| Frequently Asked Questions |
Is the Vizsla the right breed for me?
There is no simple answer to this question, and it makes more sense to focus on the personality and conformation of each individual puppy, rather than its sex. That said, we are willing to make a few generalizations, noting that there are exceptions to every
statement. All this information is general information as it's each dogs personality that defines their character and temperament.
The females are a little bit more self-reliant and independent, while males on the other hand are usually more affectionate, attentive, and more demanding of attention. We think boys are just a bit more devoted as well as more needy. While both genders are
very attached to their people, there is a saying with Vizsla's that 'a female Vizsla will love you, while a male Vizsla is in love with you'. Both genders are fairly easy to train, though require positive training techniques. However, its been our experience that males
can be more easily distracted during training. I've also personally found that the adolescent period for boys tends to be more difficult (in regards to pushing boundaries and rules), however they tend to settle down into adulthood. Where females don't have as
difficult of an adolescents, they tend to keep a little bit of attitude for their entire life. Males tend to be larger (50 to 60 pounds and 23-24 inches) than girls (40 to 50 pounds, and around 22 inches).
For a variety of health and development reasons, we feel very strongly that no puppy should be neutered or spayed prior to reaching its maturity.
statement. All this information is general information as it's each dogs personality that defines their character and temperament.
The females are a little bit more self-reliant and independent, while males on the other hand are usually more affectionate, attentive, and more demanding of attention. We think boys are just a bit more devoted as well as more needy. While both genders are
very attached to their people, there is a saying with Vizsla's that 'a female Vizsla will love you, while a male Vizsla is in love with you'. Both genders are fairly easy to train, though require positive training techniques. However, its been our experience that males
can be more easily distracted during training. I've also personally found that the adolescent period for boys tends to be more difficult (in regards to pushing boundaries and rules), however they tend to settle down into adulthood. Where females don't have as
difficult of an adolescents, they tend to keep a little bit of attitude for their entire life. Males tend to be larger (50 to 60 pounds and 23-24 inches) than girls (40 to 50 pounds, and around 22 inches).
For a variety of health and development reasons, we feel very strongly that no puppy should be neutered or spayed prior to reaching its maturity.
Those who are adding an additional dog to their home should carefully consider the ramifications of adding a dog of either sex. This is important because the makeup of the existing pack may be more accepting to either a male or a female dog. The following
are general tips for selecting the gender of a second dog:
If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite sex is generally the best choice. Dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight than dogs of the opposite sex. However if you opt to add another dog of the same gender to your pack, they can
peacefully co-exist and will likely become friends. It is important to closely monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not become common. As long as there is an established alpha and the other dogs know their place in the pack,
there will not be dominance struggles often, although they may still occur. It's best to speak with your breeder and/or a good trainer about how to re-enforce and support the pack hierarchy in order to reduce the possibilities of problems.
Selecting a male or female dog is largely a matter of personal preference. The above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to purchase or adopt a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a male puppy who displays the
typical female characteristics.
are general tips for selecting the gender of a second dog:
If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite sex is generally the best choice. Dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight than dogs of the opposite sex. However if you opt to add another dog of the same gender to your pack, they can
peacefully co-exist and will likely become friends. It is important to closely monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not become common. As long as there is an established alpha and the other dogs know their place in the pack,
there will not be dominance struggles often, although they may still occur. It's best to speak with your breeder and/or a good trainer about how to re-enforce and support the pack hierarchy in order to reduce the possibilities of problems.
Selecting a male or female dog is largely a matter of personal preference. The above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to purchase or adopt a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a male puppy who displays the
typical female characteristics.
Vizsla's are very active and energetic and require daily exercise, including exercise off leash. Vizsla's then to be very needy and want to be with you all the time - there is a Hungarian saying that if you own a Vizsla, it lives on your head! These same qualities
that make Vizsla's so endearing to those who are devoted to them can drive some people crazy. This breed is not right for you if you want a low-key dog who is content to lie down in the back yard and not demand much from you. Vizsla's who do not receive
sufficient exercise or attention can develop severe separation anxiety groups – but it takes planning and involves a serious commitment.
