vizsla hunting dog

[jbk]

So i just got a vizsla for a gun dog. More for retrieving than pointing (i know its a pointer). I pick him up next week. Anyone with training advice and tips please tell. Any advice is appreciated.

[tnlrat37]

My buddy picked one up last year, they are very active and need to be exercised a lot. He doesn't use his for hunting which seems like a waste, especially for what he paid for it, but he's happy with it

[Citadelgrad87]

We had a Weimaraner. Same deal but grey instead of red like a viszla.

Super high energy dogs.

Like dig a four foot deep hole just to see what the sprinkler system looks like without a lawn over it.

Also very smart.

Good luck.

[jbk]

My buddy picked one up last year, they are very active and need to be exercised a lot. He doesn't use his for hunting which seems like a waste, especially for what he paid for it, but he's happy with it

Yea he wasnt cheap, but me and the breeder worked a trade for welding and fab work. I was very happy i chose welding for a career

[MJB]

Some need a soft hand and get him in the water ASAP

Join your local NAVHDA and start training with them

[napahunter]

We show, and bread vizslas. Also hunt with them. If you have any questions, give me a yell. Who are you getting one from. My wife knows most everyone in the vizsla breading community all over the nation.

[jbk]

Some need a soft hand and get him in the water ASAP

Join your local NAVHDA and start training with them

The breeder mentioned this to me, im gunna have to check that out. Thanks

[jbk]

We show, and bread vizslas. Also hunt with them. If you have any questions, give me a yell. Who are you getting one from. My wife knows most everyone in the vizsla breading community all over the nation.

Pm sent

[zerohour714]

Very cool! Post some pics when you get your pup!

[BigPimping]

My neighbor had one. Very smart and elegant dog indeed.

[beardog308]

They need a lot of exercise. I mountainbike mine. He's good for up to 15 miles. Sometimes I let him out on a fireroad and let him pace the Jeep at 15mph for 15 minutes. Mine's in grey.

[beardog308]

He thinks he's a goat and will climb anything, like this tailing pile down the street from the house.

[ECO]

Like others have said use soft training methods. Screaming, yelling, and a heavy hand will shut 95% of these dogs down quick. Going off what you said about using your pup for retrieving I'm going to assume you're used to retriever breeds; this will probably be a whole new ballgame in terms of training. Most Vizsla's don't bounce back from a heavy hand/yelling like a lab or Chessie will. Also keep in mind that they don't have an undercoat like most other gundogs so they really aren't cut out for lots of cold water retrieves. They are incredibly intelligent (even compared to other gun dog breeds) and can be pretty "willful" which can make training a challenge. Assuming you have a reputable breeder definitely pick their brains as that will be invaluable. Most Vizsla's are pretty slow to mature so try not to ask too much of them before they are ready for it. A lab can be an adult at 18 months, V's seem to really come into their own at 2-4 years. Maybe also keep in mind that they want to be with you (more like ON you) 24/7 and they really aren't cut out to be a "yard dog" or a dog that can be left alone for long periods of time. Separating them from you and the family (if you have one) is a recipe for neurotic behavior and some major issues. Seems like you have some great resources on here and through your breeder. Good luck they are awesome, awesome dogs and I wouldn't want any other breed (and this is after having spaniels and multiple shorthairs). Enjoy your pup!

[jbk]

Like others have said use soft training methods. Screaming, yelling, and a heavy hand will shut 95% of these dogs down quick. Going off what you said about using your pup for retrieving I'm going to assume you're used to retriever breeds; this will probably be a whole new ballgame in terms of training. Most Vizsla's don't bounce back from a heavy hand/yelling like a lab or Chessie will. Also keep in mind that they don't have an undercoat like most other gundogs so they really aren't cut out for lots of cold water retrieves. They are incredibly intelligent (even compared to other gun dog breeds) and can be pretty "willful" which can make training a challenge. Assuming you have a reputable breeder definitely pick their brains as that will be invaluable. Most Vizsla's are pretty slow to mature so try not to ask too much of them before they are ready for it. A lab can be an adult at 18 months, V's seem to really come into their own at 2-4 years. Maybe also keep in mind that they want to be with you (more like ON you) 24/7 and they really aren't cut out to be a "yard dog" or a dog that can be left alone for long periods of time. Separating them from you and the family (if you have one) is a recipe for neurotic behavior and some major issues. Seems like you have some great resources on here and through your breeder. Good luck they are awesome, awesome dogs and I wouldn't want any other breed (and this is after having spaniels and multiple shorthairs). Enjoy your pup!

Thanks for all the info. I have never trained any bird dog,so this will be my first experience like this. I have hunted over labs and chessies.
When i decided i wanted a gun dog i wanted a lab, my wife was the one who told me to look at vizsla. She has been a vet tech for 20 years, put me in contact with a few of her clients with vizslas. Everyone spoke highly of them. I was warned about their coats. I was told few cold water retrieves and to look in to a neoprene vest for him. Lol, we purchased the vest before we even looked at a dog.
Our animals are definatally part of the family. Like i said my wife has been a vet tech for 20 years. She treats the animals like her kids. We have a great dane now. Who is a 150 lbs lap dog. He also deciceds he doesnt like his bed at about 4 or 5 a.m. every morning so i wake up to him getting comfy next to my wife every morning. Anyway the dog will not be a yard dog.
I tried to upload a pic for yall, but i cant get it to upload for nothing.
Please keep great info coming. Thanks guys

[ECO]

Sounds like the pup will have a great home with you guys! Since this is your first time training a bird dog following a program may be helpful for both you and the dog. There are a few really good programs out there like Perfect Start or Huntsmith, among others. Also really look into "force-fetch" especially since you are focusing on the retrieving aspect (which isn't all that strong in some of the poorer Vizsla lines. Not to say that yours is from bad lines!). Have fun with your pup! It's a ton of work to do it right but absolutely worth every minute!