Activities For Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas

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Introduction

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are a medium to large-sized breed with dense wiry coat and shaggy eyebrows and beards. The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is a close cousin to the Vizsla but is its own breed; they are a very high energy breed and require a lot of exercise each day to keep them healthy and happy. They are very people oriented and prefer to spend their time hanging out with their owners doing various activities. The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is best suited for an active household and will excel with a family that loves to be outdoors hiking, jogging, or playing games. These dogs do have an excessively high prey drive, therefore, they should be leashed when outside their fenced yards. 

Running

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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Treats
Clean Up Bags
Activity description
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla loves to run, therefore, going for a morning or evening run with them is the best way to give them enough exercise to keep them from becoming an absolute nuisance at home. It is, of course, always more fun to go for a run in cool, sunny weather; however, expect your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla to be ready to run in any type of weather. Do not allow your dog or you to become overtired or injured by running too long or too fast. Taking a run through the neighborhood is free and if you are athletic should be relatively easy for you.

Step
1
Stretch
While your dog does not necessarily need to stretch their muscles before they run, you do need to do a little stretching. Then, start out slow to allow your dog time to warm up and find their stride. Once you and your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla have warmed up, it is time to rev up your engine and take off.
Step
2
Take a run
Have your route already mapped out so you can safely run with your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Do not simply run helter-skelter as fast as you can, pace yourself and enjoy the time you are spending with your dog. Keep your dog on a leash during your run and pay attention to any cues they may give you to signal they have injured themselves. When running over different terrains, it is easy for your dog to step on debris or pull a muscle; therefore, pay attention to them while running.
Step
3
Cool down
After running, you and your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will be hot and tired; but do not simply stop running and go sit down. This can cause your muscles and possibly your dog’s muscles to seize up and be painful. Once you get close to home, slow your running to a fast walk and then to a slow walk. After reaching home, offer your dog a drink of fresh water, but do not let them drink too quickly; this can make them throw up.
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Field Trials

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Any Day
Expensive
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Collar and Leash
GPS Tracker (optional)
Treats
Decoys
Activity description
Sporting breeds such as the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will excel in field trials. However, not every dog owner will be keen on hunting and training for field trials. There are several dog clubs across the United States that offer field trials for hunting and sporting dogs. Look for a dog club close to home so you can learn what is expected of you and your dog during these field trials. It can be an expensive past time, especially if you have to travel to the various field trials in your region. If you are planning on becoming a serious competitor in field trials, you will want to invest in a GPS system for your dog’s collar to track them through the courses. Your dog must be solid on their recall and have a softer mouth so they do not mutilate the decoy or prey.
Step
1
Learn recall
Before your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla can be turned loose in the field for a trial they must have a solid understanding of recall. Many times your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will be working out of your sight and you must be able to call them back to you at any time while in the field. Even with a GPS tracking device on their collar, they still have to return back to you and leave the excitement of the hunt.
Step
2
Introduce the gun
Most dogs will be nervous the first few times they hear a gun fired in their presence. Hunting dogs cannot startle when they have a gun fired over their head or even near them. Therefore, you will want to keep your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla leashed while they are being introduced to the sound of a gun being fired. The best way to introduce them to the sounds is to visit a field trial without being entered and keep them leashed near you while they take in the sounds and excitement of the hunt.
Step
3
Introduce the decoys
Decoys are used in most field trials instead of live prey. Prior to participating in an actual field trial, your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will need to be introduced to the decoys. You can purchase your own decoys and work with your dog so they understand they are searching for the decoy and not live prey. Once your dog is comfortable with finding the decoys consistently, you will be ready for your first field trial.
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Tetherball

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Tether pole
Ball
Treats
Open area
Activity description

Tetherball is a classic game that even dogs can enjoy. It is easy to set up and your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will spend hours out in the yard enjoying a spirited game of tetherball. You will want to set up the tetherball pit in an open area away from fencing or trees. Of course, the most ideal weather for your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla to play tetherball is sunny and cool or even overcast and a little warm. Rainy weather would not be the best weather, but your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will probably want to play no matter the type of weather. Even though your dog has a high energy level, you should not let them play for long periods of time without taking breaks. 

Step
1
Set up the pit
You can purchase a tetherball kit or you can make your own. Once you have your tetherball kit ready to install, scout out the yard and look for an area that is clear of any obstacles your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla could run into and possibly cause injury. Test the range of motion of the tether pole and make sure the area is clear and does not come close to a fence, tree, or other immovable object.
Step
2
Demonstrate
Once the tetherball pit is set up, introduce the new contraption to your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. They may be a bit skeptical about the game. If they seem unsure, take several minutes and play a game with them. Hit the ball and let it bounce around the pole. Once your dog bumps the ball, praise them and give them a treat. Keep them moving and make sure the game is upbeat and fun for them.
Step
3
Watch them play
As a dog owner; you will find a lot of pleasure in simply watching them play with their new toy. Pull out your phone and snap a few photos of your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla playing tetherball. Post them on your social media accounts so your friends can see how much fun a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla can be in the home. Tetherball can be played alone, with other dogs, or even with humans.
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More Fun Ideas...

Swimming

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is an adept swimmer and enjoys spending time in the pool, lake, or pond. When you first introduce your dog to the water, do so slowly to ensure they are comfortable with being submerged and make sure you put them in a canine life vest. Once your dog has learned how to swim, you can spend time swimming with your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla on hot summer days. 

Conformation Shows

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has been accepted by several dog clubs and people are seeing more and more of them in the conformation ring. Your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla will enjoy strutting around the ring and preening before the judge. Your dog can earn ribbons and championships when competing in conformation and it is a good way for you to bond together as you travel to the various shows.

Conclusion

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is not an overly popular breed, but those who have added one to their family know it takes an active family to keep them from becoming hyperactive and destructive. There are so many different activities you can do with your Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla to keep them moving and expel much of their energy. Take the time to research the different activities and ask your breeder for advice. You can also learn from other Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla owners on the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America’s website. Even the Vizsla Club of America’s website may offer some ideas since both breeds have very similar activity levels.