How to Train a Weimaraner to Come When Called
Weimaraners are intelligent, athletic dogs with boundless energy and a natural drive to please—qualities that make them excellent candidates for recall training. However, their fearless temperament and high energy levels mean they're easily distracted by sights, sounds, and activities that capture their attention. Teaching a reliable "come" command is essential for safety, especially given their tendency toward hyperactivity and destructive boredom when under-stimulated. Since Weimaraners thrive on purposeful work and connection with their owners, recall training becomes both a practical safety skill and an enriching bonding activity. With consistent, positive-reinforcement methods and plenty of physical exercise beforehand, most Weimaraners master this command quickly, transforming a potential liability into a trusted safety net.
Step-by-step
- 1
Tire them out first
Before any training session, give your Weimaraner at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. A tired dog has a calmer mind and better focus—critical for a high-energy breed prone to hyperactivity. A morning jog, fetch session, or running alongside a bike will help channel their boundless energy productively.
- 2
Start indoors with zero distractions
Begin in a quiet, confined space like a living room or hallway with no competing stimuli. Hold a high-value reward (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or special treats) and say your chosen command word like 'Come!' in an upbeat, happy tone. Immediately reward them the instant they respond, even if they were already close.
- 3
Build duration and distance gradually
Once they respond reliably indoors, increase the distance between you and gradually add light distractions (a toy on the floor). Practice multiple 2-3 minute sessions per day rather than one long session; Weimaraners stay more engaged with frequent, shorter bursts. Always end on success with genuine praise and play.
- 4
Introduce mild outdoor distractions
Move training to a securely fenced yard, starting at short distances and building distance again. Use a 15-20 foot training lead as a safety backup—Weimaraners' fearless nature means they may test boundaries. Practice recall at random times during yard play so they don't predict the command.
- 5
Never chase or correct after recall
Always make coming to you the best decision in their world. Never call them to do something unpleasant (like nail trimming) or scold them when they arrive. If they don't respond, stay calm, avoid chasing (which triggers their prey drive), and calmly approach or use the training lead to guide them.
- 6
Practice in new environments under controlled conditions
Once reliable in your yard, practice recall in new locations (parks, quiet trails) while using a long lead. Weimaraners are alert dogs who explore boldly, so real-world distractions will test your work. Keep sessions fun and celebratory so recall remains their favorite game, not an obligation.
Pro tips
- Exhaust them before training: A Weimaraner with 90 minutes of daily exercise will focus better and respond more eagerly. Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, scent games) combined with physical exercise reduces hyperactivity and destructive impulses that undermine training consistency.
- Make yourself more interesting than distractions: Weimaraners are alert and easily distracted, so inject genuine excitement into your voice and body language when calling them. Run away, clap, or suddenly produce a toy—anything to make coming to you the most rewarding option available.
- Practice 'place' training alongside recall: Since separation anxiety and counter-surfing are common Weimaraner challenges, teaching them to reliably go to a mat or bed provides an outlet for their energy and complements recall training by giving them a clear 'job.'
Frequently asked questions
My Weimaraner often ignores recall when distracted. What should I do?+
This is typical for a fearless, high-energy breed and signals you need to go back a step. Return to lower-distraction environments and always have a 15-20 foot long line as backup. Never punish; instead, make rewards MORE enticing and practice more frequently. Also ensure they're getting their 90 minutes of daily exercise—boredom often drives avoidance.
How often should I practice recall training?+
Aim for 3-5 short sessions per week (2-3 minutes each), plus casual practice throughout daily life. Given their energy levels and separation anxiety tendencies, frequent, structured practice also provides mental enrichment. Never make recall feel like a chore; keep it playful and sporadic so they always come willingly.
What's the best reward for a Weimaraner?+
Food rewards work well initially, but Weimaraners often value play and connection with their owner just as highly. Experiment with small high-value treats (chicken, cheese), enthusiastic praise, or a quick game of tug or fetch. Varying rewards prevents boredom—a key concern for this breed.
Should I use a long lead permanently?+
Use a long lead as a training tool and safety backup for at least 3-4 weeks or until recall is solid in multiple environments. Even reliable recalls can falter if a Weimaraner spots wildlife or another dog. Many owners continue using a long lead in open spaces as a precaution given the breed's fearless, alert nature.