Especially in homes that are not dog experienced, we generally recommend that the youngest child in the household be four years of age or older before you add a puppy. Adding a Vizsla puppy with a toddler is extremely difficult, and the joy of raising and
enjoying a Vizsla puppy frequently turns into a burden when trying to juggle a toddler and puppy – which is not good for anyone. Vizsla's are usually very accepting of newborn humans added to their existing families.
that make Vizsla's so endearing to those who are devoted to them can drive some people crazy. This breed is not right for you if you want a low-key dog who is content to lie down in the back yard and not demand much from you. Vizsla's who do not receive
sufficient exercise or attention can develop severe separation anxiety groups – but it takes planning and involves a serious commitment.
Especially in homes that are not dog experienced, we generally recommend that the youngest child in the household be four years of age or older before you add a puppy. Adding a Vizsla puppy with a toddler is extremely difficult, and the joy of raising and
enjoying a Vizsla puppy frequently turns into a burden when trying to juggle a toddler and puppy – which is not good for anyone. Vizsla's are usually very accepting of newborn humans added to their existing families.
What are the differences between males and females?
Gender choice when adding a second (or third, or fourth) dog into the family
How are your puppies raised?
At Wildfire Vizsla's, all our puppies are born and raised in our family kitchen. They are exposed to the daily noise, smells, and activity of a busy family household. We don't use newspaper for puppy toileting, rather we use absorbent washable puppy pads
(identical to hospital incontinence pads) from birth. We primarily clean floors using steam, however for daily disinfecting we also use vinegar and other environmentally friendly products - we do this for the well being of our family, our dogs, the puppies, and the
environment.
Weaning beings at around 4 weeks, through mom continues to spend lots of time with the puppies right up to the time when they go to their new homes.
As a dogs temperament is based upon both nature and nurture, we strive to bring out the best in our puppies. This begins from birth. Puppies are handled frequently, every day. They are exposed to different kinds of noises (including house noises, street
noises, various types of music, sounds of fireworks and gunfire) this early exposure goes a long way in preventing sound sensitivity. They are also exposed to different surfaces and textures, they are provided with many different types of toys. Puppies are also
exposed to several different locations, and challenges during this period. This all assists in building confidence and trust that are the foundation for success in conformation, performance competition, hunting and as a well rounded stable companion dog.
The crate is first introduced to the puppies at 3 weeks of age, positive and frequent exposures are developed to the crate (including individual time in crates for short periods) in order to make it easier for crate training.
We also begin the house training process, the extent of which depends on weather conditions - as Canadian winters don't always allow for long periods of time outside - through our past puppies have been exposed to as cold as -20 degree Celsius
temperatures for short periods of time. In spring, summer, and fall puppies will be given generous of periods outside. We have only used 100% natural weed control measures since 2004. We use no chemicals or weed & feed - again for the health of our
family, our dogs, the puppies and the environment. (From our research - chemicals cleaners and chemical weed control have a link with many different health problems and cancers in both humans and animals)
Beginning with the 2010 litter, we will begin clicker training the entire litter - this will be started even before the puppies eyes have begun to open.
(identical to hospital incontinence pads) from birth. We primarily clean floors using steam, however for daily disinfecting we also use vinegar and other environmentally friendly products - we do this for the well being of our family, our dogs, the puppies, and the
environment.
Weaning beings at around 4 weeks, through mom continues to spend lots of time with the puppies right up to the time when they go to their new homes.
