hi,

After much debating I have finally purchased an eighteen month old spayed dog. I asked the previous owner what he was fed on and was told he prefered dried food. I have given him the food that was sent with him and he has not touched it (he has cleaned up both cats dishes).

He looks to me very thin - his ribs and back bone are produding. I have not had him checked out at the vets yet - this I intend to do once he has settled more.

I have visited variou weimaraner websites and find the food confusing - how much should I feed him and how often?

Also he does not like my cats and my cats do not like him. (both of my cats normally get along with visitors dogx) is this likely to alter.

And lastly - he does not seem to walk well on the lead (I have time to work on this one). He came with a very short lead and I have difficulty holding him. I think perhaps he is not used to a lead - but I dare not let him off.

Thanks for any advice
regards
Sue

Hi Sue, please give the dog time to settle in. He will need time to adjust to his new surroundings and to you. I would suggest that you join training classes with him. Also, Weimaraner are sometimes picky about their food. Just give it some time and see.

Taylor

Sounds like he will have a good caring new home now.
With regards to feeding he will be off his food for a little while they usually are if rehomed or put in kennels ect.
I would give him 2-3 small meals a day, if he dosnt eat it in say 10-15 mins pick the bowl up until the next meal time otherwise this will give him the idea he can eat when he wants.
Maybe putting him on a good junior complete food will help build him up.
I could suggest adding a little{teaspoon full} of tinned meat or pilchards if he REALLY wont eat after a few days. but try not to do this as it may upset his tummy.
Cat food is always a great treat in this house if the dogs find it!!!
With regards to cats mine HATE cats but I recently rescued a cat and after a few weeks of the dogs trying to chase it and the cat scratching them it soon calmed down {give it about 4 weeks}

With exercise DEFINATLY go to a good training class and dont let him off yet until you are sure he will return to you, weis are strong dogs so the old owners must have kept him on a short lead to try and prevent too much pulling.
It will take a few weeks and the first one I have found is the hardest
Good luck and if you ned any help please feel free to mail me
emma@amberscade.fsnet.co.uk
emma x

Hello Sue
Click on my name and e-mail me. I own four Weimaraners.
You say he does not like cats. Weimaraners are all different where cats are concerned.
Remember they were bred to hunt wild cats, boar and deer.
Walking on the lead. Can improve with correct training however Weimaraners are not the best lead dogs ever.
Feeding wise. Contact me and I can go over this in more detail.
nutkin

Royal Canin do a Maxi Energy food which is for showing dogs, sensitive dogs etc. of a Wei size. I haven't used it but those who I know who have, have found it the best in putting on weight. It is pricey but then once your dogs weight is stabilised, it can be fed a maintenance diet.

I would think 3-4 small meals a day more helpful than 2 biggish ones just for stomach capacity alone. Hope you have success, sounds like the dog has a caring new owner.

Sorry, Nutkin, but there are not different. Friend of mine does Gundog Rescue in Germany and he also owns cats. NEVER had a problem with Weimaraner and cats.

Taylor

Are you saying that all Weimaraners love cats or that they dont?
I own four Weimaraners. One hates my cat and would harm him. The other three love him and lay cuddled up on the blanket with him. I know of lots of people with Weimaraners and cats and they all get on fine. Yet a good friend of mine her Weimaraner just killed her pet cat. So what am I saying. They are different. Some are more excepting of cats than others.

In response to the cat/weimaraner bit, most problems with introducing any cat or ANY breed of dog are successful if done correctly. When you bring any new comer into your home then you should expect there to be friction and no animal or human for that matter wants to feel replaced or pushed out slowly, gently and without pressure is the only way to gain a happy household yet still allowing the animals to develop their own pecking order. It is too much to expect them to become best buddies over night but ensuring the safety of dog and cat will eventually create a situation where they all feel safe and then will live all under the same roof even if it is separate rooms for awhile.

Nutkin, that's exactly what I meant. I have a problem with statements like: this or that breed is NOT good with cats, which is nonsense. Each dog is as good/bad as it was socialised with cats. :)

Taylor

I agree taylor.
If dogs had the socialization they need meeting different animals then they except them.
Its not just cats or dogs they should be used to either. Many people forget about walking past a herd of cows, or a horse and rider, or goats. It is important to show your new puppy everything. So one day when out when he is one year old he wont be afraid of another animal.