Inappropriate Breed Choice?

[Zug Zug]

Good luck but I don't fancy your chances if she is that keen

Perhaps start inviting her along to some doggy things and see if you can get her interested in doing it properly. Such as obedience school.

A large obedience club is great for dog watching. You often see the down sides of common breeds.

But vizslas often really shine in that environment, so perhaps it will reinforce her choice. But perhaps in the process she'll develop an interest in training the dog...?

And yes, I am being a bit optimistic perhaps

[Zug Zug]

Can you keep a vizsla in a block of apartments? What happens if it barks?

Do you need permission from your neighbours?

Are they likely to give it?

[BlackJaq]

I didn't read all the posts yet but I see no problem with a Weim living in an apartment, or even a caravan.

If the dog's mental and physical needs are met, it will spend the entire rest of the day asleep somewhere, preferably people furniture.

What I do see to be a problem is leaving a V or W alone for a normal 9-5 job, not to mention a young puppy. I predict noise complaints and destruction the likes of which only hurricane victims can imagine. I cannot speak for Vs but my Weim will eat through a solid timber door if bored and lonely for long enough (found this out when we were overseas and Father in Law was watching the dogs)

A fibro wall is not an obstacle for a miserable Weim. They are big, powerful and very determined. Also tend to separation anxiety and can have some issues with aggression with lack of proper leadership. My girl gets several lots of training + separate physical exercise a day and she is the quietest inside dog you will ever meet. Even when I am sick she will be ok for a week or so of reduced stimulation. After that you have a serious problem on your hands. They get better (much better) as they get older. Perhaps suggest fostering a gun dog for rescue before she decides to get a pup. I can guarantee she will change her mind on the breed.

[Nekhbet]

I was asked if an Anatolian was a good choice for a tiny backyard and no dog experience except for the odd mix small family dog.

[melzawelza]

I would encourage her to go for an adult dog, either through rescue or a breeder, that's temperament is known and will cope well in the environment she is describing.

There are dogs out there that suit the 'look' she is after in rescue with a temperament that is more suited to her.

On the days I go to work I'm gone for 11 hours. My dog couldn't care less. She chases lizards in the yard and sleeps in the sun. She's happy when I get home and even if I miss a walk she isn't fussed, she's happy to snooze on the couch with me.

There WILL be dogs that suit her situation, (she will need to obviously make a few changes as far as training/exercise etc) she just needs to find them. I certainly couldn't raise a puppy while gone for such long hours, and you never know how that puppy is going to grow up and whether it will cope with her situation - hence why I am suggesting an adult.

[Steph M]

I was asked if an Anatolian was a good choice for a tiny backyard and no dog experience except for the odd mix small family dog.

:eek:

That's a hard one Steph M, if it were me I'd be completely honest and gently tell her that maybe considering other alternatives would be a good idea. Or maybe she could spend some time with you and your pups for the day and get an idea of how much work it is? (though if they are angels that wouldn't really work). I'd also maybe print out some information about the breed, what it was originally bred for, exercise needs, etc etc?

We took Hank with us to have lunch with a couple of friends and one of them (who is not a dog person in the slightest) commented on how lovely and placid Hank was and how she wanted a Hank of her own. I told her it takes a lot of work to get him that chilled out and he's by far the easiest dog I've ever had! I don't think she really got it though but ah well, I might be having a similar conversation sometime in the future

They're so not! Good thinking, and good suggestion about obedience, we're about to start again from the beginning with Rosie so perhaps that would be a good wakeup.

Thanks everyone! If all else fails I might contact some breeders and ask if we could perhaps come see her dogs and have a chat about what they really need.

You've all been so helpful, yet again! :)

[Loving my Oldies]

She spends a lot of time with Gus and I and marvels at how easy it seems, without any knowledge of how much work we’ve put into even the most basic behaviours.

This is a problem, of course. Others see you with your dogs and think: Wow, aren't you lucky! Such happy and beautifully behaved dogs. They think the dogs were born that way and, as you say, cannot see or understand that you have put in all the groundwork to make the dogs that way.

In terms of trying to steer her away from an unsuitable (for her) breed, I guess you just have to go on ad nauseum about how dogs become like Gus only through training training training ..... and an understanding by the owner of their own capabilities and commitment to their dog and an understanding of the breed.

