Vizsla Training: Tips for Hunting Dog Training
Even before they became domesticated, dogs have been utilized by people to aid them when hunting. Scent hounds work by following a scent trail while a sight hound stalk and pursue the prey. On the other hand, Retrievers find and give back shot game to the hunter while setters, spaniels and pointers locate and flush games for the hunter.
Several breeds are naturally hunter and only need minimal training while others are simply not suited to hunt regardless of how advanced the training they get. The Vizsla is one of the breeds regarded as natural hunter in which the ability can be polished through Vizsla training suitable for hunting dogs.
Training a hunting dog involves more effort, time and patience than when training the basic obedience. However, training for hunting begins exactly the same way as with any other training goals. Puppies need to be socialized well and must get used not just to the hunting locations but also in other areas like animal hospital, recreational areas and other public spaces especially if the dog were to be kept as house pet apart from hunting dog.
Considering that the basic obedience is the groundwork of all other canine tricks and commands, the potential hunting dog must master the most essential basic commands first prior to the hunting dog training itself. Commands like sit, come, stay, down and heel should be incorporated in the early part of obedience training followed by the combination of two basic commands such as “sit stay” and “down stay”. Other commands like “drop it”, “leave it” and “search” must be tackled also.
The next part of Vizsla training for hunting dogs is to help your canine distinguish a decoy from a real prey. Setting the decoy far from the canine before tossing the prey or dummy will help your dog identify the two in the long run.
In addition, it helps to train and practice frequently, daily if possible. Dogs learn by routine so if training and practice are added into your daily regimen, he is more likely to learn efficiently. To make training more effective and motivate positive behavior, give him reward each time he demonstrate such behavior. Soon enough, he’ll figure out that he gets rewards for that particular behavior hence will repeat it given the chance.
Amidst the training, always take into consideration to keep your furry friend in good shape. Be mindful enough not to over-train your pet and be sensitive enough with regards to his health condition. If you notice that he’s behaving strangely, consider possible health conditions and seek your vet’s recommendation right away.
All of the effort you exerted during Vizsla training will be worth it when you see your gentle-mannered Vizsla do well in the field come hunting time.
Chloe Brooks is mad about Vizslas. By being a Vizsla owner for many years, she has learned a lot of Vizsla training tips she now shares at her site dedicated to Vizsla training.
Tags: dog training, dogs, pet training, pets, vizsla, vizsla training
dog training | Chloe Brooks | 11 February 2012 |
