Really confused on what breed is right for me.

Well, Im done trying to explain myself. I see it has gotten me no where here, quickly. Thanks to all the people who "care" *rolls her eyes*
Cya!

I'm sorry you did not recieve the answer you wanted to hear from the people on this forum. I do hope you have better luck with your new puppy when ever you do get one. Please don't leave and keep posting this is a very nice forum.
 
We do get a little snippy at times with one another, but besides that we do like to help others out with any problems or give an encouraging hand.[]

I sincerely hope that you and your husband are both ready to make a lifetime commitment to a new dog.
 
I'd really rethink a weim tho....from everything I've heard and read about them they are VERY active dogs.....much more active than most really active people.

"so even though we were told from EVERYONE that puppies will not soil in the place they sleep, she did....and it wasnt just 1 night in her kennel, it was every night for 3 months solid."
 
Sigh. I hate housebreaking problems. Housebreaking is such a tedious, simple rocedure. For the sake of your next puppy, let us discuss this problem. Yes, puppies are born with an instinct to keep their den clean. However, if thoughtless humans force pups to soil where they sleep, that instinct is damaged. Pups obtained from pet stores are notorious for having such problems. Once a pup has this problem, housebreaking becomes much more difficult because you can't use the "cleanliness" instinct to help you (yet another reason to not buy from pet stores).   Once a pup has soiled in his crate, you know you can't confine him in a crate anymore. The first rule of housebreaking is that all accidents are the fault of the humans, and every accident you cause the pup to have will delay the housebreaking procedure. You can't use the "bring back in and confine in crate for 15 minutes" because he'll go in his crate, and you KNOW he'll go in his crate if he's done it before, so it's your fault if he does, and what are you teaching him? that pottying on bedding is ok. Don't blame the puppy. Best way to housebreak such a pup is the x-pen and tether method (works on all puppies as well as puppy mill products, by the way). When you're not at home or can't watch pup, pup is confined in an x-pen that is on a hard non-absorbent floor, and has a piddle pad or other absorbent surface in it for emergencies, placed as far as possible from the pup's bedding. Your goal is for the pup to never potty on the piddle pad, but life being what it is, sometimes it's unavoidable. Since piddle pads are very distinctive in appearance and smell, and are rarely found lying around in the home, teaching your pup that it's ok to potty on a piddle pad has few unpleasant consequences. Allowing your pup to develop a history of pottying on rugs, towels, dog beds, or slippers is another story entirely. When you're home, pup is attached to you by a leash so you can watch him like a hawk and get him outside if he ever even suggests a need to pee. Take pup out regularly no matter what-- every hour on the hour during the day, every three or four hours at night at first (yes, you will feel like a zombie for a few days; it's worth it. Better to work really hard at housebreaking for two weeks than not work hard at it and let it drag on for months). When you go out, walk up and down the potty area, being very boring, until pup potties. When he potties in the appropriate place, you throw a party. He gets praise, he gets treats, and NOW you play with him (all good things come to pups who potty in the appropriate place; pups who don't potty get nothing). Now, if he doesn't potty within a reasonable span of time, just calmly and boringly walk back inside and ignore pup, up on tether, until next time you go out.  If he does start to potty while next to you on his tether, say "uh oh" and scoop him up and rush out to the potty area. Make sure all accidents are completely cleaned up. Any dog you acquire, of any age, should be assumed to not be housebroken until proven otherwise. Dogs who have been in shelters may "forget". Every accident you allow these dogs to have will prolong the problem. Also keep in mind that puppies have very limited self-control.  A smart young puppy may actually grasp the idea of where to potty within a couple of days, but be unable to control the bladder/bowels well enough to avoid accidents. You have to help them by offering plenty of opportunities to potty in appropriate places. Some breeds seem particularly slow in learning to control their bodies. If you read up on dog breeds, they often mention this-- "slow to housebreak", "difficult to housebreak".

oh, and by the way, weims shed very heavily.

