The Vizsla breed is intelligent, affectionate, and makes for a loyal companion. Attributes that have made the Vizsla appreciated as an all-around great family dog, as much as they are admired as a versatile hunting dog.
When it comes to adapting your new Vizsla puppy to your home environment, welcomed as a new family member, there are several things to remember for successful puppy training. At the top of the list are consistency and structure.
While there are various acceptable training methods that use different training philosophies, none stand a chance at success without consistency and structure. That said let’s take a look at other important aspects of successful puppy training.
Basic Puppy Training Tips
- There is a difference between being firm, and being harsh. A firm hand while training can be a very good thing, instilling respect in the puppy for you as the authority figure and “alpha” family member. But a harsh hand is demeaning; it minimizes the puppy’s worth as an individual, and his position in the family as a valued member.
A firm hand teaches the puppy to obey out of respect; a harsh hand creates robotic-like obedience derived out of fear of punishment. You want your puppy to be obedient, but you also want him to enjoy being with you and to respond to your commands out of love and respect – not fear. - During training sessions, respect your puppy’s unique personality. While there are tried and true methods of training, adjust how you employ particular aspects of that training to suit your puppy.
For instance, a domineering or strong-willed temperament may need a firmer hand to acquire desired results. A shy puppy that seems uncertain requires a softer touch and encouragement to build confidence, in order for training to be successful. - In order for you to effectively train a puppy, you must be in control. Not just in control of the puppy, but in control of yourself. If your goal in training is to teach the puppy, patience will be required when the puppy takes longer than you would like to learn commands.
One important puppy training tip you never want to forget is this: loosing your composure, yelling, striking out, and getting upset will not only sabotage that day’s training efforts. It will create apprehension in the puppy for future training sessions. Training in general will take longer because the puppy will not have the confidence or ability to focus required, because it is too nervous that you will become displeased if some feat isn't performed properly. - Remember that puppies – like young children, and many adults for that matter – have short attention spans. Keep training sessions short; 10 minutes of attentive puppy enthusiasm during training is better than one long boring hour that ends in discord because the puppy’s attention and interest waned.
You want your puppy to look forward to training sessions as so he will be eager to learn. Training sessions should help build a bond between the caregiver and the puppy; it should encourage friendship – not discourage it. - Keep training sessions positive. End each session on a positive note. Go over previous training commands and introduce one or two new commands during each session. But end each session by rehearsing a command or trick that has already been mastered.
This will help the puppy look forward to the next training session, and keep learning fun. It will also build confidence in the puppy, required for effectively training. - Remember, all basic puppy training is a 2-step process; motivation followed by praise. You get the puppy to do something, and then reinforce the action with plenty of praise. The puppy is motivated to learn and follow commands because he wants to please you – not because it fears punishment for doing something wrong.
- Never physically discipline a young puppy. Do not discipline an older puppy unless you are absolutely sure that the puppy understands exactly what is required of it – but chooses not to disobey. All discipline should be controlled.
For instance, use a choke collar in the correct manner it was intended, jerk the leash (but not too harshly), or use some other acceptable means appropriate for puppy discipline. Do not physically strike your puppy in frustration or anger.
Specific Puppy Training Methods
Training can include rewards for obedience, and/or coaxing to encourage obedience. You can use a reward as motivation, and coaxing followed by rewards.
- Rewards: while attempting to get the puppy to obey the command “lay down,” sit the puppy next to you. Allow the puppy to sniff at a treat in your closed hand (a small piece of cheese, freeze-dried liver, small chunk of meat, etc.)
Put your hand (the one holding the treat) in front of the puppy’s nose; slowly sweep it down and forward – allowing the puppy to follow it down – while using the command, “down.”
As the puppy’s body lowers toward the floor while following the scent of the treat in your hand, you might want to gently push down on his back with the other hand and press it to the floor. Once the puppy is in the down position, give him the treat.
After several more repetitions, the puppy will learn that as soon as it is lying down, it will get the treat. The puppy will associate the word, “down” with lying down. The treat is the motivator that gets the puppy to learn the command. - Coaxing: this can be verbal or through gestures, or a combination of both. For instance, when teaching the “come” command, kneel down and clap your hands. The puppy knows this is a friendly gesture, and so he runs to you. As soon as he starts in your direction, say the command “come.” As the puppy arrives, praise him.
Repeat this process over and over. Your goal is for the puppy to associate the word “come” with going to you, and being praised. After awhile, you will not have to kneel down and clap in order for the puppy to approach you on the command “come.”
Direct Contact Puppy Training
Another form of motivating the action you want during training is direct contact with the puppy. This type training is especially beneficial because the puppy cannot fail, since you control its actions.
Example: use a collar and leash to teach the command “come.” This is done by saying “come” while gently pulling the puppy toward you using the leash. The puppy soon learns that the gentle tug on the leash, or hand pressing on its back, is part of the command word.
The puppy realizes that you are trying to tell it something. This makes it easier to teach other commands as well. The puppy will become attentive to each new command as it strives to understand “what” it is you want him to do
Helpful Puppy Training Tip: a word to the wise about using a collar and leash for training purposes; the puppy should first be acclimated for collar and leash use. Before using them as training tools, allow your puppy to become adjusted to them.
Put the collar on the puppy and let him become accustomed to it for several days prior to training. Once or twice daily, put the leash on the collar and walk the puppy around the house or yard for a short period of time, so that he becomes adjusted to their use.
Final Notes
A combination of these different training techniques can be used successfully. Use the one that works best with your puppy. One technique might work best for one command, while another will be more effective when teaching something different.
And remember; keep puppy training sessions short and sweet, enjoyable for both you and the puppy. Take advantage of the opportunity to bond and build a closer, more trusting relationship sure to enhance both your lives!