Vizsla 8 months - Puppy Training
- Sarah Tolliss
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Training a Vizsla puppy at 8 months involves consistent, positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and further develop their skills. Here are some key tips:
Basic Commands: Ensure your puppy knows commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. Practice these daily.
Socialization: Continue exposing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments to build confidence.
Exercise: Vizslas are energetic. Provide regular physical activity like walks, runs, and playtime.
Crate Training: Reinforce crate training for safety and housebreaking.
Leash Training: Work on walking calmly on a leash to prevent pulling.
Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys and training sessions to keep their mind engaged.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play.
Puppy Classes: Consider enrolling in a local puppy training class for socialization and professional guidance.
A detailed training plan and some specific exercises tailored for your 8-month-old Vizsla puppy:
Weekly Training Plan
Monday to Friday
Morning (10-15 minutes):
Practice basic commands: sit, stay, come, down.
Use treats and praise for positive reinforcement.
Midday (10 minutes):
Leash walking practice: heel, loose leash walking.
Introduce or reinforce new commands like wait or leave it.
Evening (15-20 minutes):
Play mental stimulation games (e.g., puzzle toys, hide and seek).
Short off-leash recall practice in a secure area.
Weekend
Socialization outings: parks, pet-friendly stores, seeing new people/animals.
Longer walks or hikes to burn off energy.
Basic tricks or agility exercises if available.
Specific Exercises
Come When Called
Use a long line or secure area.
Call your puppy gently with enthusiasm, using their name.
Reward immediately when they come to you.
Practice multiple times daily.
Crate Training Reinforcement
Make the crate a positive space with treats and toys.
Feed meals inside the crate.
Practice short periods inside with the door closed, gradually increasing time.
Leash Walking
Attach the leash.
Start with short walks, stop and reshuffle if they pull.
Reward when walking calmly by your side.
Impulse Control
Teach “wait” or “stay” before crossing streets or doorways.
Use treats to reinforce patience.
Socialization
Schedule supervised visits to meet other vaccinated dogs and people.
Observe their comfort and provide praise or comfort as needed.
Training Scripts:
1. Teaching "Come" Command
Script:
"Let's go! Come! (call your puppy's name with enthusiasm) Good boy/girl! Yes, come here!"
Reward immediately with a treat and praise. Repeat frequently in different settings.
2 Teaching "Stay"
Script:
"Stay. Sit. Good stay! (pause a few seconds) Okay, break."
Use treats to reward your puppy for staying put, gradually increasing the duration.
3. Crate Training
Script:
"Inside your crate. Good boy/girl! Let's stay there while I go do something."
Always praise when they enter and remain calmly.
Toy Recommendations
Interactive Puzzle Toys: To challenge your puppy's mind and prevent boredom.
Chew Toys: Durable options like Kongs or Nylabones for teething and chewing needs.
Fetch Toys: Lightweight balls or frisbees for high-energy fetch games.
Comfort Items: Soft toys or blankets to provide security.
Tips to Prevent Common Behavioral Issues
Separation Anxiety: Practice leaving your puppy alone for short periods gradually increasing time, so they learn being alone is okay.
Pulling on Leash: Consistent leash training; stop walking whenever pulling occurs, then resume when slack is given.
Biting and Nipping: Redirect biting onto toys, and teach "gentle" with treats and praise.
Excessive Energy: Provide ample exercise and mental stimulation daily to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
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