You work hard all week, living for the weekend. Because you know when the weekend comes, you’ll be head to toe in camouflage as you go out on a hunting expedition. You love everything about it. The excitement, the uncertainty, and the challenge. However, there is one part you’re not such a fan of, and that’s returning home empty-handed. Fortunately, you may have a solution.
You’ve now got a Weimaraner in your home. This big dog was once used specifically to hunt large game, so you know hunting is in their blood. If you can train your Weimaraner to track and point, then locating and bringing down your prey may be much easier.
Training a Weimaraner to point will hopefully help you achieve the primary goal of success on those early morning hunting trips. It will also help to teach Leo a range of useful commands. Then there’s the simple fact that training will be a great way for you both to bond.
As you can probably imagine, training a Weimaraner to point is no easy feat. These large dogs require a regimented, effective training plan. You will first need to get your dog familiar with the sight and smell of her prey. You will then need to train her to respond to a whistle and certain commands. You’ll need to drill into her to point when she locates the prey. All of this will require patience and a tasty incentive.
If Lucy is a puppy, then you could see results in just a month or so. This is because she will be a fast learner and keen to please her owner. But if your Weimaraner is older and she prefers spending her days lying by the fire, then you may need a number of months before you see consistent results. Persevere with training and you will be rewarded handsomely as you head home with game slung over your shoulder.
You can’t start training until you’ve gathered a few items. Firstly, you’ll need a decent stockpile of treats or your dog's favorite food broken into small pieces. You will also need some decoy toys and scent spray. A launcher and a friend will also be needed.
Set aside around forty-five minutes several times a week for training. Note that the more frequently you train, the sooner you may see results. You will need a large yard or local fields to practice in.
Once you have all of the above, just bring patience and a proactive attitude. Only then can work begin!