redbirddog - a vizsla blog

Humane Society of the United States Revealed for what they are.

2012-01-30T17:58:00.001-08:00

SOAP BOX WARNING:

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are NOT like the local chapters of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Your local SPCA deserves all the support you can give them.

HSUS and PETA are not folks that Vizsla owners would want as neighbors.

My guess is many of us have neighbors who support HSUS and PETA by sending checks for what they think are helping shelters.

In their mind the below is ugly.

In their mind the below is a crime.

I, for one, hope the light of day shines on their operation and the U.S. Congress ends their tax-exempt status.

Will the next generation get to enjoy the Vizsla?

Post from last summer on the topic:

Animal Rights Extremists nearing victory in California

Now this is one good Vizsla

2012-01-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Dusty - Mar-Ed's He Knoz He's A Star, JH, NA, NAJ, RN, CD, CGC
"Dusty turned 10 in June and still acts like a 2 year old. He was our first Vizsla and my hunting buddy...he's been the dog we did a little bit of everything with and he succeeded at it all...of course I screwed him up. Field pointed, show pointed, and a lot of titles after his name."

Above was found on a diesel truck forum of all places:

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/hungarian-vizsla-t253435.html

Proud owner of a hell of a Vizsla.

Hidden Treasures: Diablo Foothills Regional Park

2012-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Multi-million dollar homes built to enjoy these priceless views.

2 miles east of Highway 680 at the Livorna Road Exit, in the affluent community of Alamo, is the Diablo Foothills Regional Park staging area.

A joy to own two wonderful Vizslas and a good camera on an early six mile morning walk.

ducks and Vizslas on a pond

2012-01-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ducks on a pond has always been a magnet to Bailey and Chloe. They love to swim after the birds.

Doesn't get much better in a walk to see wildlife up close and personal. We came across a couple whitetail deer earlier in this morning's walk.

"Big running" Vizslas

2012-01-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today's walk was up in the Castle Rock Open Space. Here the dogs had much more room to roam.

In these areas it is common for Bailey and Chloe to be many hundreds of yards away.

There is something that I really enjoy about watching my dogs run along a far ridge full-tilt.

This is the basis of the term "Big Running Dogs."

Some wonderful country to walk around in.

For enjoyment watch the below video with speakers on. Make it full screen using the button on the bottom right corner.

Vizsla Pheasant Hunt Bird's Landing

2012-01-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

Great morning. 60 miles east of where we live is Bird's Landing Hunting Reserve. Hunted with a couple friends this morning. They brought their small 7-year-old chocolate lab, Holly. What a sweet dog!

Bailey locked on a pheasant

A lab hunts birds differently than a vizsla.

Holly hunted much closer to her hunter but then flushed the birds without much of a "point". Bailey,a pointing breed, who hunts much further out, stays "on point" until he is released.

To the left - Bailey To the right - pheasant

My friend, Charlie, watching Bailey cover the field full tilt

Bailey on point. When I went to flush the bird, it ran away.

Sometimes the pheasants do just run away. Bailey had to stay "on point" and not chase after the bird until I released him.

Five birds for meals over the next few weeks.

At the club house, "the mascots" hang out in the parking lot.

Rock climbing with Vizslas

2012-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

Before the rain came and the San Francisco 49er play off game started, Bailey, Chloe and I took a hike and climb into the hills of Castle Rock Regional Park.

Great walking and climbing in the Castle Rock area.

Higher and higher we climbed into the sandstone rock formations.

Bailey needed four paw drive for some of the climb.

From the top of one of the peaks.

Down from the peak. Dogs loved the rocks.

As we walked back down, Bailey came across a couple covies of quail. He held and then the birds flushed when I came close.

Directions on how to get to this hidden treasure:

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2010/03/hidden-treasure-castle-rock.html

O.K. completely off subject. Excuse me but I am a Jeep nerd.

The last three pictures came from later today in an Oakland parking lot.

VERY RARE 1960 Jeep FC-150 pick up truck

http://www.jeepfc150.com/

81 inch wheelbase classy all wheel drive MINT CONDITION

1960 FC150 and 2006 Liberty Renegade parked next to each other

Star Wars Vizsla and crew

2012-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

After video starts double click the screen for full screen viewing

Link to which dog was which character

O.K., This is a really silly ad by Volkswagen, but the good looking dog in the back row makes it worth sharing.

That was fun. Stood in line with friends opening day of Star Wars at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles for 12 hours to get in. We each took 4 hour shifts holding a place in line. The line completely circled the large city block where the theater sits.

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1

Boy, that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away!

Loved the memory.

In Star Wars, there were characters named:

Pre Vizsla.

(Only know that because if you look on E-bay for Vizsla stuff, these Star War action figures show up.)

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Pre_Vizsla

Sometimes Life Gives Second Chances - Even to Vizslas.

2012-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Great rescue story and how a Vizsla gets a second chance.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. - 07-02-11

Sometimes life gives second chances - even to dogs.
By KARLENE PONTI Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

To see Louie, a 6-year-old vizsla, joyously bounding around, one would be hard pressed to know he spent the first four years of his life in terror.

His new life now revolves around Teresa Pavish-Paradiso, a licensed clinical social worker who, besides participating in a network that rescues abused animals, works in Walla Walla with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

She said there are similarities in dealing with anxieties in humans and animals. Fear is fear. And love, patience and developing a sense of trust are elements in dealing with restlessness, nightmares and fears that something else bad is going to happen.

"He really responded to consistent love and nurturing," she said of Louie. "He's a blessing to everyone who knows him."

She got Louie in November 2009. But Louie's recovery began in July of that year with Carmen Ogg, a rescue volunteer with Best Friends of Baker in Baker City, Oregon, part of the animal rescue network.

Louie had been taken to the Humane Society for biting the man who had been beating him. That particular time Louie was defending the woman and child from the abuser in the family's Salem home.

Ogg knew that vizslas aren't aggressive dogs, but Louie was scheduled to be euthanized when she intevened and pursuaded the woman to give Louie to her.

She learned the people who owned him were in a bad marriage full of abuse. The man took his anger out on the puppy, beating him and confining him, Ogg said. Both Louie's physical and emotional health needed attention.

"He had a solid four years of abuse," Pavish-Paradiso said. "As a puppy, he'd be sleeping in his little bed and the guy would pick him up and throw him against the wall. He was in horrific pain and very thin."

The first task for Pavish-Paradiso was to bond with Louie, who comes from an energetic Hungarian breed of dogs known for their upland game, rabbit and waterfowl hunting skills.

"He was afraid of the big backyard," she said. "It really helped him to find a place to run. We go out to Bennington Lake. With the fun of running, we were able to really bond."

The next step was to work on Louie's social skills. "He was afraid of everybody. I took him with me out to L&G Ranch Supply. Those people are so wonderful, they talked to him and gave him treats."

Because his abuser was a man, Louie was more comfortable with the women at first. But as time went by he gained trust of men at the store, realizing they wouldn't hurt him.

Louie gradually began to have more trust for his new life in general. Last March he did his first play bow, a common dog gesture to indicate it's time for fun and frolic.

His road to get to a place of peace was long.

"He didn't let the pain of what happened stop him from having a life," she said.
Read more: http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/territory/article_6496e348-ca90-11e0-963c-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1jAaawlO6

Vote for Vizsla Rescue Haven

2012-01-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Animal Rescue Site $300,000 Shelter+ Challenge of 2012

— with Petfinder.com.

This poor abused dog needs a new home! (joke)

It's a bright new year, and a fresh chance for you to help The Animal Rescue Site choose which eligible Petfinder.com animal rescue organizations will receive grants to help animals in need! It's easy:

· Select your Country and (if U.S. or Canada) State/Province.

· Optional fields accept partial (but not misspelled/inaccurate) information.

· You can cast one vote every day for your favorite rescue organization.

Click here to enter Vizsla Rescue Haven

For shelter name enter: Vizsla Rescue Haven

For the state enter: CA for California

Vote every day. Book mark the page.

Help Vizsla Rescue Haven help vizslas that need new homes.
_________________________________________________

San Francisco Vizsla Beach Playground

2012-01-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

32 miles west of our house is Fort Funston. We park by the horse stables at the end of John Daly Blvd. and walk down to the beach.

The hills above the beach were breathtaking today. We have had a westerly breeze the last few days. The air was crisp and clear!

Fort Funston in San Francisco in early January.

50 degrees and astonishing day along the ocean.

Bailey to Sire Puppies Next Week

2012-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

O.K. I am excited about this breeding! Bailey (Highlander's Bailey's Wildest Dream) should join up again next week with Sophie (Placergold's Autumn Moon) to create the second litter of RedBirdDogs!

Julie and I have been talking about this since last fall. We are waiting for Sophie to go into her cycle. We have both had the dogs checked this week for brucellosis (STD). Just got the call from the vet that Bailey is clear to go.

The first litter is now 9 months old. I am very happy with how the pups turned out both physically and temperament-wise. That was important to me.

Sophie and Bailey's A.K.C. pedigrees go back five generations (plus) of very good dogs both in the field and the ring. Health issues in the lines checked. Health and O.F.A. tests done on both our dogs. Healthy parents should pass healthly pups.

Boys and their dogs at 4-weeks-old and then 7-months-old.

Many pup pictures over the last year at different stages on redbirddog.

Good times.

RBD Visits for last half of 2011

2012-01-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Really have enjoyed the last 6 months of Redbirddog blogging.

From all over the world Vizsla lovers have checked in since July 20, 2011. Thanks.

United Kingdom 1,360

Canada 920

Australia 218

Germany 86

New Zealand 80

Netherland 78

India 77

Hungary 49

United States 10,385

California (CA) 2,961

Texas (TX) 653

New York (NY) 459

Illinois (IL) 444

Massachusetts (MA) 408

Pennsylvania (PA) 368

Michigan (MI) 350

Virginia (VA) 316

Florida (FL) 286

Minnesota (MN) 270

Washington (WA) 230

Colorado (CO) 216

North Carolina (NC) 206

Georgia (GA) 206

Maryland (MD) 205

Wisconsin (WI) 161

Ohio (OH) 159

Iowa (IA) 157

Oregon (OR) 151

New Jersey (NJ) 144

Arizona (AZ) 138

Missouri (MO) 132

Indiana (IN) 124

Connecticut (CT) 102

South Carolina (SC) 98

Kansas (KS) 92

Tennessee (TN) 90

North Dakota (ND) 84

Utah (UT) 82

Kentucky (KY) 72

Nevada (NV) 64

District of Columbia (DC)62

Nebraska (NE) 60

Alabama (AL) 53

South Dakota (SD) 53

Oklahoma (OK) 48

Since we started in Spring 2009:

Visits 50,000

Pages Viewed 100,000

Thundershirt and New Year's Eve

2012-01-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Chloe HATES fireworks and thunder. At sunset last night I placed Chloe's new Thundershirt on her.

By the time the neighborhood let off the New Year's fireworks Chloe was safe in her crate, in her sleeping bag and wearing her Thundershirt.

For the first time in four years she was calm through the noise of the celebrating happening outside.

We put it on Chloe at 6pm. She didn't like it at first and her tail was down under her behind. She went into the back of the house but an hour later came back out into the living room. She was comfortable with the Thundershirt.

So thumbs up to the Thundershirt for our noise fearful female Vizsla.

Update: Chloe gets featured in Thundershirt Company Blog:

http://doganxietyblog.com/dog-noise-anxiety/calm-for-many-dogs-this-new-years-eve/

Too Cute.

North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and the Vizsla

2012-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

When Bailey was 6 months old, I took him to a Pre-Natural Abilities Test, at the recommendation of the breeder. This preview and seminar was put on by the local chapter of NAVDHA. He had a wonderful time with the birds and the instructor told us what the judges would be looking for at the "Natural Abilities Test" that was going to take place two months later.

So, when Bailey was 8 months old, (Spring of 2008), we headed down to a public hunting area west of Fresno, California for a weekend of testing of young pointing breed hunting dogs. The Natural Abilities Test is just that. Three judges came from all over the West to see what these young dogs have Naturally.

The Natural Ability Test which is designed to evaluate the inherent natural abilities of young dogs and gain insight into their possible usefulness as versatile gun dogs. It rates seven important inherited abilities: nose, search, tracking, pointing, water, desire and cooperation

After the weekend was over the scores were given to the group of 20 dog owners that took place. Bailey had scored a perfect 112. His litter mate, Nikki, and Bailey were the only Vizslas there.
This gave me the confidence to get more involved in field trial competitions.

Great organization that sure is worth a look for any young Vizsla owner. You'll see what you have in your "hunting dog." Not all hunting dogs are created equal.

http://www.navhda.org/

GPS tracking demo gets interupted by Coydog

2011-12-30T13:12:00.000-08:00

After a quick and successful pheasant hunt this morning at Hasting's Island Hunting Preserve, Bailey still had a ton of energy to burn. We had found four pheasant in a matter of 45 minutes and I had taken two and missed one and let one fly (flushed two at one time.)

The fun wasn't over. Another interesting morning being a Vizsla owner.

We sometimes stop at "Hare Central" on the way back. A vast housing development out in the "delta" that never finished getting developed after the 2008 collape. Here rabbits and hare live by the hundreds if not thousands.

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2011/08/jackrabbits-and-vizslas.html

Today as I walked into the field and looked out about one mile ahead I was watching an spectacular "murmuration" in the next field of maybe 15,000 small black birds moving in huge dark clouds. I grabbed my little Nikon camera and turned my camera to movie mode. I wanted to capture this.

See below post.
http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2011/11/nature-of-birds.html

The birds had settled into the field and I was waiting to see if they would take to the air again so I could record it.

In the meantime, I thought I would show how the Garmain GPS tracker worked on Bailey as he ran happily through the fields.

My camera goes out of focus when I go to zoom in on the "coydog".
The coyote was unlike any I had seen. It must have been a mix of coyote and dog (Coydog) because it had an unusual reddish and dirty white coat but a coyote head. I have seen several dozen coyotes in the last couple years. This one was different. Bigger (about the size of Bailey @60 pounds) and stronger looking. He was in full charge mode after my dog as Bailey high-tailed it out of the area.

http://www.apetsblog.com/pets-journal/coydog-coyote-dog-hybrid.htm

I never know what I'm going to come across out in the world with my dogs on any given day.
We just packed it up, got in the Jeep and got out of there. No harm, no foul.

1 Vizsla - 4 Hunters - 13 Pheasant

2011-12-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

Bird's Landing, December 28th, 2011.

Bailey earned his kibble today. Went out with three friends this afternoon for a hunt in Field #2 at Bird's Landing Hunting Preserve.

My long-time friends, John and Mike, had never hunted behind a pointing dog. I think they liked the experience. Tommy had joined Bailey and me last year on a hunt.

Today Bailey worked the field very well. He retrieved all the birds and didn't let any get away. We hunters missed a few birds.

We hunted the field in three 45-minute walks. This gave Bailey a chance to recharge his batteries.

He hunted a total of 2 1/2 hours.

I could tell he was done after over a dozen birds pointed and retrieved back to me.

Field #2 at Bird's Landing Hunting Preserve.

We hunted about 25 acres.

After the first 45-minute session. Bailey was ready for more.

Bailey was one tired dog on the way home.

Quote from Jenny Hawthorn:
" Once the Vizsla owner comes to understand that they have a companion hunter, a friend with them in the bush, out on the tussock, or by the riverbanks, life just keeps getting better. Those who want a tool they can train and work and put away in kennels when not in use will never want nor appreciate the Vizsla. "

Serenity of Being

2011-12-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know poets and song writers who can place words in lyrics and rhyme.
For me, I have no such talents.

Today, as I hiked the ridges of Briones Regional Park above the valley fog far below, I wished I had the poet's talent. But words fail me and pictures do no justice to the feeling these walks bring to the dogs and me.

Serenity of Being. A state in which you are in the current moment completely and at peace. This is the highest form of existence.

I get so few opportunities in my day-to-day life when I can experience this state. It is there for the taking with a little effort.

When I do,
I cherish those times.

In the hills this morning, there was no one but Bailey, Chloe, a few cows here and there, and a lone coyote off in the distance watching our movements along the trails.

I experienced a great two-hour walk as the dogs had a fantastic

run. They covered the hills and valleys like they were at home. I kept up a steady pace through this breathtaking open space.

We were at home.
I may live in a house, but I am most alive up in the hills.

So are the dogs. My Vizslas live to run.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here’s A Dog Nativity Scene Even Jesus Would Love!

By Michelle Collins

Fab Life editor Lauren Deiman forwarded this photo her aunt sent to her of an almost entirely accurate nativity scene made up of dogs and a very happy-to-be-included horse. The dogs, on the other hand, could not care less. Seriously, dogs, this is going to be forwarded to hundreds of thousands of relatives. Perk it up, pals

Now if they would have just used Vizslas the picture would have been different!

Vizsla Rescue Haven - "We Won!"

2011-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

"WE WON THE PETFINDER’S CHALLENGE CONTEST!!!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED!

CHECK IT OUT!" - Kay Ingle

"Sorry for all the caps but I am SO EXCITED!!

What a great holiday surprise -- a special thanks to the person who

started us all voting – not sure who it was but I could hug you.

The Vizsla Rescue Haven will start the year off $7,000 better off.

(But don’t let that stop you from year end donations!)

Vizsla Rescue Haven.

Now if Auggie would just start eating regularly, my holiday would be complete.

Who says Vizsla people can’t unite towards a common goal?

Happy holidays to everyone!!!

Kay Ingle - Vizsla Rescue Haven

Weekly Winners:

Each receive a $1,000 grant to help animals!*

Week Shelter Name Location

11 Vizsla Rescue Haven El Sobrante, CA

10 Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue Reinholds, PA

9 Rikkis Refuge Orange, VA

8 Humane Society of Grand Bahama Freeport, BS

7 Basset Rescue Crew of the Southeast Columbia, SC

6 Save-A-Pet Grayslake, IL

5 Humane Society of McCormick County, Inc. McCormick, SC

4 Oldies But Goodies (Northern VA) Cocker Rescue Newington, VA

3 Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary Lancaster, NH

2 The Oasis Sanctuary Benson, AZ

1 Friends of Felines Rescue Center Defiance, OH

Redbirddog note: This was a great win for a great organization that places the hard to adopt Vizslas.

More about Kay Ingle and Vizsla Rescue Haven:

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2011/01/alpha-female-of-vizsla-rescue.html

Petland USA relies on Puppy Mills

2011-12-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

A happy hobby bred dog going to happy family NOT A PUPPY MILL DOG

Like any other retailer, Petland USA relies on the holidays to bring in profits -- but the pet store chain makes its holiday profits by encouraging cruelty to puppies.

Mary Haight started a petition on Change.org to get Petland USA to stop selling puppies from puppy mills -- those breeding factories that churn out scores of puppies from the same mothers, over and over again. But rather than engaging in a real dialogue with Mary, Petland USA threatened to sue her.

More than 54,000 people have already signed on to Mary’s campaign. As the country's largest retailer bets on a jump in puppy sales in December, Petland USA needs to hear from you, too. Will you sign Mary's petition telling Petland to stop supporting puppy mills?

December is a huge month for puppy sales. Some industry sources report that puppy sales go up as much as 60% in December, compared to monthly averages from throughout the year.

Cruel conditions within puppy mills remain the same, despite the holiday sales -- dogs are bred again and again while living in cramped and unsanitary conditions, and without adequate vet care. When mothers reach five years of age, they're killed. And although the puppies from mills may arrive with a bow around their necks for the holidays, they are as likely to carry congenital defects from generations of forced breeding, as well.

When tens of thousands of people signed on to support her petition, Petland USA executives agreed to a dialog with Mary -- a hopeful sign, as Petland Canada stopped selling puppies last year after engagement by animal protection advocates. But hope for a real conversation with Petland USA quickly fell apart when the only answers Mary got to her questions about the franchise's puppy sales were either copied and pasted from the company's website -- or were personal attacks against her.

“More than 50,000 have joined this campaign since I started it,” Mary says. “This is great proof that people want the suffering of puppy mill dogs to stop. Petland's response? They're proud of their cruel business model.”

Petland USA has heard enough national outcry about its support for puppy mills to take offense. But it needs to hear an even louder chorus of concerned voices in order to take positive action. Please sign Mary's petition calling on Petland USA to stop selling puppies from puppy mills now:

http://www.change.org/petitions/petland-usa-stop-selling-pets-fire-puppy-mills-petland-canada-has

Thanks for being a change-maker,

- Stephanie and the Change.org team

A hobby-bred Vizsla Healthy mom, dad and pup

Dear friend,

While the puppies in Petland USA stores may look cute in their cages,

chances are the puppies have led miserable lives that threaten their health

from the day they're born.

Petland USA is the country's largest chain of stores that sell puppies. *Most

of Petland's animals come from puppy mills*, where thousands of dogs are

bred again and again to supply the pet trade. Dogs are kept in cramped,

unsanitary conditions, and they often lack adequate vet care.

There's hope to stop puppy mill sales at Petland stores. Last month Petland

Canada ordered its stores to stop selling puppies, in part due to

continuous pressure from animal protection advocates. So Mary Haight, a

Change.org member from Chicago, wants Petland USA to do the same. *She

started a petition on Change.org asking Petland USA to end puppy mill sales

in its stores.

Walk into any major pet store like Petco or PetSmart, and you won't find

puppies for sale. Those stores work with local animal shelters to find

homes for the countless animals waiting to be adopted across the country.

Yet Petland stores prioritize profit by selling animals from puppy mills,

propping up this cruel business.

Puppies bred in puppy mills are often plagued with poor health. Kept in

cramped conditions and often housed outside in all types of weather,

animals in puppy mills lead a pitiful existence. Puppy mill operators are

also known to in-breed puppies, leading to other health and behavior

problems.

Each Petland store in the US is an individually-owned franchise, meaning

Petland USA's corporate headquarters can't ban puppy sales in stores on its

own. But Petland USA can stop any new stores from selling puppies, and a

strong statement from the corporation would go a long way to putting a stop

to its existing stores that buy animals from puppy mills.

*Please join Mary Haight in calling on Petland USA to support adoption and

speak out against its stores doing business with puppy mills.

Sign the petition:

Petland stop selling puppy mill dogs petition

- Cristina and the Change.org team

Belle, Bailey's "Little Girl" comes over

2011-12-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

The annual Northern California Vizsla Club Christmas Party was yesterday. Julie brought Belle along and we dog sat while Julie and Vince got the place ready for the party. Belle is now eight months old.

For a couple hours we had three dogs at the house.

Quite fun actually.

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Quick stack of Belle at Vizsla Christmas Party

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Bailey, Chloe, and Belle waiting for turkey bits

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The "girls" working it out

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The girls: worked out 30 seconds later

<><><><> <><><><> <><><><>

Bailey and Chloe show Belle how a dog door works

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Belle is smart and had the dog door figured out in no time

Chloe really enjoyed Belle after just a short period of time. Bailey really couldn't have cared less after the initial meeting. She weren't no bird.

A Vizsla on Point

2011-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

There is not much that can top this in my world.

The Point

To think I didn't even know this world existed four years ago.

When your dog is on point, the world slows down. It is just you, your dog, and the hidden bird.

Bailey can smell the pheasant. He ignores the smells of the crow, the hawk, the sparrow, the pigeon, the starling. It is all about the pheasant smell. And he will stay on point to let me know where it is until I get there. Team work at its best.

Hungarian ParAgility

2011-12-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

"Agility is a kind of sport in which a dog is involved and where both pet and owner must work hard to gain success. What attracts a lot of people to take up this sport is its manifoldness, since no identical exercises are to be done during a competition. An auspicious competitor must know exactly what is going on in the dog’s mind and must be able to draw precise conclusions about his/her dog’s body language in order to forsee how it will react in different situations. It is essential that the dog should trust its handler and the handler should consider the dog as a partner rather than a manageable machine. With the majority of sports done with dogs, the physical condition of the owner is not relevant. In the case of agility, however, it is of great importance. A good competitor must also pay attention to his/her mental fitness, since he/she must give meticulous commands at a number of obstacles in moments of time. During the demonstration you will see another, more challenging version of the sport, requiring perfect harmony, congruous cooperation and a lot of training both on the part of the dog and the handicapped in order to achieve triumph." - Budapest, Hungary June 8, 2008

Some comments from You Tube viewers.

I almost cried watching this! It is absolutely the most beautiful and perfect agility run I have ever seen. What a powerful bond between Father, Son, and Dog.

Beautiful.... love how the dog pays so much attention to his handler.

One of THE most special, most beautiful Agility runs I have ever had the privilege to watch on the net, fantastic handler team, fab dog, a brilliant reminder of what agility is supposed to be all about xxxxx

Oh my goodness! What a blessing to be able to watch this precious little one work her dog through this course. What a privilege to be able to feel the love that is in this ring in this video. Great job!!!!

Where the Vizsla stands in AKC numbers

2011-11-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

The Vizsla AKC ranking is #41

AKC Breed 2006 Count

(OVER 1,000)

Retrievers (Labrador) 123,760

Yorkshire Terriers 48,346

German Shepherd Dogs 43,575

Retrievers (Golden) 42,962

Beagles 39,484

Dachshunds 36,033

Boxers 35,388

Poodles 29,939

Shih Tzu 27,282

Miniature Schnauzers 22,920

Chihuahuas 22,562

Bulldogs 21,037

Pugs 20,008

Pomeranians 18,218

Boston Terriers 14,955

Spaniels (Cocker) 14,790

Rottweilers 14,709

Maltese 13,312

Pointers (German Shorthaired) 12,822

Shetland Sheepdogs 12,822

Doberman Pinschers 11,546

Pembroke Welsh Corgis 10,250

Miniature Pinschers 9,615

Great Danes 9,438

Siberian Huskies 9,342

Spaniels (English Springer) 8,205

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 8,124

Basset Hounds 7,844

Bichons Frises 7,839

Weimaraners 7,720

Brittanys 7,560

Mastiffs 6,913

West Highland White Terriers 6,572

Australian Shepherds 6,533

Papillons 5,673

French Bulldogs 5,509

Collies 4,711

Havanese 4,038

St. Bernards 3,828

Bullmastiffs 3,760

Bernese Mountain Dogs 3,714

Scottish Terriers 3,545

Vizslas 3,509

Newfoundlands 3,415

Bloodhounds 3,343

Lhasa Apsos 3,326

Chinese Shar-Pei 3,261

Cairn Terriers 3,224

Pekingese 3,155

Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay) 3,120

Tibetan Mastiffs 2,925

Chinese Crested 2,555

Akitas 2,457

Rhodesian Ridgebacks 2,248

Airedale Terriers 2,243

Border Collies 2,181

Alaskan Malamutes 2,124

Great Pyrenees 1,983

Italian Greyhounds 1,963

Whippets 1,836

Bull Terriers 1,765

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 1,762

Brussels Griffons 1,694

Chow Chows 1,592

Shiba Inu 1,590

American Staffordshire Terriers 1,539

Australian Cattle Dogs 1,499

Setters (Irish) 1,475

Portuguese Water Dogs 1,454

Silky Terriers 1,407

Old English Sheepdogs 1,403

Japanese Chin 1,388

Pointers (German Wirehaired) 1,352

Spaniels (English Cocker) 1,281

Parson Russell Terriers 1,232

Samoyeds 1,130

Irish Wolfhounds 1,016

AKC BREED RANKINGS FOR YEARS 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000

(Top 50 positions in 2010)

Labrador Retrievers 1 1 1 1

German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 4 3

Yorkshire Terriers 3 3 3 7

Beagles 4 5 5 5

Golden Retrievers 5 4 2 2

Bulldogs 6 7 13 21

Boxers 7 6 7 9

Dachshunds 8 8 6 4

Poodles 9 9 8 6

Shih Tzu 10 10 9 10

Rottweilers 11 13 16 11

Miniature Schnauzers 12 11 10 13

Chihuahuas 13 12 11 8

Doberman Pinschers 14 15 21 23

Pomeranians 15 14 14 12

German Shorthaired Pointers 16 16 20 24

Great Danes 17 21 24 28

Siberian Huskies 18 22 25 19

Shetland Sheepdogs 19 18 18 16

Boston Terriers 20 19 17 18

French Bulldogs 21 24 38 71

Maltese 22 20 19 20

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 23 25 31 54

Pugs 24 17 12 15

Cocker Spaniels 25 23 15 14

Australian Shepherds 26 28 34 35

Pembroke Welsh Corgis 27 26 23 27

Mastiffs 28 27 33 39

English Springer Spaniels 29 29 28 26

Brittanys 30 30 30 31

Havanese 31 32 43 86

Weimaraners 32 31 29 32

Leonbergers** 33 N/A N/A N/A

West Highland White Terriers 34 36 32 30

Papillons 35 37 35 43

Basset Hounds 36 34 27 22

Bichons Frises 37 35 26 25

Collies 38 38 36 34

Bernese Mountain Dogs 39 39 47 58

Miniature Pinschers 40 33 22 17

Vizslas 41 42 44 47

Bullmastiffs 42 40 42 52

Bloodhounds 43 43 50 50

Newfoundlands 44 46 46 53

St. Bernards 45 45 37 36

Rhodesian Ridgebacks 46 48 54 57

Border Collies 47 52 55 64

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 48 49 49 41

Akitas 49 50 51 38

Chinese Shar-Pei 50 47 45 37

From the Vizsla Owners Yahoo Group:

"We have come a long way....I can remember going to shows in the late 1970s when I had the only vizsla entered...now look at us - (unless I read this wrong, or simply missed something) we have the largest sporting entry at EUKANUBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" - Jill Brennan 11/29/11

SPORTING BREEDS

42 BRITTANY
29 POINTER
33 GERM SHT PNT
12 GERM WIRE PNT
26 CHES BAY RET
11 CURLY COAT RET
32 FLAT COAT RET
56 LABRADOR
31 NOVA SCOTIA
14 ENG SETT
17 GORD SETT
27 IRISH SETT
11 IRISH RED WHITE
3 AMER WATER SPN
14 BOYKIN
20 CLUMBER SPN
16 CKR SPN BLACK
9 CKR SPN PARTI
11 ENGLISH COCKER
18 ENG SPRINGER
9 FIELD SPN
9 IRISH WATER SPN
6 SUSSEX SPN
10 WEL SPR SPN
17 SPINONE ITAL
61 VIZSLA
21 WEIM
12 WIREHPNT GRIF

2011 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship
December 2011

Qualifying For and Entering the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Automatic Qualifiers

Dogs automatically qualify for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship by meeting any one of the following criteria:

•Dogs ranked in the top 25 of their breed (by breed points only) at the end of the qualifying period (1 Year) View List

•Dogs receiving an all - breed Best in Show at an AKC show held during the qualifying period (1 Year) View List

•Dogs winning Best of Breed at a parent club national specialty* (1 Year)

Fenton!!!

2011-11-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

Over 2 million people have seen this you tube clip!

Make sure you have your speakers on.

A good training collar would have done the trick.

Lily - Honorary Vizsla on a Vizsla Walk

2011-11-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

While others were shopping at the malls on Black Friday, a small band of Vizsla owners gathered at Point Pinole. Point Pinole, along the eastern shores of the San Francisco Bay hosts many Vizsla Walks. Today our 14-month-old granddaughter, Lily, joined us.

As the 9 Vizslas ran off-leash in this dog Disneyland, Lily felt right at home. Her small black Heinz 57 dog, Rowdy, came along.

Walking along the trails, the dogs would avoid running into her. They seemed to know she was small but fearless.

She was just another pup along for a Vizsla Walk with a loving band of owners. She really had a wonderful time.

She placed a stick in her mouth, imitating her dog friends. I handed my camera to a friend and they snapped the picture below. One day her parents are going to have to break it to her that she isn't a dog. She might be crushed.

A Vizsla's Crime

2011-11-25T08:54:00.001-08:00

Do I Go Back Home Today?

"When my family first bought me to live within their home. They cuddled and they pampered me and groomed with brush and comb.

They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure do love my family, and all the tiny girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me; and give me special treats. They even let me sleep with them - all cosy in their sheets

I used to go for lovely walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold my lead, I'm so very proud to say!

These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory. for now I'm in a shelter, bereft of family.

They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new

The kids and I would grab a rag, and for hours we played tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed that bedroom rug.

They said that I had lost control and would have to live outside. I didn't really understand this, though I really really tried!

The walks they stopped one by one; they said they had no time. I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely shackled to a metal chain. I barked and barked continually I thought I'd go insane.

So they took me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. So they said I'd caused an allergy, then said their last goodbye.

If only I'd had training, as a tiny little pup. I wouldn't have been so hard to live with, when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left", I heard the kennel man say. Does that mean I have a second chance? "Do I go back home today"?"

-Author Unknown

Pheasant hunting for Thanksgiving dinner

2011-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving, Bailey and I were joined by Fawkes (Bailey's son out of last litter)and his owner Aaron for a pheasant hunt.

We ran Fawkes (8 months old) for about 45 minutes with Bailey. Bailey and I worked a couple pheasant with Fawkes watching from a distance. Fawkes has not been worked on gun shot before and showed nothing but excitement with running the fields with his dad.

After we put Fawkes away in his crate, Aaron joined Bailey and me for some walking miles in the fields for the next hour. I was in search of pheasant for the Thanksgiving dinner.

Bailey has become a great hunter. His training is showing in his discipline around birds now. He is holding through the flush and shot. His retrieve to hand was perfect. Very happy hunting.

We will add three pheasant to the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.

Several of the guests will get to taste pheasant for the first time.

Aaron took these pictures and he is going to do a write-up of what it was like to go on his very first hunting trip. I'll post that write-up to redbirddog in the coming days.

Seeing Eye Dog for Dog

2011-11-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed.

For the last 5 years, Madison, another Great Dane, has been her sight.

The two are, of course, inseparable.

To support Vizsla Rescue Haven please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/ShelterChallenge

Help your favorite petfinder.com rescue group win grants! Vote every day and increase their chances.

We will be keeping score.

Click:

MY PICK!

This will take you to the next page's central panel and then type in

Vizsla Rescue Haven .....and CA

for the $2,000 State Shelter Challenge!

You can do it every day and I HOPE YOU WILL!

Vizsla Rescue Haven is currently in second place.

Challenge ends December 18th.

Help Kay help Vizslas.

- Rod a.k.a. redbirddog

Response from Vizsla Forum:"It is because of a seeing eye dog that I have my boy Dax now. A couple of years ago I was having dinner with a friend when I noticed that at the next table there was a blind man and his family. At his feet was his assist dog, a beautiful Vizsla.

It was all I could do to keep myself from going over to pet her, but I knew she was working and shouldn't be disturbed.

My beloved Chocolate Lab had passed away earlier that year and I was thinking about getting another companion. I didn't know much about V's then, but that evening I did a lot of research. The more I learned about the breed, the more I liked.

Had it not been for that seeing eye dog being there at just the right time, getting a Vizsla would not have occurred to me."
- Cavedog

Reasoning for Vizsla Tail Docking

2011-11-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

"Chilli has a full tail but unfortunately she hurt her tail while hunting... here is the result 6 weeks after..."

Interesting article about tail docking.

The rest of the article is located at the end of the excerpt.

This have been discussed on Vizsla Forum lately. Below the except are some of the posts.

By Steve Peacocke
"...The SPCA have launched a media campaign with such emotive headlines as: "Every day helpless puppies lose their tails in the name of fashion."-"Some puppies tails are hacked off with a kitchen knife."-"Others are painfully docked with a tightly wound rubber band". The SPCA have certainly gained public support to outlaw this practice and even the veterinary profession has been vocal on banning tail docking except where a vet may decide that it is in the dog's interest to dock. So why don't we ban tail docking if it's such a barbaric practice? The answer is plain and simple, it is detrimental to the health and welfare of some breeds of dogs not to dock their tails - i.e. it is cruel not to dock. Let's examine the reasons behind why docking is done today. Let's examine each argument that I have heard to date…

Reason #1 Docking puppies is cruel and painful.
The tail bone of a pup at less than 3 days old is still soft and the nervous system undeveloped. Consider that a young lamb or calf is so developed at birth that they can stand and walk besides their mothers within minutes of being born; a human, although not able to stand for many months, is still fully formed at birth; a pup though is essentially still developing after birth, the eyes, for example, do not open for many days. The pup is still developing hearing, sight, and the nervous system for many days after birth. As a hunter and scavenger, the dog has developed the ability to carry pups for only 63 days before giving birth to allow to mother to venture from the den to obtain food. The pups are still forming after birth, docking at this age causes only a momentary discomfort that is almost instantly forgotten.

Reason #2: There is no reason to dock dogs’ tails.

The Hungarian Vizsla is a hunter, pointer and retriever with 1 third docked from the tail. Although the remainder of the tail is strong, the third docked is thin and whip-like and is open to damage in the field. The Vizsla holds it's tail horizontal to the ground and wags it forcefully while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth. The unprotected tip is docked to keep it from splitting and bleeding. Once damaged, the tail is extremely difficult to heal, sometimes requiring amputation later in life when the dog must be placed under general anaesthetic causing undue stress and pain.

Rest of article and arguments for tail docking at:

http://www.vizsladogs.com/ARTICLES/taildock.htm

Posts from Vizsla Forum:
http://www.vizslaforums.com/index.php/topic,2999.msg20156.html#msg20156
"I was told by the breeder and then confirmed by my vet, the reason that they are docked is because their tails are brittle at the end. The breeder said once it takes a good hit on the tail it will crack and split. This being said while hunting if the tail hits a tree or any hard object the tail splits. Docking the tail of a Vizsla will prevent the dog going through any excruciating pain. Hope this is helpful. " -willbill59

"I read up a lot on this, and what I found is that the docking for Viszlas and Weimarinars are due to the tails being injured while hunting or just playing around. My WH-Viszla's tail is broken right at the spot where it should have been docked. The tail is so thin that a good whack against a corner of a door jam can cause dislocation and breakage. It doesn't bother him, but he has a very distinctive Check-mark shaped tail. Also, one day I left for a few minutes to run to the store and when I returned there was blood from one end of the house to the other where he clipped the end of his tail and started bleeding profusely. Anyway, there where dark brown spots on every wall at about the 26-30 inch mark which required every room to be repainted. This wound would regularly open up and bleed a lot, for about 3 weeks. I recommend docking if possible." - East0532

"My Vizsla also has a full tail. I got her in Canada, but the breeder used to live in the UK and still abides by their standard of not docking the tails.
The end of her tail unfortunately got jammed in a door 4 weeks ago and we are still trying to get it to heal. The accident caused a u-shaped cut that had to be stitched. The vet had to tape a hard plastic tube over the end of her tail to prevent her from whacking it on stuff and re-opening the wound. Tail wounds are particularly hard to heal as it is impossible to get a dog to stop wagging their tail. East0352...I can sympathize....an injured wagging dog tail does indeed send blood flying everywhere. What a mess!
The vet suggested they may have to remove the last 1.5 inches of her tail if this wound will not heal. I'm hoping that it will not come to that as the healing process for that would also be lengthy. I guess I am still on the fence about tail docking...but at this point if she had just come with a docked tail it would have saved me about $600 in vet bills due to this injury." - ms1234

"Interesting. Keep your sources as the fight here in the USA is well underway. I have spoken to a breeder, Westminster entry last year, who said in 10yrs it will be widely accepted (if not law) for dogs to show with no tail docking. One of the reasons the practice started with Vs is for benefits in the field, certainly injury. We can all debate the benefits of tail docking in non working/sporting dogs, but the good intentions of animal rights (just like "free" insurance for all) can have serious unintended consequences."- kellygr

Another interesting article on docking of sporting breeds.

http://www.cdb.org/News/news38.html

Tribute to the Vizsla Puppy

2011-11-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

Some people can make great videos with music that goes along with the story.

This one shows the playfulness and joy a Vizsla puppy can bring.

(Double mouse click on video after it starts to make it "full screen".)

Next Generation Red Bird Dogs

2011-11-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

The pups are growing up. The litter Bailey and Sophie had last spring are now 7 months old. We wrote to the owners and asked how things were going. Here was one of the responses. I have been around Belle (Julie's little hunter) Fawkes (the only male of the litter). Both are great dogs with wonderful personalities. Belle, when we went into the field shows great hunting potential.

We contacted the other three owners. They are all doing very well in their new homes. This was one of the letters and a few pictures.

" Roxie, aka "Sprout", is an absolute delight! Not only is she beautiful, but has been great with every child, baby and dog. We take her out to exercise twice a day. She has lots of friends in the neighborhood. Every evening we go over to the school and there are 10-20 dogs that she runs and wrestles with. We completed Puppy 1 and Puppy 2 class so she knows all the obedient tricks. She has been a really great dog, super smart, affectionate and obedient. Knock on wood...she hasn't chewed anything up. Oh, I take that back..

.Our son was reading one of his teacher's books the 2nd day of school. He got up to get a snack and Roxie chewed the the spine. We had to buy the teacher a new book. Other than that we follow your words, "a tired Vizsla is a good Vizsla". She goes to football and baseball games with us. It will be interesting to see how she does in the snow this winter. We bought her a nice fun coat at TJ Maxx. "

The Nature of Birds

2011-11-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Nature at its most spectaular!

After starting video, for the complete effect expand to full screen by pressing expand screen icon next to the word vimeo

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Murmuration

"No one knows why they do it. Yet each fall, thousands of starlings dance in the twilight above Gretna, Scotland. The birds gather in magical shape-shifting flocks called murmurations, having migrated in the millions from Russia and Scandinavia to escape winter’s bite. Scientists aren’t sure how they do it, either. Even complex algorithmic models haven’t yet explained the starlings’ acrobatics, which rely on the tiny bird’s quicksilver reaction time of under 100 milliseconds to avoid aerial collisions—and predators—in the giant flock."

A plantation house fit for a Vizsla

2011-11-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

In the hill country 40 miles north of Baton Rouge lies the small old town of St. Francisville. Located just outside of town is the 200-year-old plantation of Rosedown. Rosedown is a state-owned plantation home and grounds. The tour was wonderful.

http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/irosedown.aspx

A house and grounds are fit for a Vizsla or ten.

Nothing, except the old Spanish missions, is as old as this grand old house here in California.

Louisiana in the fall w/o Vizslas

2011-11-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

For one of only two times in the last four years we took a vacation without our Vizslas - a quick four-day trip to the southern part of Louisiana where not only did we not see any Vizslas, but we saw very few dogs period.

These are just a few pictures to try to convey the feeling of the Bayou in the fall.

Happier in the field than the ring

2011-10-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

The hunting fields are heaven on earth for Vizslas.

They beam with happiness.

Belle is one of Bailey's 7-month-old pups. She is going to be a great hunter!

Experiencing the show ring up close

2011-10-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

A show handling friend of mine looked over Bailey as we were getting ready for "the ring."

Lynn asked me if I had been hunting with Bailey. "Yeah, a few times." I told her. "It appears he has pulled a muscle in his right back leg. He's not putting much weight on it." she responded.

Bailey also was having trouble being around some of the intact males in the ring and in the waiting to show area. Some growling action when the other dogs got close. This was from the other dogs and also from Bailey.
My friend Lynn suggested that I handle Bailey today as he seemed to be under better control with me around other male dogs and that Bailey would be happier and more comfortable.

So, I said "Sure, what the heck. We're not competitive anyway with a bum leg and we are here."

So we had another Vizsla adventure.

We came in fourth of four in our group. The "thanks for coming" placement.

Then we went to Hastings Island for some bird fun with five Vizslas: Bailey, Teke, Barley, Rose and Little Belle (Bailey's daughter).

link to "Into the field after the show"

Showing Bailey in Northern California

2011-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

"Show that Boy!"

This was a comment of a very knowlegable Vizsla breeder. This was what she told me this spring.

So first we did a Reno show a few months ago. Tiffany was Bailey's handler in Reno and also on Saturday in Dixon, California.

30 Vizslas were at this Dixon, California show. Dixon is easy drive from all Northern California locations for the our Vizsla hobby breeders.
I've gotten to know many of these fine people over the last few years.

Great looking stud dogs were in the mix.

Bailey came in third in his group on Saturday.

The Versatile Vizsla

2011-10-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Jenny Hawthorn from New Zealand did a great write up of the "too soft" Vizsla as a hunting dog.

"Time and time again I hear it said, “The Hungarian Vizsla is too soft to be a good hunting dog”. And to those who say it, I agree totally. However for those who look beyond the soft front and accept it I am more likely to point out what an awesome hunting dog the Vizsla can be when treated and trained correctly. Paradoxically, the soft dog is also as hard as nails!"

Another excerpt:

"So, a soft dog? Yes, if you consider one who likes to stay close to its beloved owner soft. Yes, if you consider one that sits on laps and does not understand why it should be out in the yard if you are in the house soft. Yes, if you consider one that will cringe at some historical harsher training methods soft. But not in its ability to go all day; not in its enthusiasm to work; not in its willingness to go through thickest cover or coldest water to find and retrieve game. Once the Vizsla owner comes to understand that they have a companion hunter, a friend with them in the bush, out on the tussock, or by the riverbanks, life just keeps getting better. Those who want a tool they can train and work and put away in kennels when not in use will never want nor appreciate the Vizsla. "

The rest of the article is below. A great read!

http://www.trader.co.nz/versatiledogs/breeds/vizsla.htm

Don't make your gun dog "gun shy"

2011-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

A fellow Vizsla owner, who frequently posts to vizsla forums , was responding to a young Vizsla pup (16- week-old) owner who felt he had already made his dog "gun shy." The young Vizsla owner was quickly heading that way.

Folks think (like I did when I ruined Chloe as a gun dog) that if they own a "gun dog" that they can just take them out and hunt with a bit of training.

Just doesn't work that way. It is a long process that takes many hours and many birds.

Thought I would pass along George Hickox's words of wisdom on the subject.

More from George at his website: georgehickox.com

Bailey and I have spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars working on these upland bird hunting skills. This is our hobby. It is a whole lot less expensive than sail boats or other motor sports. More enjoyable also.

A New Vizsla Movie

2011-10-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

We are owners of a special breed. The video does the Vizsla justice.

The song "I am the Vizsla" is a great tune playing in the background.

"Huge round of applause to the creators Jan Wallace and Allyson Lyons!
Great production and wonderful music." - Kay

To support Vizsla Rescue Haven please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/ShelterChallenge
Help your favorite petfinder.com rescue group win grants! Vote every day and increase their chances.
We will be keeping score.
Click:
MY PICK!

This will take you to the next page's central panel and then type in Vizsla Rescue Haven .....and CA

for the $300,000 Shelter Challenge!
You can do it every day and I HOPE YOU WILL!

I Think Bailey Forgot How to Hunt

2011-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a morning at Hasting's Island Hunting Preserve. Bailey has forgotten how to hunt as a team. I'd love to find some excuse but I have none.

He loved running the fields and can find birds. But a "Master Hunter"? Not even close. Some fellow Vizsla hunter friends were at the club house before we went out each in our own directions.. They were out training their dogs. Their dogs are Master Hunters or future field trial stars.

We brought home a pheasant for dinner, but the dozen birds that either Bailey flushed early and chased or the three birds I missed didn't make for a good hunt. With lots of false "points" thrown in to keep me guessing - bird or pile of feathers?

But it was a great morning out in the fields. Very nice weather with a refreshing breeze.

Maybe we are not good hunters, but we sure had a good time for four hours.

The Future of Dogs

2011-10-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

"The one sentence picture of the future of dogs in America is this: On the present lawmaking road, home breeding of dogs is about to be wiped out in our country and as this occurs, purebred dogs will all but disappear."

Go to booklet by clicking the below link:

Future of Dogs booklet from Pet-law.com

America today is rushing toward dramatic changes in the way we breed and keep animals. These changes are already beginning and the laws that will make them continue go far beyond the changes we can see.
All species and all animal uses, from deer in our woods and fields, to rats in our scientific labs, to animals farmed for meat and milk, to the pet dog or cat in our living rooms are being affected. These effects will increase in the future.
The picture is vast and complicated; we will focus on the effects on pet dogs. We will emphasize what is happening and how it is being done.
Why is more difficult to understand. but the basic reason is that a very few Americans – no more than a thousand – want these changes. They break them down into small chunks that sound good and sell them one chunk at a time to good-hearted, often busy, people. But the chunks are put together to make something that none of us would ever have approved.

The ‘animal rights' movement is essentially a fruitcake religion.

"People need homes. Please donate to buy a brick." Then they use the bricks to build a prison.
The ‘animal rights' movement is essentially a fruitcake religion. It will not be stopped short of an expensive and nearly irreversible disaster unless most Americans come to understand that the bricks they buy today with contributions to Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), and many smaller organizations will be used to build a prison, and stop sending those checks.

In the short term, all of us (but lawmakers especially) must become extremely skeptical of new laws that claim to 'protect animals.'

In the short term, all of us (but lawmakers especially) must become extremely skeptical of new laws that claim to 'protect animals.' America has had basic animal protection laws for more than fifty years; some go back over a century. These laws need better enforcement in some parts of the country but there are very few new laws that will make animal or human lives better, rather than simply making ownership and breeding more difficult and less likely to succeed.
The three long essays in this booklet – What Is Animal Rights?, Introducing HSUS, and The Future Of Dogs In America – were written over the last two years; they were extensively revised at the beginning of December, 2006. The Importance of Home Breeding of Dogs and How Animal Rights Laws Work were written specifically for this publication.
It's frightening how much ground we've lost just in the last two years. We can still win – that is, keep our rights to own and responsibly use pets and other animals – but we must not delay or falter.

I hope this booklet helps.

Walt Hutchens
Timbreblue Whippets
December, 2006

SF Bay Vizsla Play Date

2011-10-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just a video and a few pictures of a Vizsla Walk on a Sunday morning in early Autumn. Bailey and Chloe love these walks.

In the video the pelican the dogs swam after was 100 yards away floating on the water. The two dogs never got closer than that. Dogs can't swim and catch a bird. Never will happen.

Why not to spay/neutered your Vizsla early?

2011-10-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

PDF file of scientic research quoted

"Behavioral characteristics of intact male and female dogs were compared with those of four groups of neutered dogs: those neutered at or before 6 months, between 7 and 12 months, between 13 and 18 months, and after 18 months. Our data showed that the behavior of neutered dogs was significantly different from that of intact dogs in ways that contradict the prevailing view. Among

the findings, neutered dogs were more aggressive, fearful, excitable, and less trainable than intact dogs.

In addition, we measured eight individual bone lengths plus the height of 202 agility competition dogs to determine whether gonadectomy affected bone lengths. Preliminary analysis revealed

significant differences in bone growth between the intact and neutered groups.

These findings strongly support the need for an immediate re-evaluation of the current recommendation to spay or neuter dogs to prevent or treat behavior problems, and an equally pressing need to more fully examine the wide range of physical effects of spaying and neutering pet dogs."

Summary

The above data is just a small sample of the significant data that were determined in this study. By using large a sample of dogs than any used previously to examine behavior in dogs, we found significant correlations between neutering dogs and increases in aggression, fear and anxiety, and excitability, regardless of the age at which the dog was neutered.

There were also significant correlations between neutering and decreases in trainability and responsiveness to cues.
The other three behavioral categories examined (miscellaneous behavior problems, attachment and attention-seeking behavior, and separation-related behavior) showed some association with neutering, but these differed more substantially depending on the age at which the dog was neutered.
The overall trend seen in all these behavioral data was that the earlier the dog was neutered, the more negative

the effect on the behavior. A difference in bone length was found between neutered and intact dogs, suggesting that neutering has an effect on bone growth, which may be related to other orthopedic effects documented in the literature.

Examination of changes in bone length of gonadectomized dogs is continuing.

Counter surfing and bed sharing Vizsla stories

2011-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Things Vizsla Owners Most Wish They Had Known

in Advance of Getting Their First Vizsla

(from a poll of VizslaTalk list members)

VizslaTalk@YahooGroups.com

We're on our second V, and we've learned to keep the bathroom and office trash cans on the counter (guests wonder what is going on, but oh, well). Also, during puppy stage, the toilet paper is never on the holder, as that is an invitation to decorate the house with streamers. We have to leave the roll on the counter out of reach (because just gnawing on the roll is fun, too, apparently). Our first V got to an entire Costco sized bag of chocolate Halloween candy that was pushed WAYYYY back on the counter... thankfully for her health, but not for our carpet, she threw it all up in about 10 or 12 piles all over the carpet. There were candy bars still in their wrappers covered in chocolate goo. Can't believe she(and we)lived through that one.

We got our first V in 1968 when I was 5 years old. At that time no one had ever heard of the breed let alone seen one. She was given to us because she was the runt of the litter. She immediately took over the house and ruled her humans with the love and affection that only a V can administer. One of my favorite memories of her involves Hershey Kisses. My mother would always keep a bowl of them on the bookshelf in the living room. Many times mom would find wrappers in my sister's room on the floor and in her bed, all nicely opened but not in the garbage can where they belonged. Of course, my sister was blamed for this bad habit... until my mother happened to see our V steal a kiss by using a chair that was 2 1/2 feet away from the bookshelf to reach the shelf where the kisses were. She then watched as our V, Gypsie, then went into my sister's room, jumped up on the bed, and proceeded to use her paws to gently unwrap the kiss (never getting chocolate on her bedspread!). My wife and I now have our own "Gypsie" and she is everything my old V was and more!

I think I lucked out--between a trio of nutbar dobes (including the first one), meeting my first V in puppy class (somehow she managed to break into the cabinet under the sink and was VERY lucky I think, but came to class with a VERY hoarse bark), etc, I was as ready as I could be--then again, my V puppy was NOT the monster (grin) I had braced for.

Of course, that might all just be the selective memory that allows us to get a 2nd puppy.

I never knew that they would lick you clean after you just get out of the shower. We have to close the bathroom door or put her in her kennel while we shower otherwise she tries to hop in with us and will lick us clean while were in the shower. She doesn't seem to care if she gets soap or not (I do however...) I know she doesn't have a lack of water. The water bowl and food bowl is always filled.

