Bad Habits

Although I love my Vizslas they do have some bad habits that are pretty hard to break. Have no fear though!! Vizsals are very, very smart and easily trainable! There are some bad habits that a particularly hard to break because it is a part of the breeds personality. Since this breed grows very attached to their owners, which I will expand upon in next week’s post, they do develop anxiety when they are left alone. If you leave your Vizslas alone for a long amount of time they will chew and tear things apart. No joke. I have come home to a sea of cotton because Drexel decided to tear apart 4 brand new pillows. Here’s the catch with Vizslas, they will not chew random things in the house such as furniture when they reach adulthood but they will go after items that smell like you the most. They will also snuggle with these objects to cope with their anxiety because your scent calms them. Things such as pants, blankets, pillows, and underwear seem to be there go to. The more you use something the bigger the chance of coming home and seeing your Vizsla chewing or cuddling with it. Breeders and Vizsla families classify it as separation anxiety.

If you travel a lot for work or take vacations all the time Vizslas really are not the best breeds for you. It is unfair to the dog because they do get very anxious and you also don’t want to come home all the time to a destroyed house. It is also dangerous health wise to a Vizsla to leave them alone for long amounts of time. If they do chew on fabricated items to try and calm themselves, such as underwear and pillows, they will swallow the fabric. The fabric will not breakdown in their tiny stomachs and can result in a large vet bill and a very scared, injured Vizsla. Leaving them alone for a 9 hour work day is fine but I would say they should not be alone for more than 10 hours a day.

How do you fix this?? Easy!!! There are two possible great options! One, you can sign them up for doggie day camp! There are many around the South Jersey area and most general pet stores have a camp for dogs. Two, make sure you pick up EVERYTHING before leaving the house. Don't tempt them by leaving important things lying around. It is also a good idea to only give them access to general living space. Close your bedroom doors! As they get older they will get better with being alone but, hey....they just miss you!!!!