r/vizsla

Hi, everyone!

I have never had A Vizsla. I’m a long time chocolate lab owner and lover. Just lost my almost 11-year old, and have been VERY interested in a V for a long time. I’ve found a reputable breeder and am about to put down a deposit. Because I’m so familiar with labs, I’m pretty nervous about a new breed. I’m 1000% a crazy dog lady, and completely committed to knowing the breed & knowing how to meet their needs in all areas.

Here’s my concerns:

I live on 80 acres off a dirt road deep in the woods in Alabama. I live on a family compound. My lab (2, almost 3, male) goes between my home, my parents, and my brothers house with our other dogs throughout the day. On his own (we live 50 yards apart, private drive) and I do not have any issues with him running off. It’s about 2-3 acres that our houses, chicken coop, and barn are on, and the dogs stay on with no trouble. He has a Fi collar, is aware of where he can go, and stays pretty close to where he knows his mama is going to be. I trust him. I work during the day, and he has free reign of that area. I have an automatic dog door that he can come and go from my house 24/7. The Fi collar will let me know if he leaves the SafeZones, but I’ve NEVER had one issue with him leaving that in 2+ years. Am I going to be able to do that with a Vizsla? With proper training, of course. Or, do they have a tendency to roam and “adventure”? My property is not fenced. We have an entrance gate - but that’s it. But, I know some dogs have such a high prey drive that even with a lot of training, they’ll still bolt and get curious under certain circumstances. Just wanted to get some opinions. If they are the kind to roam, do I need to consider an electric fence? Not sure how that works with that breed because I’ve heard they do best with positive reinforcement. Just want to make sure I can give it a good life like it deserves before bringing it home.

Also, we have a 1.5-2 mile trail around our property that we take the dogs on runs on. We get on our ranger or gator, and they run wide open. But, they don’t get on those trails unless they are following one of those ATV’s and know we’re there. Even though they are very familiar with them, they don’t stroll unless we take them.

***adding that someone is usually home on the compound. Each dog tends to lay on the porch of their owners home, but when they see one of the family members in their yard, going for a ride, or just in a curious mood, they may go to someone else’s house. But someone is usually there. When we go to church, or have an event, that’s a different story. But that’s pretty rare.