NZVizsla

Tiggy, you got me thinking; I train to a fairly high standard (compared to the average dog owner), and I often wonder WHY I put myself through so much stress. Yes it would be great to get some titles, but why? What am I trying to prove? and to who? I suppose at the end of the day I find the more I train, the more problems and difficulties I come across, and when I fix them I find my bond with the dogs to become even more intense, which is very gratifying. But what makes everyone train and compete at a competitive level? what gives you the fire in your belly? I'd love to know.

Ptolomy, just out of interest, would you say that Tollers exercise and training requirements are higher than that of Vizslas?

Nope, no way.

Was Maizy resource guarding the chair? It's really important to find out what's making her react that way. If it is resource guarding, then that is difficult, as she can pick and choose what she chooses to guard and you'll never really know what she's decided is important to her, until she attacks your Pom. You poor thing, dog fights are scary and you kind of feel sick for days. I hope your parents see how serious this is and get in someone to assess the situation. Because even if you decide to never let them be together ever again, things go wrong - doors open, crates break, holes are dug etc, it is a lot stress and work.

Still thinking of you Jed. We miss you.

It isn't so much that they "say the right things", it is more that they are open to learning "the right things". We all have to start somewhere.

Hi Ptolemly I definitely need to get this right. He's either going to be a Service Dog or a Competition dog. My big problem is that I can't do lots of walking around the house holding his collar whilst he holds the dumbell. Sp I sort of thought this could be a good way to go! I think I'll use a bumper for back-end awareness, and just use the dumbell for retrieves and presents. Another quick question.. He's taking,holding, presenting well. But he still needs a lot of convincing to pick it off from the floor. His mind kind of freezes.. and until I pick it up an 1" or 2" higher, he will resist it in a very passive (bordering on pathetic!) kind of way. Any tips??

Happy Birthday!!!

Quick question.. :D So my young Vizsla boy is in training. He's learning the dumbell and is now getting used to holding it in motion. Due to my own crap health problems I can't always do too much movement stuff, so I thought I'd pick your brains a little. He's just learnt to stand on a foot stool with his two front feet and walk around it with his back feet. He really enjoys it, and it is easy for me to be hands on or off. Do you think it would be okay if I let him hold the dumbell whilst he walks around the foot stool? I could easily hold his collar under his chin if his head starts to droop.. So good idea? bad idea?

Don't know what to say. Beyond heart-breaking. Jed, I have been thinking about you ever since I heard of your tragedy. Words aren't enough to say how sad I am for you. Your a strong and determined woman, and if anyone can survive this Hell, by all accounts it's you.

Huski, I experienced a similar situation with my older Vizsla. I got told I was ruining him as I was pushing him too fast, and that when we did trial he'd be so depressed it wouldn't be worth it!! Many club members/trainers don't like someone doing things outside the norm, and they may have found you too confident with what your doing, so had to knock you down a peg or two. That's what I found. I don't do clubs anymore - I have private consults. Keep up with the awesome work!!

Yep, like ValleyCBR. It'll be five years before I even think about another dog. My youngest is eight months and he really requires a lot of work in order for him to be where I want him. So we've got a long training road to go on. Pups don't stay pups for long, and soon you will have three young adult dogs. I guess it depends on where your priorities lie, and how your lifestyle will support a third.

Probably will stick with the Vizslas now, but: 1. Pointers 2. Irish Setter 3. GSP 4. Brittany 5. Bracco Italiano 6. Wire-haired Vizsla 7. Flat-Coat Retriever 8. Labrador -MAYBE 9. Golden Retriever -MAYBE 10. Spinone In no specific order..

I've found that Vizslas have just as demanding mental and emotional needs as they do physical. Like Monah said earlier, they're cling-ons. They bond very intensely and have a strong desire to please. My Vizzies find isolation from me harder, then missing out on a highly desired walk.

I'll echo Monah and Poodlefan's thoughts.. Poodle! A Min has the potential to be a great match for your family. Otherwise a Cavalier King Charles. Lovely little dogs!

I wouldn't recommend a Vizsla for a first time dog owner. Like all breeds, with an individual dog and a individual person, it could be done, but I really wouldn't recommend it myself. And in this situation - no. They are incredibly high energy, both mentally and physically. Maybe a Smooth haired Collie if you amp up the exercise requirements. Otherwise a Greyhound if you want a 'lounge lizard'.

Hi Fran, My boys are the opposite; I constantly have to separate them to prevent them from getting separation anxiety, as the bond is so intense. So be glad for that! I love my boys, but am now realising what a good bitch is and how nice it is to have them. They definitely keep your ego on the down-low From a training perspective I'd work on getting her to crave and enjoy your company. You've got to be more exciting than a Lab puppy, or rather a Lab puppy's butt, that's high you have to be valued. Whenever she is having fun with you, stop it abruptly and leave her wanting more. :p

Hiya, Can anyone recommend a good online company that stocks long lines? Ideally in Australia due to the postage. Thanks!

When I was eleven I got my first dog. I had been campaigning for about five years and was beyond desparate for one! (I did a paper run for five years, getting $17.50 a week, and never touched a cent of it!) I really wanted a smooth haired Dachshund, but when the green light came on it was impossible to wait for a bitch to get pregnant. So I bought a GSD X Corgi! A Shepherd with very short legs.. My parents dropt me off at the Vets for puppy pre-school, then dropt me off to dog obedience class (which lasted for years), I did all the feeding, grooming, walking.. everything! And she didn't like me! She was very dominant and 'bitchy' and even my Vet at the time was disappointed with her. My dad didn't live with me, but he saw us regularly, and me and the dog would go to his house to stay on the weekends. Said dog fell in love with him on day dot..she'd skip food, walks, cuddles etc to be with him if made to choose. And my dad wasn't authorative with her - never told her off, never asked her to sit/down or be respectful.. I did all that. :D My eldest Vizsla is a one person dog for sure. He is polite to everyone, but his sole attention is on me and me only. I think they choose. I had a horse that I just didn't click with and fought for years to forge a strong bond, but it just didn't work.

There are plenty of other dog forums around, so rather then complaining about this very popular one, why don't you go elsewhere? ('you' said loosely ) I was a member of a big independant dog forum a few years back, similar to this one actually, but a big corporation bought the domain and it all went crap from there. They brought in dozens of moderators ( some didn't even own or like dogs), and no one could disagree or get into any form of debate without being banned. Where is the fun and education in that?? Just treat everyone with respect, whether you agree or disagree on whatever has been said.

What about a Sweedish Vallhund? The ones I've met all seemed to fit your criteria. I really like them.

Outside. Finn's a young dog, do you want to have to do this for the rest of your life? There are some barking devices on Trade Me that you place inside or outside, and whenever the dog barks it lets off a high pitch squeal to deter them from barking. Apparently these work. So maybe try this? and test it out on the weekend? as well as check fences etc. I really think dogs should be outside during the day, where possible. :D

The Old English that I've met and looked after have all been pretty high energy. I don't know if your into the gundogs, but maybe a Flat Coated Retriever with a quieter disposition would work?

Pleeeeasse start a Brittany thread!

Mine ended in tears. My cat was missing and two communicators were consulted, both said he was alive and well, but that he was 'punishing' me for being away (I was in hospital). My cat was actually dead, and found a few days later. I will never do it again.