Vizslas are not your typical domesticated animal that can adapt to all types of living situations. But because of its physical abilities as a hunting dog, many animal lovers want to get one of their own either through buying or adopting. But is it viable for you as a person living in an apartment to take care of a Vizsla?
Are Vizslas Good for Apartment Living?
One of the most frequently asked questions for aspiring Vizsla owners is whether or not they can own one. And to answer that question straightforwardly, NO. Vizslas are active dogs, and they need to go outside in a yard frequently or, should I say, every 10 minutes or so to satisfy their longing for big spaces.
But this does not mean that you can get a Vizsla as an apartment owner. You need to consider some essential things to make sure that your Vizsla will be happy physically and mentally.
5 Things to Consider When Getting a Vizsla as an Apartment Owner
- Do You Have Enough Space for Your Vizsla?
This is the first thing to consider when wanting to get a Vizsla in your apartment itself. If ever you can buy or adopt one, do they have any space to roam or walk around when they are itching for physical activities? If the answer is no, try considering other dogs most suited in apartment living like Yorkshire Terrier, Havenese Greyhound, and more. But if you have a 2-bedroom apartment or a studio apartment that has a very large space, then maybe you can get one but with precautions, of course. You need to prepare a big space and certain stations where your dog can eat, rest, take a poop, etc.
- Can You Double the Effort in Taking Care of Your Dog?
Vizsla owners who live in a house have it easy to own this type of dog breed because their houses have dog doors. This will allow Vizslas to go outside whenever they want and come back in to fish some attention and affection. But apartment living Vizsla owners have it rough. It would help if you doubled the effort in feeding, bathing, and making sure that they are stable in the physical and emotional aspects.
- Will You Take Your Vizsla in the Park Every Single Day?
All Vizsla owners need to do this. The one who lives in an apartment must be doing it more often. It’s because Vizslas are well-known for going for a run, playing fetch, and other physically tiring activities. They will be very excited every time you go outside, and you need to do this every day to make sure that your dog can have the opportunity to socialize with other animals in the park and even with people.
- Do You Think You Can Be Patient to Train, Your Dog?
Vizslas are highly intelligent but are extremely slow learners and big whiners, so you need to ensure that you have the patience to teach them some basic commands like sit, stay, come, or go. But most of all, you need to train them how to live in a cramped space like an apartment with no yard at all to go out to when they need to pee or poop. You have to be consistent in training them, and you will reap the rewards in the future because through proper training and some positive reinforcements, Vizslas can adapt well.
- Can You Exercise With Your Vizsla Daily?
Aside from bringing them to the park to get some sunlight and socialize, Vizslas needs to exercise every day, so they don’t get bored looking at the four corners of your apartment unit. You need to exercise with them daily by running around the block or if it is your day off, go on a hike to make their blood flowing and their mental health stable.
When planning to get a Vizsla, you need to make sure that you can take care of it successfully. If you live in an apartment, this type of dog is not good for you. But if you want a companion, there are other types of dogs available for you.
