Dog Community

Questions regarding development

yup4

Posted : 6/20/2006 3:11:51 AM

Hello All! This is going to be a long post, but a simple question. Please bear with me and thanks in advance!!!

I have a 5.5 month old Vizsla. He is a very active (I should say hyper) dog. I know that puppies can be busy, but this one *almost never* sits on his own or rests. And if he does sit down for five minutes (which is rare), the moment he hears anyone stirring, he's up and recharged, running from one end of the house to the other, grabbing and chewing on anything that he can. I have and continue to use all the popular techniques suggested here (positive reinforcement, trading, etc.).

He knows his basic commands (sit, come, lay down, off, go potty, outside, in, break, stay), however the moment that anyone else is around, he becomes immediately so distracted that he becomes like a brick wall when trying to tell him to do something. Of course there are the times where he just looks at me when I tell him to sit or lay down, as if to say, "uhm yeah, I don't think I'm gonna do that now, ok?" He can be so hyper sometimes that you really can't sit around him. Forget trying to be in the TV room and watch anything... his constant jumping up on the couch and running back and forth has caused the entire family to not want to sit in the family room in the evening and relax. He has a bit of a jumping up problem. I've read that a water spray bottle can help this, so I got one yesterday. I remain dedicated to training him and am hoping that this is simple puppy hyperness, however as he gets older, I am beginning to wonder.

He used to have quite a mouthing problem, however thanks to advice from members here (thank you!), we've worked about 70% of that out. He still does mouth (bite) but it is good natured most of the time. There are the times when I am reaching for his collar that he will use his mouth to deter my hand as if to say, "no". That I don't like, but we are working on it. Now when I say off, he does back off.

Ok... so here are my questions and I am truly sorry for the long post. I just thought I would try and get it in all at once!!

1. He hasn't been neutered yet. His testicles haven't dropped. They are currently only the size of a walnut (in the shell). At 5.5 months, I am getting worred.

2. Can I expect that when he does get neutered he will calm down some?

3. Does it sound like the constant "on switch" that this dog has is normal puppy behavior for his age or beginnings of hyper? If it's normal, when can I expect him to settle some?

4. When I take him on walks he constantly pulls and chokes himself. I envy people I see walking their dogs whose dog is walking calmly next to them, content to be at their side and not lead!! Any suggestions on what I can do to improve this or is my dog just simply too young to "fall in line" like that?

I suppose the bottom line is I'm not sure if my expectations are too high for him being so young or if he is displaying pre-hyper issues. If anyone can recommend a book on dog stages... something that says what a dog should be doing at certain ages, I would really appreciate it. We had a dog prior to him for 14 yrs and she was a dream. They didn't get more laid back and sweet. She was a simple mut (Husky and Cocker mix) but I don't know if there was one better created

I love dogs and really have missed not having one in my life for the last few years so we got this puppy. The experience has gone exactly opposite as I imagined, but we are working on it.

Thanks to all of you who offer your opinions day in and out on these boards. I usually don't even have to post because I can find everything I need in the search function.

mrv

Posted : 6/20/2006 5:18:30 AM

Most of the behaviors you describe are typically of high drive young dogs regardless of breed. The tools are exercise, training and management. You could get a lot of milage out of Carol Lea Benjamin's Surviving Your Dogs Adolescence. Do some searches for descriptions of the two toy game or hose game used in ScH training. It is a great exercise method that also helps establish a retrieve and attention. Use a drag line in the house so you can stop him from being wild when necessary. Consider a buster cube or other treat dispensing toy. Dont treat your back lawn and feed occassionally using the cookie hunt approach. Kibble is thrown and the dog needs its nose to find its dinner. Consider gun dog training (field work) even if you dont plan to hunt. It requires focus, brains and energy. Since it is instinct based, it is usually very enjoyable for the dog. You will need an EXPERIENCED trainer. Also, many gun dog and field work folk use aversive training tools and strategies so you will need to find someone you can agree with philosophically.

