Vizsla questions...

[RoSEbuds6]

Hi there,
We are getting our puppy in mid June, and I have some breed specific questions:
I have heard they are Velcro dogs, and DH and I will be at home all the time so that shouldn't be a issue, but we might want to go to the cinema some times. Can they be left alone at all? I have a dog walker lined up if we need to go out for the day, but not sure if a few hours in the evening would be ok.
What's the best way to prepare them for being left?
Do you have your dog sleeping with you or on their own? I'm happy to either really, whatever is best for the dog...
We have lots of nice local walks lined up, woods, parks, rivers, beaches, so hopefully puppy will be well exercise and relaxed!
Thanks in advance.

Have you ever had a dog before?

Vizslas are beautiful but they are working dogs so they'll need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

As for Velcro dogs - my cousin has one and the first time she left it alone, it ate her couch. The second time, it ate its way through a king-sized mattress she's five now and much calmer but she still dislikes being left.

Most adult dogs should be fine alone for a few hours but there are some that aren't so it may be worth looking at local dog sitters or seeing if friends or family can help you out too.

Sleeping arrangements - it's totally up to you, but vizslas are big and they'll take up a lot of space. Our beagle sleeps in our bed and he takes up enough room as it is

Oh dear, maybe we won't go to the pictures then! No film is worth my bed!
Yes I have always had dogs, but mostly terriers. I shared a house with a friend with who had a Weimaraner for 3 years and he was a wonderful dog.

I’d crate train it. Let it sleep in the crate and rest in there during the day. Leave it alone for periods during the day and it should get used to it.

I think if you work on separation anxiety from day one and get him used to being alone, you should be okay, but be prepared to put a lot of work into it.

Breeds like vizslas (and my own breed, beagles) have been bred as working dogs and many lived in kennels in packs/groups so they're used to having company, so it's really important to get them used to being alone from day one.

My own beagle really struggles with separation - I can leave him but not for long. However, my in-laws love him and will happily have him for a few hours if we want to go out etc.

Yes, that is my plan @sunflowersandbuttercups. The wiemeraner I mentioned used to get really distressed when my friend went away and ended up sleeping with me. I don't want that level of upset for my baby pup so want to start off on the right foot from day 1.
We'll be seeing the breeder in a weeks time so will speak to her about it, as she knows the mum's temperament and what has worked for her.

@JayAlfredPrufrock re crate training, I work in dining room and we hang out in living room, sleep in bedrooms (obvs!) where do I put the Crate? Kitchen too small really.

Crate training is best. Vizslas are vey lively with tails like whips!. My DD has one, he’s beautiful but quite high maintenance. Has a hour walk minimum every day, more at the weekend. They’ve converted the under stairs cupboard into his own space. It has a crate in there with his bed, and a stair gate over the door (the door is always open). He sleeps in there at night and likes to escape there at times during the day. He’s ok being left for a couple of hours in the evening if he’s had a good walk.

Hmmm. Not sure. Probably the living room. There is a great Facebook group that has loads of advice.

Dog Training Advice and Support.

Thanks @JayAlfredPrufrock I’m on that group already but thought the Velcro thing might make a difference.
@Soontobe60 nice idea for an under stairs room

Thank you 🙏

If you are used to Weimaraners then a Viszla is very similar, but less bloody minded and more biddable and a bit whingier.

If you are used to Weimaraners then a Viszla is very similar, but less bloody minded and more biddable and a bit whinier.
In my experience of both breeds, spot on.

Definitely have a chat with the breeder about how she manages her dogs and how long she leaves them alone. I have lived with a vizsla cross who could be left alone quite happily, having been taught to be alone from puppyhood.

The hunt-point-retrieve breeds in general have very busy minds and they like structure and clarity in their lives. They thrive when they have things to do and know what to expect from you and what you expect from them. Give them no boundaries and minimal training, and they will dig up your sofa. Provide a daily training session (needn't be long, 15-20 minutes will do it) involving heel work on the way there and the way back, some sit-stays, some nicely structured recall (call the dog in to sit in front of you, then lure it round to your side, and then reward. for example) and a spot of retrieving or trick training, and your dog is going to have to think a bit, and will start to watch you and respond to you, and your bond will also be strengthened, which should make both you and the dog happy.

A happy dog is a confident dog, and a confident dog should be chilled about being left. And with luck your sofa will be happy too