A Vizsla is described by American Kennel Club (AKC) as an affectionate and energetic type of dog. Vizslas are very active, playful, and often called “Velcro” dogs because they love to cling to their owners. They are friendly to their humans, other animals, and even strangers.
Vizslas are loving and friendly dogs, but can they also be destructive? Let’s find out.
Are Vizslas Destructive?
Certain situations can cause Vizslas to be destructive because they are sensitive dogs. They are likely to exhibit bad behavior whenever they’re alone or sad. To release their tension, Vizslas tend to bite, roll, lick, or chew on anything.
Other factors can contribute to Vizsla’s destructive behavior. But it’s important to note that this may also depend on your Vizsla’s personality.
What Causes Destructive Behavior?
Aside from your Vizsla’s personality, here are situations and factors that can cause destructive behavior in your Vizsla:
Your Vizsla is Bored
Vizslas need to have physical activities and exercise every day. They can’t stay for too long without doing anything, or else they will quickly get bored. One typical instance is when they are left alone at home with nothing to do. They become destructive to burn off their energy by chewing on things at home or making a mess.
Another is when they lack exercise, they will express their boredom by chewing and barking. The repetitive movement also makes these dogs bored. They love to move daily, but they hate doing the same physical activities every day.
Your Vizsla is Experiencing Separation Anxiety
Vizslas need to be with their families. Leaving them on their own for an extended period will result in destructive behaviors. Confinement and less companionship will also make them sad, which is detrimental to their health. They are inclined to express their sadness by barking, howling, and chewing.
They are the type of dogs that follow you wherever you go in your home. Vizslas should always feel loved and accompanied to avoid them from manifesting destructive behaviors. A family member’s death or a shift in the owner’s working hours can also trigger separation anxiety.
They are Anxious
Not all Vizslas are fearful, but certain situations from their past may trigger fears. Loud noises may trigger destructive behaviors such as running, jumping, and biting doors or windows in desperate attempts to escape. These reactions are also coming from their instincts.
You have to be watchful if your Vizsla is fearful because he might injure himself as he tries to escape.
They Need Attention
Many Vizsla owners ignore their dogs. When this happens, Vizslas make their way to get their owners’ attention by doing destructive behaviors. They can also be dangerous when they are scolded verbally.
They Develop Eating Problems
Vizslas require a balanced diet based on their nutrients to give them energy in their daily physical activities. If your Vizsla does not eat properly, he will damage everything he passes through as he finds more food.
Vizslas are very active and athletic dogs. They use up a lot of their energy in physical exercises. A balanced diet and healthy food should compensate for the energy they release.
Vizslas were Originally Bred as Hunters
Another possible reason for Vizslas’s destructive behavior has something to do with their original roles as hunters. They were bred to be excellent hunters; that’s why if you have a small pet, they might destroy things in their way to chase it.
They may also be triggered by the presence of rodents in your house. Their hunting instincts will trigger them to chase it.
Tips to Curve Unwanted Vizsla Behaviors
Like other dogs, it’s inevitable for a Vizsla to develop unwanted behaviors. But there are ways to curve these destructive tendencies.
- Monitor your Vizsla and remove the things they are likely to destroy, such as shoes and clothes. To prevent your Vizsla from chewing on your stuff at home, give your Vizsla some chew toys instead.
- Provide adequate and different exercises for your Vizsla every day. On day one, you can walk; the next day, you can play. Your Vizsla should have a selection of activities every day, or else it will exhibit unwanted behaviors. Let them have enough exercise! Otherwise, they might channel excess energy to chewing and other destructive behaviors.
- As attention seekers, reward your Vizsla treats for good behavior. Rewarding your Vizsla is more effective than scolding.
- Engage your Vizsla in socialization training to curve their destructive hunting instincts, such as destroying your items at home to chase smaller animals or rodents.
Conclusion
Vizslas can develop destructive behaviors because of different factors. If we notice anything like the mentioned behaviors, you need to know where it’s coming from to correct the behavior.
In worst-case scenarios, you can also take your Vizsla to his veterinarian to provide you with instructions in treating your Vizsla’s destructive behavior.