[Nekhbet]

his is a problem, of course. Others see you with your dogs and think: Wow, aren't you lucky! Such happy and beautifully behaved dogs. They think the dogs were born that way and, as you say, cannot see or understand that you have put in all the groundwork to make the dogs that way.

A friends ex considered a Malinois because mine were so well behaved - her logic, it doesn't look so hard. This was a girl who could barely look after 3 siamese fighting fish at the same time without a lot of assistance. So one day I stopped commanding my dogs when she visited and gave them to go free command ... mind changed :laugh:

[CellarDoor]

I don't think any dogs would do well if the situation without some life changes on their part :)

I've semi-encountered the problem - someone wanted a husky. But when i told them of their mental/physical needs they were put off thankfully :)

Hankodie mentioned something similar :) what I would first attempt personally, is encourage them to make their own choice (sort of). I would briefly act all excited, then contemplative, and get them to consider how their lives will have to change due to a puppy/large breed. How it will get destructive if left alone, and will need thorough training to stop it destroying things etc. Then I would email them with a massive variety of documents on the issues you're concerned about, eg, an extensive thorough document on socialisation and how necessary it is etc. And on things like mental and physical stimulation, desexing etc. All the things you read that you found interesting/useful, even on diet. If I did this it would be in the hope they would feel overwhelmed and reconsider a dog :) might not work, or be a viable option, but worth a suggestion just in case ;)

Oh, and maybe have her over for the day so she can see all the (necessary) attention and work your pup gets :)

[Steph M]

She spends a lot of time with Gus and I and marvels at how easy it seems, without any knowledge of how much work we’ve put into even the most basic behaviours.

This is a problem, of course. Others see you with your dogs and think: Wow, aren't you lucky! Such happy and beautifully behaved dogs. They think the dogs were born that way and, as you say, cannot see or understand that you have put in all the groundwork to make the dogs that way.

In terms of trying to steer her away from an unsuitable (for her) breed, I guess you just have to go on ad nauseum about how dogs become like Gus only through training training training ..... and an understanding by the owner of their own capabilities and commitment to their dog and an understanding of the breed.

Even he can be a total dick at times, and the work to get them to stay that way continues!

The how hard can it be attitude gives me the eerits. Bloody hard! Haha.

[Ryami]

Maybe you could try telling her that a V of all breeds needs constant human companionship, and if they don't get it they can be quite neurotic. Ask her if she is prepared to give up her social life for the dog to stop it from destroying everything in her house? I bet the answer is no. There is a blog about a V living in an apartment, I think its called 'An Urban Dog Blog' which might be of some use regarding living in an apartment. Vizsla's arn't called the velcro dog for nothing, they neeeeeeeeed their humans!

[curly]

I've got a friend who thinks she's a 'dog person', goes through dogs like dirty undies. Nothing anyone says will stop her buying another one. She doesn't just buy inappropriate breeds, she can't even manage small, lazy, inoffensive dogs. I'd say she's had at least 15 dogs in the last 15 or so years. None have lived with her till old age. Many have been PTS for aggression and/or stock killing (really bad at building fences, too). The others are rehomed because they're too active, not active enough, not good with kids, escape, make a mess... Plus the ones killed on the roads.

Do you think screaming "STOP BUYING DOGS!!!" (for that matter "STOP KILLING DOGS!!!!")makes any difference? She wants a dog. She wants a big dog. She'll buy a dog. I'm expecting the latest puppy to last 6 mths, until it hits those teenage years.

[mixeduppup]

I've got a friend who thinks she's a 'dog person', goes through dogs like dirty undies. Nothing anyone says will stop her buying another one. She doesn't just buy inappropriate breeds, she can't even manage small, lazy, inoffensive dogs. I'd say she's had at least 15 dogs in the last 15 or so years. None have lived with her till old age. Many have been PTS for aggression and/or stock killing (really bad at building fences, too). The others are rehomed because they're too active, not active enough, not good with kids, escape, make a mess... Plus the ones killed on the roads.

Do you think screaming "STOP BUYING DOGS!!!" (for that matter "STOP KILLING DOGS!!!!")makes any difference? She wants a dog. She wants a big dog. She'll buy a dog. I'm expecting the latest puppy to last 6 mths, until it hits those teenage years.