Sydney

Posted : 6/20/2006 6:26:51 AM

1. He hasn't been neutered yet. His testicles haven't dropped. They are currently only the size of a walnut (in the shell). At 5.5 months, I am getting worred.
Some males dont drop till 10 months of age...your boy is fine, give it time

2. Can I expect that when he does get neutered he will calm down some?
Honsetly..most of the time no... Though when your boy gets older instead of foucusing on "the dog in heat next door" he will be foucusing on YOU, as he should be

3. Does it sound like the constant "on switch" that this dog has is normal puppy behavior for his age or beginnings of hyper? If it's normal, when can I expect him to settle some?
I agree with mrv on the gun dog training suggestion..Viszlas are an active breed, they need to be mentaly and physically stimulated.

4. When I take him on walks he constantly pulls and chokes himself. I envy people I see walking their dogs whose dog is walking calmly next to them, content to be at their side and not lead!! Any suggestions on what I can do to improve this or is my dog just simply too young to "fall in line" like that?
Try a halti..they sell them at most pet stores...i used one with my dane as a pup, it worked great..also is he should be in puppy classes at this age! if he isnt get him enrolled in one!

dogslyfe

Posted : 6/20/2006 7:27:11 AM

3. Does it sound like the constant "on switch" that this dog has is normal puppy behavior for his age or beginnings of hyper? If it's normal, when can I expect him to settle some?

Normal puppy. However, if you want your dog to have an off switch, you're going to have to TEACH it an off switch. This is one thing I wished someone would have knocked me over the head with with my BC Mix when she was a puppy. Make sure you're giving your pup enough mental and physical exercise. If your dog is not crate trained, you can always crate train it - and when you decide its time for down time, pup goes in the crate with a chewy for some quiet time. If no crate, then choose something like a mat or dog bed, and teach your dog a down stay on the bed.

4. When I take him on walks he constantly pulls and chokes himself. I envy people I see walking their dogs whose dog is walking calmly next to them, content to be at their side and not lead!! Any suggestions on what I can do to improve this or is my dog just simply too young to "fall in line" like that?

A little of both, really. You have several options for a forger - you can go the head halter route, but personally I'd prefer to save that as a last chance option. For a dog that pulls you're going to have to have a LOT of patience, as there is no quick fix. Don't take your dog out for a walk unless you have time to deal with it. There are three approaches that I like:

1. Be the tree. Any time the dog pulls you stand still, like a tree. No forward motion until the dog releases the pressure. I utilize this one when teaching my dogs not to be loonies coming down the front steps.

2. Fast changes of direction. Clasp the leash in your hands about waist level, and as soon as the dog pulls, switch directions. An open area so you can go in many directions is good. What you want is the dog looking to you to see, "OH, what is my human going to do NOW???". Phase out as needed. This is good for getting their attention.

3. Walking backwards. This is the one I've had the most success with. I put the handle of the leash behind my back (to discourage myself from yanking on the leash). I start with the dog on my left, and choose a certain place that when the dog's nose passes that place that is my stopping point. We start to walk (forwards), and the second the dog passes my stopping point, I quietly (and without saying anything) walk straight backwards. As soon as the dog passes back behind my leg, I walk forward again. Keep doing this. Dog learns that being ahead of me doesn't get him/her anywhere fast. Some dogs may be wound up enough to need a distraction initially to get there attention - a noise, slap of a hat on your leg, etc.

There is also the leash correction method (which did not work very effectively for my dogs - my timing is not quick enough, and I found myself jerking on my dogs which only served to wind them up more), and the click and treat - when the dog is in the correct position. I'm sure there are other methods, these are just ones I'm familiar with.

Hope this helps some.

rredbird

Posted : 6/20/2006 8:21:00 AM

[linkhttp://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/pulling.htm]http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002/pulling.htm[/link]

This helped me with loose leash walking.

So far everything sounds like a normal Vizla pup to me! They require a lot of exercise. I found with my Aussie mix that some exercise before training helps to calm him down and start slow. Once he has down pat the things you want him to do at home, sit/stay/down/attention, start gradually introducing distractions. For example, next work him in the backyard away from sight of distractions, next the front yard, then closer to where the action is like a

ublic park then closer to where people are to distract him.

Best thing you could do would be to sign up for training lessons with a good positive trainer - try [linkhttp://www.apdt.com]http://www.apdt.com[/link] .

