Comments on: Mentally stimulate a vizsla?

By: Memphis Belle

Memphis Belle — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:18:21 +0000

It depends how old the dog is.

A young dog from 3 months to around 18 months old, cannot take part in impact exercise, but obedience advanced obedience is a great way to make a dog work hard mentally prevent is from festering.

Over 18 months it would depend on the drives/temperament of the dog what you want to have the time to teach it. A dogs success depends very much on the quality of the training it receives.

You may be able to try tracking, agility, fly ball, working trials, jogging, taking your dog swimming {great exercise}. Try a range of activities see which one suits both of you.

By: Weimaraner Mom

Weimaraner Mom — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:48:42 +0000

Training mentally stimulates all dogs. Take your dogs natural instincts and find ways to use that instinct in a game. I’m assuming viszlas like weims are hunting dogs so I play games of hide and go seek with my dog. When on walks off leash I hide and she will find me, inside I have my niece hide and she will seek her and I also hide toys for her to find.

So figure out what your dog enjoys or is bred to do and find ways to utilize his skills by playing games. Any time a dog has to think its being mentally stimulated.

Good luck

By: alf

alf — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:12:45 +0000

Vizslas were bred for hunting so try retrieving. You can get toys made for hunting training like things that simulate ducks and other birds. You can also buy scent for them to make them smell more like real birds. Show the toy to the dog and get him use to it. Then start by placing it where he can see it and let him go get it. Work up to hiding it and letting him use his nose to get it. All of this will mentally stimulate him and give him exercise.

By: micki

micki — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:50:30 +0000

Mentally stimulating physical games are the best way to keep a breed like that fit…make them work…

hide a favorite treat or toy somewhere in the yard and make them search for it

get a puzzle ball for them to work out getting the treat to fall (you can find at any pet supply store)

practice training commands every day, working their minds to recall what they already know…best is to do so in different settings and ways so it’s not as boring (hide behind a tree in the yard and call only once to come…make him find you)

you can try agility classes, workouts and ultimately competition if you’re so inclined. (even fly ball if he/she prefers)

Lots…want the best advice? AKC.org has links to breed specific clubs…contact your Vizsla parent club for the best suggestions for this breed. Good luck!

By: Erika

Erika — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:36:54 +0000

Just a few suggestions:
15 min a night with obedience training
Play hide the toy/treat
Start doing agility or Rally O