In all honesty, I would think you'd have a very hard time getting a dog from a responsible breeder or rescue because they'd be very leery about giving a dog to someone who was so quick to get rid of dogs who had "simple issues" and rightfully so. You are interested in a very high energy breed that even I, someone who very experienced when it comes to dogs, wouldn't take on. Before you get a dog, do a lot of research about different breeds and most definitely do research about raising a puppy. Another thing to consider is fostering a rescue puppy. You help train and raise a dog for a rescue group so it can have a higher chance of finding a forever home. This way, you can experience puppyhood and if you find you can't do it, the rescue group will take the dog back.

A Wiem manages to make a lab look like a wimpy dog.  They are strong, smart, drivin, and bullheaded when not showed how to behave.  We had one that my dad would tie to a tree outside on nice days with at thick thick chain,  and she would walk in the door beside him like nothing was there.  The chain snapped in two.  They are not for inexperienced dog owners.  They are certainly not for a person that has givin up the last two puppies she had because she couldn't get past potty training.  I'm sorry but you still have not told us why you got rid of the second puppy, so I am going to assume it was the same reason.  You say you have tried to explain yourself but you havent really.  You have recounted your story several times.  Every time differently.  The first time you said she only made it through the night twice in 3 months.  Then you say you took her out every hour ON THE hour.  For 3 months?  Doubt it.  Sorry but I just don't believe you.  I think you need to rethink the whole getting a dog thing.  The fact that you decided on what type of dog to get in one day was wierd, but a Weim?!  That's not an overnight decision!

The sad thing is that since the OP has been told several times that telling a breeder or rescue group that she's gotten rid of 2 puppies because of housebreaking issues is a huge red flag, she's just not going to mention it at all and some unsuspecting breeder/rescue will give her a dog.  I feel bad for the dog and I hope that when she decides to get rid of it, it will end up in a great home!

Sorry, but Mudpuppy is just telling like it is.

Just a question--based on the info given by the OP, how many of us, if we had a litter of pups we were fostering, would give a pup to the OP? I know I wouldn't.

I was just struck by the fact that the OP stated that she is looking for a" non-shedding, or minimal shedding dog, a dog who is mellow and easy to please", and she came up with........a Weimereiner? And this is AFTER she did some research? What kind of research is she doing? A Weim is the absolute opposite of what she is looking for.....any responsible breeder would have told her that, so she obviously hasn't talked to any good breeders. Good breeders don't try to convince you that their breed is right for you...You have to convince THEM that you are right for their breed.
 
I  was also struck by the fact that she "sold" the Westie. Westies aren't exactly a rare breed, an adult Westie with housebreaking problems, even an older puppy, I would think would be a give away. I certainly couldn't take money from someone who was kind enough to give a beloved pet of mine a good home, because I had to rehome her due to "unfortunate circumstances". That statement just struck me as strange.
 
Also, if the Westie came from a good breeder,the contract would have stipulated the dog be returned to her if something happened, not sold to another family who, after discovering the housebreaking issue, may just dump her at a shelter.
 
In the end, I think some people are simply going to do what they want, and come to a forum like this for validation of their choice. The OP wants a Weim, and was hoping to find encouragement here. She will no doubt find someone to sell her one. I suspect the Weim will make dealing with the "naughty" Chi look like a walk in the park.

Well, at the risk of being called tactless, too, I'll chime in.  If I were a breeder, I would be very leery of letting you take one of my pups.  Forgive me if I missed it, but I didn't read any comment of yours saying that you consulted with a trainer or behaviorist when you had housebreaking problems with your dog.  I also didn't see that you asked for any advice here on that aspect of dog ownership.
You may have had a lot of dogs in the past, but IMO, you are not a savvy owner if you reject dogs repeatedly for issues that have more to do with your inability to train than their inability to learn.  The classic red flag was when you said your pup would stand outside, not pee, then pee when you let her back in the house.  Usually, that's a sign that the human has scolded the dog for pee'ing inside.  All that usually accomplishes is a dog that fears urinating in front of the human.  If you didn't do that, I apologize, but your statement is so familiar in cases like that.
At any rate, most people who give Weims up do so because the dog is waayyyyy too active for them.  These are dogs that need lots of physical activity, so if you can't spend any more time exercising a dog than you did trying to housebreak one, probably not the dog for you.
 

