Activities For Wirehaired Vizslas

1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

Hailing from Hungary, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a hunting dog that has become more of a family companion over the years. This dog adapts well to a number of situations, and their level-headed attitude makes them a steadfast companion. The Wirehaired Vizsla is generally quite active, but, kept indoors, the breed can become a bit of a couch potato. The breed requires at least forty-five minutes of daily activity. While daily walks will help to provide some exercise, hone in on this hunter's innate desire to smell and to hunt prey. Swimming is also a great activity for the Wirehaired Vizsla.

Learn to Swim

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Doggy Life vest
Activity description
What better way to spend a hot, sunny day than in the pool with your Wirehaired Vizsla? Although the Vizsla was developed to be an apt swimmer should the hunt present the need to hop in the water to pursue prey, one should not take for granted that their dog will automatically know how to swim. You should work with them just as you would a small child learning to swim. Outfit your dog with a swim vest, and plan to spend some time teaching the basics to your furry friend. It won't be long before Fido has the technique down "swimmingly."
Step
1
Training is important
Although the Wirehaired Vizsla is a natural swimmer, they will still benefit from some swim training. First, you'll need to familiarize them with the water. The time necessary for completing this part of the training depends solely on your dog. Start in shallow water so that your Wirehaired Vizsla can touch the bottom. Enter the water, then throw in a favorite toy and encourage your dog to go after it. If your dog takes to the water naturally, then you can proceed to the next step.
Step
2
Begin slowly
With your Wirehaired Vizsla in a life vest, enter a deeper part of the pool, while staying in the shallow end. Place your arms under the belly of the dog just as you would with a child learning to swim. Encourage them to use their paws or "dog paddle" while you support your dog. At this point, you'll need to make sure that your dog is using their back legs as well.
Step
3
Supervised practice
Once you notice that your Wirehaired Vizsla dog is using both their front paws and their back legs to swim, then you can slowly remove your arms from under the dog's belly. Stay close, though. Also, keep the swim vest on until your dog has become a seasoned swimmer. Never allow your dog to enter the water without supervision.

Mental Activities

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
60 min
Items needed
treats as a reward
Activity description
The Wirehaired Vizsla is one of the most energetic dog breeds around. However, this does not mean that the Vizsla will only be worn down by physical activity. Rather, this clever canine enjoys both mental and physical activity. This is especially important if you live in a climate where it is cold often or the weather is just disagreeable for days on end. The Wirehaired Vizsla can become bored and destructive if you do not provide them with activities that wear them down. Most of these activities cost very little, and they can be performed at your leisure.
Step
1
Hide and seek
One great way to get your Vizsla moving while working their mind at the same time is to hide treats around the home and encourage your dog to find them. You'll need to teach the dog to play, but once they understand the rules, you can leave treats in rather inconspicuous places and allow Fido to find them.
Step
2
Food puzzle toys
If you are going to be away for some time or have chores to do around the house, you can invest in a food puzzle toy. Your furry friend may spend hours tossing, shaking, and gnawing at the food puzzle toy in order to get the treats to come out of the toy. This is an especially good activity for the Vizsla that has to be left home alone for long stretches of time. Before leaving them alone with the toy, try it out a few times while you are present. You want to make sure that the food puzzle toy is indestructible, and that your pup cannot ingest any of the toy when you are not around.
Step
3
Learn a trick or two
The Wirehaired Vizsla is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This means that they learn commands and tricks easily. You can spend at least thirty minutes a day working on learning tricks. Consider teaching your Vizsla how to shake, lie down, or roll over. Your furry pal will learn quickly, and they will be ready to move on to a new trick.

Outdoor Fun

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
60 min
Items needed
doggy disc
leash
tennis ball
water
Activity description
To be certain, the best way to provide activity for your WIrehaired Vizsla is to bring them outdoors and engage a number of fun activities. While walking is the best activity for your dog, the Wirehaired Vizsla is built for stamina. This means that they won't tire out easily.  Many owners state they often resort to lengthy hikes with the Wirehaired Vizsla in tow. Others enjoy taking the Wirehaired Vizsla on a long run. Some will just run around a large backyard to give the Vizsla ample exercise. In fact, you may want to alternate lengthy walks and a run in order to keep your Wirehaired Vizsla happy and healthy.
Step
1
Walking and hiking
Do you enjoy long walks? The Wirehaired Vizsla does as well! One great way to work the breed's high energy level is to get them walking with you. You might want to take a stroll in the neighborhood, or you might walk around the perimeter of a large backyard. Another option is to go on a hike through a forested area. At least an hour of walking is recommended to keep the Vizsla happy and healthy.
Step
2
Go for a run
Because the Wirehaired Vizsla is a dog with high endurance, this breed is the perfect choice for accompanying you on a run. Whether you run in the city park, or out in running trails off the beaten path, the Wirehaired Vizsla will be the perfect running companion. Be sure to have plenty of water so that your pooch doesn't get too dehydrated.
Step
3
Backyard fun
The high-energy Wirehaired Vizsla loves engaging in backyard play. You can count on this breed to do most anything with you. Play Frisbee with a doggy disc (the doggy disc doesn't hurt the dog's mouth in the way a regular Frisbee might). Play fetch with a tennis ball. Grab a flirt pole and engage in a game of chase. Use your imagination for the most fun.

More Fun Ideas...

One-on-One Training

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a hunter at heart. They are very tuned into their masters, and they are more than happy to follow the lead of their owners. The Vizsla enjoys one-on-one training, whether you are working on tricks or common commands.

Scent Trials

This hunting dog will enjoy participating in scent trials. Check out your local dog club or the AKC website for more information and put your Vizsla's keen nose to work!

Conclusion

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a delightful, energetic breed. To prevent boredom and mischief, owners should devote thirty minutes to an hour daily to mental and physical stimulation. You will be wise to remember that the Wirehaired Vizsla was developed to have great endurance. You may decide to teach Fido a few tricks or to ride in the car without anxiety. Regardless, they will enjoy any time you decide to spend with them.