A friend of mine just picked up her 7 week old vizsla puppy this week and we've been on the phone quite a few times. I've been trying to convince her that things will get better, but I also know it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel for the first while. I'm sure most of us who got our vizsla at such a young age had quite a few moments of an overwhelming urge to throw ourselves off a bridge lol. And I still stand firmly on the fact that I believe vizsla puppies are not normal puppies. They put you through ****, but good things never come easy. I thought maybe we could start a thread (and maybe sticky it?) with some words of encouragement and a tip or a few of what helped us get through the first couple/few of months to help out some new parents who might be at their wit's end.
So on that note:
Tips: Normal or Insane? I would suggest referring to this topic here: http://www.vizslaforums.com/index.php/topic,928.0.html <-- This thread is great because for one, you can get an idea of what to expect, but also has a lot of good tips on how to cope as well.
Also, if you plan on crate training your V, and I'd highly recommend it - do not give in!! The screams and crying can be absolutely heart wrenching, but know that it is for the best. When you have to go out for a few hours, it's a comfort to know that your V is happy (maybe not now but definitely later) in a safe place. There are a lot of hazards a rambunctious V can find, such as poisonous plants, a glass of water left on a table that could get knocked over and shatter, etc.
Lastly, if you can, try to save up for a trainer - it definitely helps. I believe it's worth the money in training/raising your puppy right than having to spend the same amount or more and having a harder time correcting years of bad habits and behaviour.
Words of Encouragement: The puppy stage is only temporary!! Things get better every day/week/month/year.
So on that note:
Tips: Normal or Insane? I would suggest referring to this topic here: http://www.vizslaforums.com/index.php/topic,928.0.html <-- This thread is great because for one, you can get an idea of what to expect, but also has a lot of good tips on how to cope as well.
Also, if you plan on crate training your V, and I'd highly recommend it - do not give in!! The screams and crying can be absolutely heart wrenching, but know that it is for the best. When you have to go out for a few hours, it's a comfort to know that your V is happy (maybe not now but definitely later) in a safe place. There are a lot of hazards a rambunctious V can find, such as poisonous plants, a glass of water left on a table that could get knocked over and shatter, etc.
Lastly, if you can, try to save up for a trainer - it definitely helps. I believe it's worth the money in training/raising your puppy right than having to spend the same amount or more and having a harder time correcting years of bad habits and behaviour.
Words of Encouragement: The puppy stage is only temporary!! Things get better every day/week/month/year.