Hi Im new to the site. We have just rehomed a 2 year old male vizsla (neutered) , and so far so good. We already have a 2 1/2 year old bitch labrador (spayed).
He is doing really well but I just have a few questions. He has displayed a tiny bit of aggression when we try to show affection to our other dog, Im assuming that he is trying to show his dominance. How do we make sure that our Lab becomes the dominant dog ? We think he was probably abused as he is very nervous of men. When he is left out back to dry off from walkies he whines and barks , how do I eliminate this behaviour ? Also we have a dog run that our lab can be locked in, she loves it but obviously the vizsla is not at all happy with the idea, we think this may have been an issue previously. How do we introduce him to the run ?

One last thing, he is a very strong dog and I find it difficult to control him on the lead (our lab is tiny) How do i begin getting him to walk to heel ? Our lab does ...sort of .

All in all though he is a brilliant dog and they are getting on great just looking for a few pointers to make his transition into our family as easy and stress free for him.

Thanks

I'm sure you'll get lots of replies soon but it might help to have a bit more infomation

How long has he been with you?  What history do you have for him?  Do you know why he was rehomed?  What support/advice did the rehoming centre/rescue place/people offer you?

> He has displayed a tiny bit of aggression when we try to show affection to our other dog,

It might be useful to know exactly what you were doing and what he did that makes you think he was being aggressive - was it directed at you or your other dog do you think?

> How do we make sure that our Lab becomes the dominant dog ?

Once he has settled in a bit, the two of them will probably sort this out for themselves.  There is no need for your lab to be the dominant dog and in fact you can create problems if you intervene too much.  If you elevate her position it may lead to stress and anxiety for both dogs.  A swift pat, praise and a treat shouldn't be too much of a problem but if you are fussing her - he may have no idea what you are doing to her or what she is doing to you.  It might look very peculiar to a dog that has no experience of this wierd human behaviour! 

The advice you get may be different depending how long he's been with you.  If it's only a few weeks or less then I would imagine you'll still be getting to know each other and he will still be adjusting to his new routines.  This may be more of an issue for him because of his background so the more information you have the better able you are to understand his reactions.   Your older dog knows she is loved and is likely to be very confident in your home so she isn't going to mind too much if you spend extra time with him.  He will appreciate more 1:1 time and as he begins to trust you it will be easier to get the measure of him.

Some behaviours may simply be caused by lack of training or socialisation, have you enrolled in a training class?  Check the APDT site for more information and also have a look at the Kennel Club Good Citizens programme.  You may need to walk him on his own for a while whilst you get him sorted - it's a lot easier to work with one dog at a time, particularly if he's strong.  Also have a search on here for 'separation anxiety' there was a recent thread about a weim and some advice that may help you.  I'll post a link if I can find it :)

Well done for rescuing this boy - is he a smooth haired vizsla?

Edited to say:  Weim link here, have a read of the posts by Teri and karenclynes on separation anxiety - hope it helps

How long have you had him? He might need a long time to settle in. As you have a bitch in the household you shouldn't have too many problems once he settles in. A friend of mine took in a dog (not Viszla, but an HPR breed) and it took nearly a year before it settled in properly :-(

There are a few Viszla owners on the forum who will be able to give you more breed specific advice but good on you for giving him a home.

Hi vermonta, welcome to Champdogs :)

Firstly, well done for rehoming your boy, vizslas are a wonderful breed :)

We think he was probably abused as he is very nervous of men

Vizslas can be a very sensitive breed so it is possible a man has been a bit rough on him in the past but equally he might not have been socialised with many men and this could make him fearful.

When he is left out back to dry off from walkies he whines and barks

Again, they are sensitive and big pansies when it comes to the cold so he might not ever like the idea of drying off outside :D IMO they are a breed that crave being in amongst the action with their family, human and dog, and kennelling generally does noty suit them. 

Does he become distressed any other times when he is left on his own?

