Calming down

ISUBengal · Puppy Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

My Weim is 10 months old and I barely got her 2 months ago from a friend whose roomate could not handle her. I have worked very hard with her about not jumping on people, digging, barking, etc and my techniques have worked as she is very obedient when I use my "harsh tone". My question is: at what point does she calm down? I know all Weimaraners are different but on average, when do they begin to not act like a 60 lb puppy?

versatilek9s · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

Like you said, it depends. Generally around 2-3 years old, though you start to see glimpses of calm, lovely adulthood starting around a year or so. Very Happy

WeiMe · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 2:31 am Post subject:

Idaho State University Bengal? Welcome to the forum! I also live in Pocatello. VersatileK9's is right on. About 2-3 years. Mine is 5 and really lazy! There are some really good training classes available here in Pocatello. We have basic obedience, canine good citizen, competive obedience and agility classes here. They are really helpful and fun for the dog. If you are interested I can PM you some info. I recommend lots of exercise too. A tired dog is a good dog. Wink

Underdonk · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:10 am Post subject:

I've notice that Enzo has started to calm down recently, and he's just a few days shy of one-and-a-half years old. Maybe "calm down" isn't the right phrase, but rather "able to control himself in situations that would have totally set him off before". Knowing the breed was... energetic... before I got him, I made sure he learned the "calm down" command at a young age. Works well. Oh, and as mentioned above, tons of exercise is a must! A tired weim is a happy weim.

ISUBengal · Puppy Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

ISUBengal · Puppy Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for the help everyone, I try to get her the exercise she needs as we go jogging every night but its hard sometimes with work. Rolling Eyes

ISUBengal · Puppy Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

What tips do you guys have for exercise? How many hours per day?

Underdonk · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:18 am Post subject:

Enzo and I walk for two miles every day after work, the same distance at least once per day on the weekend, and usually gets some off leash time with the neighbors dogs to run around the yards most days. Plus he goes everywhere with me... I think riding in the car works the mind a good deal, taking in all of the sights, sounds, and smells. He loves it.

anne · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:36 am Post subject:

I think sometimes what people tend to forget that you need to teach a dog to be calm. Of course with an energetic breed, you must exercise both MIND and body, but also there are ways to encourage calm behavior. Praise your puppy when he is quietly chewing a bone or just generally being a good boy. All of my dogs are very energetic, but even at 8 weeks old, they learned to be calm in the house. With raising puppies, I think it helped a lot that they were around calm adults, I often found that they would copy whatever the other dogs did.

JacksMommy · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:48 am Post subject:

I think it varies on the Weim... Jack will be 2 in Feb. lol and he still acts like a giant puppy (and I love him for it!!!)

I think the "true" maturity age is 4... but ... I go for walks with Jack, we play catch outback, we go swimming together, and he and the kids like to play tag together (well.. he and hannah lol)

Its a matter of exercising them, and as Anne mentioned - not just physically, but mentally.

Jack LOVES learning new things. The more time I spend teaching him, the easier it is to tell him "Settle down" ~ which at our house means time for love and cuddles on the couch.