Vizsla Puppy training

Vizslas are intelligent, affectionate, and energetic companions. Adolescence (around 7 months) can present training challenges. Below is a practical guide to help you and your young Vizsla establish a positive and consistent training routine.

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🧠 Understanding Your Vizsla at 7 Months

At this stage, your Vizsla is full of energy and curiosity. You might notice:

• Chewing is still a habit (even if teething has passed)

• They test boundaries as they gain confidence

• They need regular mental and physical stimulation

• They crave companionship and dislike being left alone for too long

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🏃‍♀️ Daily Exercise Is Essential

Vizslas require 1.5–2 hours of daily exercise to prevent mischief. Options include long walks, off-lead runs, fetch, tug, and recall training for obedience. Sniff walks and interactive games offer mental stimulation.

🐾 A tired Vizsla is a well-behaved Vizsla!

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📚 Core Obedience Commands to Focus On

At 7 months, it’s important to reinforce basic commands — even if your pup already knows them.

Make sure your Vizsla is confident with:

• Sit

• Down

• Stay

• Come (Recall)

• Heel (walking nicely on a lead)

• Leave it / Drop it

✅ Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) but frequent

✅ Use high-value treats — roast chicken or cheese works wonders

✅ Always reward good behaviour with praise, treats, or play

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🦮 Leash Training & Walking Etiquette

Vizslas are natural pullers due to their hunting instincts.

• Consider a front-clip harness for better control.

• Stop walking the moment your puppy pulls; continue only when the lead is loose.

• Praise calm, close walking and use a cheerful “heel” command.

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📣 Mastering Recall

This age is perfect for building strong recall.

• Start in a quiet, distraction-free space with a long lead.

• Reward generously when they come back — make it fun.

• Never punish a slow recall. Always reward any return — even if delayed.

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🐾 Socialisation Still Matters

Although the key socialisation window starts to close after 4 months, it’s still vital to keep exposing your pup to:

• Different dogs, sizes, and temperaments

• Noisy or unusual environments (parks, car rides, cafés)

• Children, elderly people, and people in uniforms

• Grooming, handling, and vet visits

Reward calm behaviour with gentle praise and treats.

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🏡 Managing Adolescent Behaviours

Some common behaviours you might notice:

Jumping Up

Ignore your pup until all four paws are on the ground, then reward calm greetings.

Chewing

Offer a variety of toys like KONGs, antlers, and puzzle feeders. Rotate them regularly to keep things interesting.

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🧩 Mental Enrichment for Busy Brains

Vizslas are incredibly smart. They love puzzles, problem-solving, and a good challenge.

Try:

• Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats

• “Find it” games (hide treats around the room or garden)

• Short scent trails using treats or toys

• Learning new tricks (e.g. roll over, spin, paw)

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⏰ Sample Daily Routine

Time Activity

Morning 30–45 min walk with short training intervals

Midday Brief training session (basic commands, recall)

Afternoon Puzzle toy/snuffle mat + chew toy downtime

Evening Second walk or structured play session

Before bed Wind-down time with light obedience practice

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Inconsistent rules — stick to the same commands and expectations

• ❌ Skipping exercise — leads to pent-up frustration

• ❌ Using punishment — Vizslas are sensitive and respond best to encouragement

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🌟 A Few Final Tips Just for You, Sarah

• Be patient — adolescence can be tricky but it’s temporary.

• Keep things positive — reward good choices with enthusiasm.

• If things ever feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out — even for a quick confidence boost.

You’re doing an amazing job simply by asking for guidance, and your Vizsla is lucky to have such a caring and committed owner 💛

If you’d like, I can also send over a printable version of this guide or recommend some specific training books, online classes, or enrichment toys that other Vizsla owners in the community have found helpful.

Wishing you and your pup all the joy (and fun chaos) of this stage!

Warmest regards,

SN

Founder, Pawcation Adventures

🐾 www.pawcationadventures.com