Welcome to the wonderful world of Hungarian Vizslas! As a proud owner of a 5-year-old female Vizsla named Phoebe, I can definitely say that this breed is not only loving and loyal but also full of energy and enthusiasm. If you’re considering bringing a Vizsla puppy into your home, here’s your guide to navigating the first year with your new furry friend.
Week 1: Bringing Your Puppy Home
Preparation:
- Set up a comfortable space for your puppy with a cozy bed, blankets, and some chew toys.
- Purchase essential supplies: food and water bowls, high-quality puppy food, collar and leash, and safety items (gates, crates).
- Introductions:
- Allow your puppy to explore their new home, but supervise them closely to keep them safe.
- Start building a bond by spending quality time with your puppy. Gentle play and cuddles are great ways to establish trust.
Months 1-3: Establishing Routines and Socialization
Training Basics:
- Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Vizslas are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
- Use positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise.
- Potty training: go garden with them and whenever they pee say out loud “PEE” and when they do the other option say IT OUT LOUD. After repeating it lots of time they will click what they are doing. So when later on in your journey you want to go shop and make sure your dog dont need toilet you just take it outside and repeat commends and if your dog needs it she/he will go ahead with it!
- Introduce your puppy to various people, pets, and environments. This breed thrives on social interaction, and early exposure will help them develop a well-rounded personality. Make sure they are after injection that will keep them safe and past their quarantine. We started socialising Phoebe when she was around 12 weeks.
Health Care:
- Schedule your puppy’s first vet visit for vaccinations and check-ups.
- Discuss spaying/neutering options with your vet.
Months 4-6: Energy Levels and Exercise Needs
Physical Activity:
- Vizslas are high-energy dogs. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of physical exercise daily. This can include walks, playtime in the yard, or trips to a dog park.
- Stick to the “5-Minute Rule” for Puppy Walks : When it comes to exercising your puppy, less is more — especially while they’re still growing. A good guideline to follow is the 5-minute rule: allow 5 minutes of walk time per month of age, once or twice a day. So, if your pup is 3 months old, a 15-minute walk is just right. At 6 months, they can handle 30 minutes. This gentle approach gives their joints and bones the time they need to grow strong and healthy. Over-exercising a young puppy can put unnecessary strain on their developing body and may lead to long-term health issues.Keep things light and fun, and remember: there’s plenty of time for big adventures once they’re fully grown! 🐾
- Engage them in fun activities like fetch or agility training to channel their energy positively.
Continued Training:
- Reinforce basic commands and introduce new ones. Consider enrolling in a puppy training class for guidance and socialization opportunities.
Months 7-9: The Teenage Phase
Behavioral Changes:
- Be prepared for the “teenage” phase. Your puppy might test boundaries more. Stay consistent with training and reinforcement.
- The “T-Rex Phase” – Surviving the Vizsla Velociraptor Stage
- If you’ve got a young Vizsla at home and you’re wondering whether you accidentally adopted a small dinosaur… you’re not alone.
- Between 3 to 9 months, many Vizslas go through what we lovingly (and fearfully) call the T-Rex phase. During this time, they bite, pounce, and behave like wild little predators — all energy, teeth, and chaos. We remember it all too well. There were days we hid in the bathroom just to catch a break. Our hands — even our faces — were bruised, and honestly, we were genuinely worried if this was just how she’d always be.
- But here’s the good news: it passes.
- For us, it was almost overnight. At around 9 months, it was like a switch flipped. That tiny terror who once tried to wrestle our socks off mid-run turned into a calm, gentle girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly.
- So if you’re in the thick of it right now — dodging puppy teeth and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into — hang in there. Your sweet, soft-natured Vizsla is in there… just working through her inner dinosaur first. 🦖💛
- It’s normal for them to have bursts of mischievous energy. Redirect unwanted behavior with appropriate toys or activities.
Mental Stimulation:
- Incorporate puzzle toys and interactive games into their routine to challenge their intellect and keep them engaged.
Months 10-12: Maturing into a Young Adult
Calmness Over Time:
- As they near their first birthday, you may notice gradual improvements in their behavior. They’ll become a bit calmer and more focused.
Ongoing Socialization:
- Continue to expose them to new experiences, ensuring they remain well-adjusted adults.
- Regular playdates with other dogs can help reinforce good social skills.
General Tips for the First Year
- Nutrition: Feed a high-quality puppy food that meets their growth needs. Consult with your vet about transitioning to adult food after the first year.
- Grooming: Vizslas have short coats that require minimal grooming, but regular baths and grooming sessions will help them feel comfortable and reduce shedding.
- Health Monitoring: Keep an eye on their weight and health. Regular vet check-ups will catch any potential issues early on.
The first year with your Vizsla puppy will be filled with joy, laughter, and a few challenges. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training efforts. As Phoebe has shown me, the bond you’ll develop will be incredibly rewarding. Enjoy every snuggle, laugh, and adventure with your new best friend! Welcome to the Vizsla family! Drop us a message or follow or instagram to keep in touch .
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