Haltis, or other dog headcollars, are great for controlling strong dogs, my wirehaired vizsla wears one when out walking with our 2 smooth hairs. Training and time will of course help :)

HTH, feel free to ask more questions or PM me about anything vizsla related :)

We have only had him 6 days ( I know its going to take us all time to adjust, Just trying to get any advice). Apparently he was re-homed as his owners didnt have the time for him any more, the rescue people said he had welt marks on him when he was dropped off there! . Rescue centre said to just give him plenty of praise and be aware he will show a tiny bit of aggression towards our other dog. We think the aggression was directed at the lab as he just raised his lip and snarled at her when she came close. It hasnt happened really the last day or so, so hopefully its all done with.
He's a smooth / short haired vizsla. I have contacted the Kennel Club about the Kennel Club Good Citizens programme so hopefully we'll get him enrolled on one shortly.

Thanks for all the advice ill definately give it a try.

Good luck to you :-)

If he pulls on the lead I would recommend a walkezee - they really do give excellent control and will help if you are walking two dogs at the same time as they can not pull. 

http://dogtrainingharnesses.co.uk/department/walkezee_dog_harness/

We have a wonderful 2year old male Vizsla and I agree with the post about not liking to be left outside. Mine is a real mummy's boy, howls when I leave him, brings me my wellies and coat (in case I forget he wants to go for a walk) and is usually found snuggled under my quilt. They are a renowned "duvet dog" and feel the cold due to their short coat. We invested in a fleecy rain-coat (husband not impressed) but it stops him shivering on really harsh days. He pulls terribly on the lead so I bought a "gentle leader" attachment for his collar. It works a treat and even my young children are able to keep hold of him now. He also "growls" at everything. It initally worried us but it is his standard communication for "chase me", "look what I've pinched" and not in the least aggressive. That is until he comes across a nice lady-dog that takes his fancy and wants to ward off any other suitors! Everything you have said sounds like typical behaviour, all he needs is a good run every day (not necessarily for a long time), a strong word/firm hand occasionally as they have the ability to take advantage, and lots of love and assurance that you'll still be there in the morning! Best of luck, I envy you. Very broody for Vizsla No. 2 myself.

Typical gun dog then :-)

Hey Hillbilly, how does this harness work then? They don't say much on your link and I can't get my head round it. How can a harness stop a dog pulling, I thought they usually did the opposite? I've got 2 Goldens, the one is fine with a headcollar but the younger one won't have it and tends to pull a bit on the lead which is too much for my liking! Cheers!

Gaelle

You might not get a reply from Hillbilly as the thread is a couple of months old but I think it works to inhibit forward movement on the front legs if they pull.  When we first got our rescue mongrel he was a devil with pigeons if were in towns.  I used to use a Mikki Walkrite which operates on the same type of principle - the Mikki has rubber covered straps that go under the front legs and it's not very comfortable if they pull - absolutely fine if they don't.  The Mikki is used as a training harness to help teach them not to pull, use for 15 mins and take it off.  I used to use it for a 20 minutes walk to collect the kids and after a few weeks problem solved - he completely stopped pulling to chase pigeons.  I did use treats and positive reinforcement too but it was mostly the harness that worked.  Years later he is still perfect on the lead!!

There is a strap across the chest which is not anchored to the strap just slotted through a ring on either side.  (I know it is not a good description but it is hard to describe) You attach your lead to one side of the strap and if or when the dog tries to pull it stops it pulling as it seems to turn the dog slightly.  I really do believe in these harnesses - they are not like other harnesses that tend to make a dog just pull into it.  I walk 3 dogs (total of 100kgs) and without the walkezee would have me over every time - with the walkezee I have no problems at all.  The makers of walkezee are offering free postage at the moment - I believe that it will be the best product you can buy.  I have tried head collars on one of my dogs but she absolutely hated it - this method - the walkezee is very different and is a pleasant experience for your dog.