As a dogs temperament is based upon both nature and nurture, we strive to bring out the best in our puppies. This begins from birth. Puppies are handled frequently, every day. They are exposed to different kinds of noises (including house noises, street
noises, various types of music, sounds of fireworks and gunfire) this early exposure goes a long way in preventing sound sensitivity. They are also exposed to different surfaces and textures, they are provided with many different types of toys. Puppies are also
exposed to several different locations, and challenges during this period. This all assists in building confidence and trust that are the foundation for success in conformation, performance competition, hunting and as a well rounded stable companion dog.
The crate is first introduced to the puppies at 3 weeks of age, positive and frequent exposures are developed to the crate (including individual time in crates for short periods) in order to make it easier for crate training.
We also begin the house training process, the extent of which depends on weather conditions - as Canadian winters don't always allow for long periods of time outside - through our past puppies have been exposed to as cold as -20 degree Celsius
temperatures for short periods of time. In spring, summer, and fall puppies will be given generous of periods outside. We have only used 100% natural weed control measures since 2004. We use no chemicals or weed & feed - again for the health of our
family, our dogs, the puppies and the environment. (From our research - chemicals cleaners and chemical weed control have a link with many different health problems and cancers in both humans and animals)
Beginning with the 2010 litter, we will begin clicker training the entire litter - this will be started even before the puppies eyes have begun to open.
Do I get to pick my own puppy?
We as the breeders get to know each puppy very well during the eight to nine weeks that he/she lives in our home. From birth each puppy already begins to illustrate to us their personality and temperament. As a result we pick the puppy that we feel best
matches the individual/family. We consider many different elements in each puppy placement to ensure that a families needs are met, as well as the needs of each puppy. When you come to our home to visit with us and the puppies you only see a small
'snapshot' which is not always accurate of a puppies personality and activity level. We also perform personality testing and structure testing to assist us in making these decisions. By us choosing the right dog for each family it decreases the chance of
problems and mis-matching.
matches the individual/family. We consider many different elements in each puppy placement to ensure that a families needs are met, as well as the needs of each puppy. When you come to our home to visit with us and the puppies you only see a small
'snapshot' which is not always accurate of a puppies personality and activity level. We also perform personality testing and structure testing to assist us in making these decisions. By us choosing the right dog for each family it decreases the chance of
problems and mis-matching.
When can I take my puppy home?
We will not release puppies until after 8 weeks of age under ANY circumstances. Since our 'puppy tests' are performed at 8 weeks of age, it is only then when we will decide on homes. As well, it is important for the puppies to stay with their litter mates and
mother for at least 8 weeks for socialization purposes.
mother for at least 8 weeks for socialization purposes.
What are your guarantees?
All puppies go home with a written contract which provides for a 3 year health guarantee against genetic defects. Also included is CKC registration and all puppies are microchiped. Puppies go to their new homes with a blanket that smells like
mom/littermates, toy, leash, collar and bag of food as well as lots of training & care information. I do provide lifetime support for all of my puppies and do include a clause in my dams pedigrees and health clearances, a pedigree of your puppy and a TON of
training & care information. I also provide 6 weeks of complimentary pet insurance with PetPlan and a one year membership to the Vizsla Society of Ontario.
mom/littermates, toy, leash, collar and bag of food as well as lots of training & care information. I do provide lifetime support for all of my puppies and do include a clause in my dams pedigrees and health clearances, a pedigree of your puppy and a TON of
training & care information. I also provide 6 weeks of complimentary pet insurance with PetPlan and a one year membership to the Vizsla Society of Ontario.
How do I get on your waiting list?
The process starts with a questionnaire. Your answers will enable us to help you decide if the breed is right for you, and will help us in matching the right puppy to your family. After completion of the questionnaire, we ask that you come meet us and our Vizslas
to further determine if the breed is right for you. Families are welcome to visit the puppies as frequently as they want after the puppies reach three weeks of age.
to further determine if the breed is right for you. Families are welcome to visit the puppies as frequently as they want after the puppies reach three weeks of age.
| Wildfire Reg'd Vizsla's |
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