Puppy days pass..you will survive LOL!

glenmar

Posted : 6/20/2006 8:36:16 AM

Regarding the testicles, at least his are OUT. Theo's just flat aren't there and the vet will have to go into the abdomen to remove his next month. Your boy will be facing a pretty "normal" nueter since his can be found to remove!

dawn

Posted : 6/20/2006 9:52:37 AM

I'm not sure what popular opinion on this board is regarding the "easy walk harness" but i have seen it transform a pulling dog/puppy into a well behaved animal that a child could walk - in a matter of minutes, even seconds (however long it takes to get the thing on!!) you should easily be able to find it doing an internet search and in most cases i've seen (i've seen alot, i work at a dog store) people who try it, buy it, and don't bring it back!!! it is definitely worth the 20-30 bucks. i feel it is a bit safer than the halti's, as far as neck damage goes. also it is much easier to use properly than a halti, which i believe most people use IMPROPERLY. i've seen maybe only 1 case out of many where the easy walk harness didn't at least drastically reduced the pulling problem. good luck!!!

mudpuppy

Posted : 6/20/2006 10:35:32 AM

easy walk harness: get one. Terrific product.
He sounds like a normal young visla to me. They are notorious for always being on the go. Most young sporting dog breeds have no attention span until they hit oh, two or three years of age. You sound like you're doing pretty well. How much exercise does he get? these dogs can run flat-out all day every day, so you can't give too little, and of course a tired dog is a good dog.

rwbeagles

Posted : 6/20/2006 10:40:06 AM

I seem to recall Jodi the Viszla lady here, saying that your pup is pretty much doing what that breed does. It's something that's part of the breed, 'busy-ness'...the need to be moving, doing, experiencing something, being alert and aware and wanting to know where their people are and if they need 'help' with anything []

This isn't a breed from what she's stated that hits age 2 and shuts down to any great extent...not without a lot of daily exercise and training, and maybe even a 'job' of some type.

Is your dog from hunting lines exclusively, show lines, both? What were the parents like....have you spoken with your breeder about the activity levels common in dogs of their breeding? Really that's going to tell you more about the eventual calming or not of your puppy in future. Have you been around the breed before and what were your impressions then? Did you want an active to very active dog when you purchased your puppy?

Everyone's offered advice thats good as per usual here...but I do think that breed makes a difference. I never have owned an Akita pup that mouthed more than a bit and then did so extremely softly...jumped, barked...or had frenetic energy...that's just not how that breed is. My Beagles are much more active and sloppy loving because that's how that breed is...etc.

His testicles...they haven't dropped but you are able to feel them easily? I assume you mean as he walks around the house there's NOTHING in the scrotum visible? Personally as a breeder I worry if they aren't down by 8-10 WEEKS...but yes they can come down later. But at some point that inguinal ring needs to close and it will..so you'd hope they'd be on the right side of it when that happens. You can, daily..gently massage and coax them down into the scrotum...."train them" so to speak. Weather can have an effect at times....testicles hang very low in the heat and come up high and tight when it is cold...lol!

yup4

Posted : 6/20/2006 4:40:36 PM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I think I've got enough to work on and see how it goes. I've also heard alot about clicker training, so I'm going to read up on that and see if it will work for my pup.

To answer some of the questions I was asked, he gets an hour of exercise a day, minimum off leash. I don't think I train him enough though, spending about 25-30 minutes a day (broken up into 3 sessions). Regarding the breeder? Weeeelll... in hindsight, I believe that this was what you would call a back yard deal. We drove from Chicago to Iowa to pick him up. The parents were in kennels (very large with room roam). The breeder had told me over the phone that the dogs lived inside and spent some time outside, but I see that wasn't true. The parents were not overly well behaved. They jumped and whined and were very excitable. The worst part about all of it, she never asked me any questions at all!!! She didn't care who I was and what I would do with the dog. I know, the red flags did scream out, but then I saw my little guy and thought I should take him because what if someone less repsonsible did and ended up giving him up.

(I read up on Vizslas very much and I knew they were a *very* active breed with lots of exercise needs, I just want don't want him to get hyper so I'm doing what I can. It's important to me that he have manners and be well behaved

He is soo willful though, sometimes its cute as heck and other times I want to

ull my hair out... lol.

He really loves people and other dogs.. he is so friendly but just jumps up on everyone and other dogs (which worries me because through his socialization, he should be learning not to do that). This is day two of the water bottle and I think this is really going to do the trick.

Thanks again everyone for your time. Dog lovers are the best [

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