I know someone like that. Drives me insane. She just got rid of one and now has a new puppy and posting photos all over facebook. Doubt it will last the 8 months the last one made it to. She also changes vets like she changes socks.

Edited September 28, 2013 by mixeduppup

[Steph M]

I guess it might not, but as the idea's just occurred, perhaps it's still formative enough to make an impact. Very sad story about your friend, those people will always find dogs.

[curly]

You've got to feel sorry for the poor dogs. They don't really want much, they're pretty easy to care for and so many people just don't get it.

[Lollipup]

his is a problem, of course. Others see you with your dogs and think: Wow, aren't you lucky! Such happy and beautifully behaved dogs. They think the dogs were born that way and, as you say, cannot see or understand that you have put in all the groundwork to make the dogs that way.

A friends ex considered a Malinois because mine were so well behaved - her logic, it doesn't look so hard. This was a girl who could barely look after 3 siamese fighting fish at the same time without a lot of assistance. So one day I stopped commanding my dogs when she visited and gave them to go free command ... mind changed :laugh:

I had similar with my malinois - Envy was only 10 weeks old and my sister in law was giving her a cuddle and had spent about 10 seconds with her when she announced she wants one of this breed, what breed is it again? And okay, either one of these or a mastiff. A toss up between the two. She wasn't so keen on the malinois anymore after a few more minutes when she was being chewed :laugh:

[mixeduppup]

I had one girl who really wanted a maremma because mine was so well behaved. I took her out to my friend's farm who have proper guard maremmas and she wouldn't even get out of the car :laugh:

[Sail_Away]

I have a Hungarian Vizsla and have read through some of these posts… unfortunately this breed is becoming increasingly popular because of it's looks and perception of 'low maintenance perfect family dog' as many websites advertise them as… however, they are definitely NOT a breed for everyone and they are increasingly being rehomed after a few months from people who didn't know how to meet their needs or realise how high maintenance they are in other areas. They are one of the most energetic breeds around and its not just a matter of taking them out for an hour or two each day it is the constant need to be with you 24/7 and with you, I mean ON you… some people find this very annoying.. I personally love it

So what I would do is tell them to contact the Hungarian Vizsla Club of NSW http://www.vizsla.org.au and ask them to send out an information pack about the breed.

There is also Facebook pages set up for V owners in each state and they have regular catch ups with the dogs so if you can persuade her tell her to go along… she might get put off by them then?? lol

Thankfully the breed isn't overly common so getting her hands on one may be difficult as respectable breeders are very selective with who they give puppies too however, unfortunately BYB is beginning to be a problem.

A vizsla will destroy her house without the desired attention … I would get her to watch some youtube clips as this is the best way to see the not so good things that may happen if a V doesn't have its needs met…

Good luck and I hope she at least listens to you… thanks for coming on here to seek help

[rangermad]

I too was going to suggest getting her to contact the state Vizsla club. That's what I did when we first started looking into the breed - the pack they sent out was a good read and a great starting point. We spent time researching, then time with and talking to a breeder and spending time with the breed and exercising them. We wanted to make sure it was the breed for us. A lot of good breeders will be very choosy with whom they allow to buy their pups - if it gets to it, maybe you just have to hope that they turn her away?

From someone who currently has a 4mo Vizsla, they certainly demand a lot of attention! It's just like having another baby/child in the family. He just wouldn't cope without all the cuddles he demands from us (we love it!). He wouldn't cope with being left all day and evening too.

Yes they're gorgeous but they are a lot of work when you need to take their physical exercise and their need for intellectual stimulation into account. I'm not sure how you can say it's a bad idea politely. Do you think she'd get offended if you tried?

ETA: that rainy day V YouTube cracks me up. Our V does those zoomies in the evenings sometimes - his favourite thing is to go pinch the magnets (we're very quick to retrieve these) or the papers off the fridge or our kids artworks that they like to display off the wall! We had to baby proof our house again for him and move everything out of his reach lol

Edited September 28, 2013 by rangermad

[littleduck]

There can't be that many Visla breeders in Australia can there? Are you able to send out an email alerting the breeders to her name and NOT to sell to her?

You might not convince her not to get one.... but it will be hard if no breeders will sell to her :laugh: