Monday, 9 April 2007

Dog Toys

Well if your weimaraner is anything like mine (Bailey is fourteen months old) when the fancy takes him he can soon chew his toys into a pile of unrecognizable bits. But today when we were in the garden making the most of this gorgeous Easter weather I discovered the perfect toy, it kept Bailey amused for at least two hours and I must admit I haven't laughted so much for ages, it probably cost me a few pence and I would guess you would all have one hanging about some where too. It was very commical watching him dribble it across the garden toss it in the air then run around with it on his head and as you know if a weimaraner knows he is doing something funny he will put even more effort into it, Oh I forgot to say it was a black plastic medium sized flowerpot, wish I had the camera, maybe tomorrow.

Wednesday, 4 April 2007

Duty of care

Pet owners will be legally liable for the welfare of their animals for the first time under stringent new anti-cruelty laws launched on Wednesday.
Junior environment minister Barry Gardiner was highlighting measures in the Animal Welfare Act, which comes into force on Friday.
He hailed it as the most significant reform of animal welfare legislation for a century and said it would help stop suffering before it occurred.
It is the first time a duty of care will be imposed for non-farm animals.
Animal owners must provide them with a suitable diet, environment, housing and ensure they can behave normally and without pain or disease.
Maximum penalties for owners found in breach of the new rules include a ban on owning animals, fines of up to £20,000 or up to 51 weeks in prison.
The Act raises from 12 to 16 the minimum age for buying a pet and bans pets as prizes for under-16s.
It also bans the docking of dogs' tails for cosmetic reasons, with exemptions for "working" dogs used by the police, armed forces, search and rescue and gun dogs.
Mr Gardiner launched the Act with TV vet David Grant at the Harmsworth Animal Hospital, north London, where the BBC's Animal Hospital was filmed.
"The Animal Welfare Act represents the most important achievement in animal welfare legislation for almost a century," Mr Gardiner said.

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Oliver


My first weimaraner was Oliver who sadly died about eighteen months ago aged nine. He had a great personality full of life and energy and never grew out of being full of mischief. He loved everyone and everyone loved him always ready to play and help you whatever you were doing.
He thought he was a lapdog and could always back into the smallest space to sit his bottom on my lap. When my Mum visited from America Oliver would always go into the bedroom in the morning to help Mum eat her cornflakes I'm not sure who enjoyed it more. Bananas now that was something else you could hide one in the middle of a feild and he could go straight to it he was mad about them. I still miss him although Bailey keeps me very busy when he gives me that goofy look he reminds me of the same expression Oliver used to have.

Sunday, 1 April 2007

Microchip

Ever worried about the increase in dog napping or your dog getting lost or simply straying .I know I have that is why I decided to get Bailey microchipped, no bigger than a grain of rice it is injected into the back of the dogs neck there is no discomfort to your pet and is done in a couple of minutes by your vet.
There is the basic microchip that contains a unique id for your dog, this id goes on a nationwide database so if you and your pet are seperated the dog can simple be scanned, the id number looked up and you will be reunited with little stress to you or your pet.
For just a few pounds more Bio-Thermo is the first temperature sensing Microchip so as well as havinga id number your vet can also take the dogs temperature just by scanning the microchip, much more comfortable for your pet and much more pleasant for your vet too.

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

Weimaraner The Dog

The Weimaraner (pronounced “Vie-mare-ron-er”) is a sleek looking, large dog. He stands between 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and weighs as much as 70 pounds. Weimaraners are strong, athletic Sporting dogs, covered in a smooth, short gray coat. In fact, even their eyes are gray. Gray is the most distinctive feature of this breed.
This dog has been around since at least the 17th century and surfaced in Germany. He was a prized hunter and water retriever, and has also been used as a rescue dog, police dog, and to aid disabled people. The Weimaraner has outstanding agility and high energy. He makes a wonderful companion for active families or individuals.
The Weimaraner has impeccable stamina and powerful muscles that need to be sufficiently exercised. He not only requires daily vigorous walks, but also plenty of opportunity to run free. Since he needs a good workout, the Weimaraner is not a good apartment dog. He can live comfortably in the city, but it is best for this dog to have a yard he can enjoy and use freely.
Another fact you should know about the Weimaraners high energy is he can easily knock down children as a puppy. That being said, this breed does get along well with children and enjoys playing with them. The Weimaraner can be reserved around strangers and aggressive towards other dogs if he is not socialized as a puppy. Furthermore, this breed does not mix well with small house pets (IE. rodents, birds, etc.).
Just as he requires socializing, he also needs effective obedience training. They are brave and devoted, but he can become overly protective of what he sees as his own territory. He can also be very stubborn and hard to control if his owner doesn’t step up and show him who is in charge.
The Weimaraner loves his family and will want to spend as much time with them as possible. This dog should not be left outdoors, nor should he be left alone more than is necessary. If you allow a Weimaraner to become lonely he will grow restless and destructive. Therefore, take him with you wherever you go. He loves to travel, and is a great camping buddy.
One of the more pleasing aspects about owning a Weimaraner is grooming is a breeze. This pooch only requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair and to distribute oils evenly through the coat to make it shine. Furthermore, his short coat sheds no more than the average dog.
You can expect the Weimaraner to live 10 – 12 years, which is the average life span of a large dog. The only health problems that appear to be a concern in the breed is hip dysplasia and bloat (a deadly condition that causes the stomach to twist). Bloat can be prevented in the dog by providing him an elevated feeder, giving him smaller meals during the day instead of one large one, and not exercising him directly after eating or drinking. Bloat is generally caused when a deep chested dog gulps down too much air.
Faithful, strong and affectionate, the Weimaraner remains a true companion to his family, all the days of his life.

Monday, 5 March 2007

My Weimaraner Bailey

Weimeraner "Silver Ghost", elegant, sleek, inteligent, loves to act the clown, stupid expressions, looks at you and can melt your heart.
Thats my weimaraner, makes me smile on a rainy day, full of mischeif and always ready to play, spends more time putting his treats back in his ball than getting them out then throws it at me to get them out when they are all sticky and soggy and stuck in the ball.