Knowledge & Tips about improving your pooch’s behavior
Since the beginning of our journey together we’ve known we like to be with dogs, pat them, take care of them, give affection to them and receive it back. To name only a few things from our relationship with them. A lot of people are brave enough to admit they love their dogs way more than they love family members. It’s OK, don’t feel guilty if you’re one of these. You’re not alone. Not by a long shot.
This knowledge about appeasement and stress signals has been around for a while, although, I really don’t know why, professionals in the dog world don’t inform properly dog owners about them. And this is really important, both to avoid big unpleasant stuff and also to learn how to speak with your or any dog. Also because people misunderstand quite a lot signs like licking.
Even though we were absolutely sure it was the right thing to do, we were terribly scared about the surgery. General anaesthesia, to name one of the smallest worries, and then from the scarring process to medication, every point, we took care of our beloved dog. But we were so worried, we were asking the vet at every point of the recovery.
Having a dog involves certain level of physical exercise requirements. Depending on the dog’s breed, you may need to cater for 30 mins to maybe hours of daily exercise. With Vizslas, you qualify for owner of one of the most active and exercise required dogs, so please take this into account. They are not classified as big dogs, but their exercise needs are quite huge… think very well if you want to get into this breed, as they can get really frustrated and even destructive if their physical requirements are not met. I really mean it. I have witnessed what a frustrated Vizsla can do. And don’t even think that a big house or garden will do. Your puppy won’t be happy if he or she is not mentally and physically challenged.
Basic Training: First Steps
Every dog should know where boundaries are. Even the most spoilt ones should respect their owners and obey three basic commands: sit, stay and come here.
One of the biggest mistakes we owners do is the over use of words when working with dogs.
Commands have to be short, firm and simple, and need to have been learnt beforehand with a strong foundation. Less is more here.
Another basic and yet absolutely vital lesson your dog needs to master is how to sit and then how to lay down.
For early stages, you need treats as rewards.
To get your dog to sit down, it’s going to be a bit complicated at the beginning, but please do not get frustrated or desperate, this is hard for them and they need you to keep calm.
To Sterilize or not to sterilize. That’s the question
One of the biggest questions a dog’s owner has. To sterilize, spay, castrate, de-sex, neuter, are synonyms of taking away the possibility for your dog to reproduce.
To breed or not to breed.
For some responsible owners, this is a question that has been brought to the table at least once.