Vizsla for Waterfowl

[ironvizsla]

Hey all, I am new to the site and recently purchased a Vizsla - I know they are mainly an upland dog, but have heard they can be used (successfully) for waterfowl. With the thin coat, I know it would be in moderate weather, but wanted to get some feedback (be nice :D !!!).

Thanks -

Don

[ThePreacher]

I would think it would work. cepts he might need some additional training. i guess the only way to know for sure is to take him out to the water and give it a try.

[ironvizsla]

Thanks, he comes from a MH and DC backgound, so he has the hunting bloodlines. His fathers loves to swim, so that should not be an issue in the water. I appreciate the response

Thanks and a day in the field is better than a day in the office!

[mnbenelli]

I got a Wiemerainer and there is no way he would go waterfowling, I think their from the same family. He is a good phesant dog though.

[spaightlabs]

as a versatile breed, they can do the work, but like all dogs, you'll need to invest the time in training...temperature can be a HUGE issue for these thin coated low body fat dogs - be sure to use a vest if the weather is cool.

[ironvizsla]

I would most definately use a vest, since they have little hair and little to no body fat, body temp will be an issue.

Thanks, it is one of those things that will be trial and error and lots of training.

Thanks - Don

[Richie]

i have a german shorthair and is great for upland and would do very well for geese if i could just get him to sit still while hunting. HE doesnt like water but if he would go in the water he would be great for ducks. He retrieves very well and is great with commands but since he is a pointer and is constantly running and searching while hunting and was trained specifically for that he doesnt do well with waterfowl. He always wants to find the game for me. So if you can get him to do both thats great but its hard for a dog of that type since they are so high strung and want to go go go........but if it works get a good vest.

[ironvizsla]

Yeah, it is probably going to be tough - but we'll give it a try. I have to get him trained first (baby steps) and then move him along towards waterfowl.

Thanks for the reply

[ThePreacher]

you could always sell him and get a real dog.... :D :D :P :P ... it doesnt hurt to try... if you cant get him to do waterfowl it means you get to have another dog right?

[DK Dogs]

It really depends on the breeding of the dog. I have shorthairs from Germany that have to be proven waterfowl dogs before they can be used as breeding dogs. Most of the American bred dogs are not bred for waterfowl hunting. Most of the dogs with close ties to imports are more bred for use in waterfowl hunting.
When it gets super cold I feed the dog some fat foods late at night or early in the morning before a hunt. I use a neoprene vest as well. My dogs have such a high drive that they dont even notice the cold.
Take a look at my site and you can see the dogs in action.
Here ya go
www.vomroyalshorthairs.com
Thanks
Dave

[mlgorecki]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n265/mlgorecki/Gunny3.jpg

Hey guys, I'm thinking about training my wife's dog (she's a former Marine) "Gunny", for waterfowl. Ya think he'll be ready for 07/08?

It's all good; Don and I are friends. I couldn't resist Don :P

[Waterfowlhunter2]

Matt dude thats funny stuff right there. I think he will do a good job and will be ready for the 07 08 season. Maybe your on to something.

[ironvizsla]

Hey Matt, I wouldn't expect anything less.

Can Gunny Swim r does he need water wings!!?? I'd love to see him with a duck in his mouth!

I pick up the pup tonight!!

[HRK]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n265/mlgorecki/Gunny3.jpg

Hey guys, I'm thinking about training my wife's dog (she's a former Marine) "Gunny", for waterfowl. Ya think he'll be ready for 07/08?


that dogs got that look like ...............i'll bite ya in the knards before i go fetch up your damn duck in that cold water....... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

sorry matt couldnt resist................. :roll:

[Waterfowlhunter2]

I think he actually has the look like he would stand up and look to see what was goin on but then you would try to give him commands and he would just go and lay down and look at his master like screw you dude

[Foilesmigrator92]

Mine was half ass smart til he got drilled in the face with a softball at my dads game by a foul ball.....But he still wouldnt even fetch a ball

Stupid dog