Oh, here a rundown on Weims...it's all here; shedding, housebreaking issues, etc...
This is from [linkhttp://www.yourpurbredpuppy.com]www.yourpurbredpuppy.com[/link]
 
 









Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...





[font=arial][size=2]If you want a dog who...

• Is large, sleek-coated, and tautly-muscled, a true athlete bred to hunt all day
  
• Is unusual-looking, with a ghostly gray/silver coat and eerie light eyes
  
• Is packed with energy and thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
  
• In the right hands, is a loyal, aristocratic gentleman of great presence and character
  
• Is watchful with strangers, so makes a keen watchdog
  
• Looks powerful and imposing, so also makes an effective physical deterrent

A Weimaraner may be right for you.






If you don't want to deal with...

• Vigorous exercise requirements
  
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
  
• "Separation anxiety" (massive destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
  
• Suspiciousness, aggression, or skittishness toward strangers when not socialized enough
  
• Aggression toward other animals
  
• Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
  
• Shedding
  
• Barking
  
• Slowness to housebreak
  
• Health problems

A Weimaraner may not be right for you.






If I were considering a Weimaraner...
My major concerns would be:

1. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Weimaraners MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and massive destructive chewing. Bored Weimaraners are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
   
   
   
   
   
   If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking, or to get involved in hunting, or advanced obedience, or tracking, or agility (obstacle course), or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Trying to suppress their "hardwired" desire to run and work, without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level, can be difficult.
   
   
2. Bounciness. Young Weimaraners (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
   
   
   
   
   
   If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Weimaraner puppies. The temptation to bounce and play roughly is just too strong in many young Weimaraners.
   
   
3. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Weimaraners need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
   
   
4. Animal aggression. Many Weimaraners are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including livestock and wildlife such as deer. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
   
   
5. The strong temperament. Weimaraners are not Golden Retrievers. The best Weimaraners are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They are easily distracted by exciting sights, sounds, and scents. They can be manipulative, and some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
   
   
   
   
   
   To teach your Weimaraner to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My [linkhttp://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/weimaraners.html]Weimaraner Training Page[/link] discusses the program you need.
   
   
6. Shedding. For such a shorthaired dog, Weimaraners shed more than you might think. Their short coarse hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.
   
   
7. Barking. Weimaraners are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, Weimaraners are not a good choice for you. For the same reason, Weimaraners should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised.
   
   
8. Housebreaking. The pointing breeds can be a bit slow to pick this up. Expect several months of consistent crate training.
   
   
9. Health problems. Weimaraners are extremely prone to a life-threatening digestive syndrome called bloat. Joint and bone problems, eye diseases, bleeding disorders, and cancer also make this breed risky in the health department.

[/size][/font]


 

Christina, nor would I.

Yes, a lot of you are being very rough and tactless.  You all have great advice to give but give it in such a horrible manner that nobody is going to listen and the dogs won't get the help they need. 
 
Just because something seems painfully obvious to you and "simple" it may not be to someone else. 
 
I wish we would just give our advice and leave out the attacks and assumptions.  Maybe we would of talked her out of the Weim, but with this manner, probably not. 

I agree, with all due respect, that much is gained by being fair and frank with a kind tone.  No disagreement there.   I believe positive change is brought by positive influence or re-direction.  Having said that, I also know that negative people like to be positively affirmed because they need assurances that what actions they take are Ok. 
 
Without apologies, I err on the side that I make someone uncomfortable with some decisions that I just can't agree with....such as taking a third dog in within a year because the first two were too hard to train. It is what makes me very sad.  I am not compelled to express my uneasiness out of anger, but rather great angst for the weim who wanted none of this.
 
Sincerely...