but most recently have been trained for bird hunting. The breed has strong drives to work and please their master. An 'unemployed' Weim will find themselves a job, which might not be to your liking.
Since everyone may not be into hunting, we would like to introduce some alternative activities that your Weim might enjoy. We will cover several different activities ranging from those that require concentration and obedience, to outdoor sports and energetic engagements. Weimaraners are very family/master oriented dogs, with a high energy level and often we see behavioral problems that result from a lack of exercise and interaction. Activities that benefit you and your Weim might just be the perfect thing for the two of you to enjoy together.
Canine Good Citizenship (CGC)
Text Selections from the AKC Official Web Site
Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.
For more information on CGC testing, requirements, full descriptions of test steps and finding a certified evaluator in your area, visit the official AKC web site. www.akc.org
Agility
Text from AKC Web Site
Pictures of Angela Still's Weimaraner, Bailey in competition
Running a dog in an agility trial is the ultimate game for you and your dog and is one of the most exciting canine sports for spectators. In an agility trial, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other objects. It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise for both, which might explain why it’s so enjoyable to watch and has become the fastest growing dog sport in the U.S.
For more information check out the brochure on Agility at www.akc.org/dic/events/agility/ or contact you local obedience center for classes offered or agility facilities in your area.
Obedience
Text from AKC Web Site
Obedience Trials test a dog's ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises on which it is scored. In each exercise, you must score more than 50 percent of the possible points (ranging from 20 to 40) and get a total score of at least 170 out of a possible 200. Each time your dog gets that magic 170 qualifying score, he's gotten a "leg" toward his title. Three legs and your dog has become an Obedience-titled dog! There are 3 levels at which your dog can earn a title and each is more difficult than the one before it. You may see levels divided into "A" and "B" at a trial; "A" classes are for beginners whose dogs have never received a title while "B" classes are for more experienced handlers. The best part of watching a trial is to see the close bond that has developed between the dog and handler. Their total concentration on the task at hand gives way to the sheer delight of accomplishment that can be seen on the faces of both - and in the wag of a tail. Experience the ultimate in companionship and teamwork. Taste the thrill of competition. Join an Obedience training class and participate in Obedience trials. You and your dog will have fun!
Tracking
Text from AKC Web Site
AKC tracking events are the competition form of canine search and rescue. These Tracking events provide training for dogs and their handlers to meet some human needs for tracking and finding lost humans or other animals, as well as, demonstrating the extremely high level of scent capability that dogs possess.
For more information see the AKC web site at www.akc.org or call your local obedience center for tracking trainers in your area and clubs for non-registered weims.