Another thing she has a fascination with smelling armpits and licking mine? I had no idea dogs did such a thing. When I had my springer growing up she never did that. I hope since she's a puppy she will outgrow that.

I do love owning a Vizsla... she's such a goofy girl. I love watching her grow and change. She hasn't slept in our bed yet except every now and then at nap time. She goes to her kennel every night before bed so we haven’t had the chance to get our bed taken over... I do await the day. At least we already own king size bed. She gets lots of attention wherever we go.
People love to pet her and adore her and her color, even the vet. And of course she loves the attention right back with the tail going wild at the site of people. She always greets you when you come inside and jumps on your lap the minute you sit down.

I am looking forward to lots of years of joy. She has been such a joy already and we have a long time ahead. I do not think we will own another dog for a couple more years so for now it’s just her and the cats but she is a pretty spoiled pup getting all the attention she can manage to get.

That it doesn't matter how big the bed is, two Vizslas take up all the room!!

That they prefer to sleep IN the bed with you, UNDER the covers, preferably splayed out at right angles to you so you effectively have no bed at all. We had to buy a king size bed when we got our second one!

I laughed out loud with this one. We bought a king size bed after contracting multiple viszla disorder and no, we do not have enough room. They sure do though. Especially Teddy Brewski, under the covers.

We got our first Vizsla when he was 9 mos. old. After about a week we thought we lost him. We looked everywhere for him, thought maybe he escaped somehow. After looking around the house for a while we found him, in our bed, under the covers.

We looked in the bedroom several times but never thought of looking under the covers in the bed. Needless to say he moved right in and took over. He is now 13 and still claims ownership of the bed, even though he needs to be helped in most of the time now.

We have a beach house with many frequent visitors and family members, and I can't tell you how many times I have had teenage girls horrified at the sight of their used sanitary pads dragged out into the living room and shredded... and every single time I come home, there is a shredded kleenex on the floor beside every single wastebasket... cold and flu season is a veritable shred-fest!

As for counter surfing, I have had entire sticks of butter vanish... entire loaves of bread, hamburger and hot dog buns disappear, with just the plastic bag found in the yard days later, and just recently an entire chunk of veryexpensive Emmenthaler cheese just vanished. To take the cake, Sophie has learned to open our pantry door, snatch the peanut butter jar, open it somehow with her front paws and teeth and lick as far down as her tongue will reach. We had to get special locks for the pantry door to keep her out and put a baby gate in front of the kitchen every single time we leave the house. She also learned how to open the freezer drawer and ate an entire key lime pie.... and when she learned to open the refrigerator door and started to forage every time we left the house, we had to devise a lock for that also. She is the single most resourceful dog I have ever had!

Gosh...mine have a full point on WITH the drool! They are WAY too funny, cute and lovable! Molly also does the low whine thru her nose like she is being abused!

Now does anyone have any clues on how to train an old man NOT to walk away

leaving the steaks on the counter, the butter out, or the loaf of bread sitting?

How can you train the dog if you can't train the human?

I knew very little about the breed when my first V came to live with me...actually “nothing” is a better description! Javaro loved to counter surf and I only discovered this after considering mental health help. My memory was at issue until I found the plastic bag from a loaf of bread fluttering in the breeze in the backyard! That was my "Ah-haaa" moment with this breed. My current V takes counter surfing to new heights! Takoda is the reason for the TWO locks on the garbage cupboard. We had to fashion a bar lock on the pantry after his degustation of an entire can of Ovaltine in his favorite spot... the living roomsofa! His consumption of contraband is legendary but his most expensive no-no ishis love of footwear. I believe he favors Old Navy flip flops but Crocs, Nikes, Reeboks and Reefs will do in a pinch! I've lost track of the shoes I've had to replace! But I think the biggest thing I wish I had known before owning a Vizsla is how incredibly and utterly infectious they are. MVD is one condition I hope to "suffer' from in the future.

The rest of the eight pages of the story at:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/VizslaTalk/message/72965

Mt. Biking with Vizsla

2011-09-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have run Bailey and Chloe with my mountain bike but nothing like this guy and his Vizsla, Amber.

Can Vizslas run? Take a look at this video. No doubt!

First Pheasant Hunt of the Season

2011-09-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the opening of pheasant hunting season out at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve.

We had some rain showers that came through but it was a warm rain and still made for a enjoyable hunt.

Not the best of Bailey's performances, but then this was the first time out. We took 2 large rooster pheasant in the 2 hours we were.

I have a 20-bird card with the hunt club so we will take our time a couple birds at a time.

Hunting with Bailey is a pleasure. This was our first "solo" hunt, now that I am a member of the club.
Just the two of us in huge fields out in the middle of a farming island. Other hunters and dogs were there, but off in the distance, a half mile away or more.

Loved it. A man and his dog hunting. There is something primal about the whole experience.

We have a recipe for Blueberry Roasted Pheasant that we will try this weekend with the two birds. Served with rice and carrots.

"So, the best thing about this method is you can use the bird whole---no cutting your fingers piecing it out.
Take 1-3 whole birds wash well, dry with paper towels, then rub inside and out with olive oil
Season inside and out with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic and Italian seasoning
Put bird(s) breast up in oven safe pot (dutch oven) with the cover off at 400-425 d F for 30-40 mins until browned
While birds are browning,in appropriately sized mixing bowl combine a can of either condensed golden or cream of mushroom soup with a can of Marsala wine anda can of buttermilk per bird cooking and mix until smooth (since my dutch oven is a snug fit with two roosters
I use only one soup cans worth of sauce and blueberries Jim)

Add a basket of blueberries per bird and stir them in
When birds are browned remove from oven and pour the soup,Marsala,buttermilk, blueberry mixture over it (them)
Reduce oven temp to 325 d F
Cover the birds
Return to oven for about 60-90mins until tender---Good to baste with mixture when checking on doneness
Remove the bird(s) from pot and carve breasts and separate the thigh-leg to arrange on plate with the rice and veggies and spoon blueberry gravy over meat-rice
Serve with Rice, Pilaf, or mashed potatoes and bright side dish ( carrots,peas, etc.) Looks great tastes greater!
Good with either red or white wines---I like a Petite Syrah
Bon appitite---Don
PS A great condiment is "Horseberry sauce"--easy--a can of whole or regular cranberry sauce mixed with 1/3 bottle of cream style horseraddish sauce mixed until smooth

From field to dinner plate.

Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be. -Temple Grandin

Hastings Island Hunting Preserve will release tens of thousands of pheasant during the six-month season. Many will become wild birds as they fly off the island and into the surrounding country.

Hastings Island is about 8 miles from the small town of Rio Vista in the heart of the California Delta.

Hastings Island Hunting Preserve Website

Vizslas and Marking

2011-09-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Bailey and Chloe both "mark" or "over-mark" with their urine. Bailey being an intact male more so than Chloe, who is a neutered female.

I find this a very interesting subject as I do a lot of walking with both. In the hills, on busy city streets, on quiet roads, we walk and they both "mark" certain things along the way.

My response to a post yesterday on "Marking" that came up on Hungarian Vizsla Forum

http://www.vizslaforums.com/index.php/topic,2774.msg18406.html#msg18406

Marking. Interesting subject as I watch Bailey, now 3, mark or over-mark (where other dogs have urinated) on all the walks we take.

A few things I picked up from reading Cesar Milan.

A male dog will try and mark HIGHER than the last dog that had marked that spot. The higher the better. When we walk, by ourselves, and nature calls, I mark very high on the trunk of a tree. I am the big dog after all.
Whenever Chloe relieves herself, Bailey HAS to over-mark on or near that spot. Yesterday off-leash walk, she squatted while he was 100 yards ahead. He turned his head, saw it and raced back to mark HIS SPOT.

I swearer the boy has a 2 gallon reserve tank hidden somewhere on his body.
Not as many truck wheels and tires or people's pant legs have received his scent coding as when he was around 2 years old. He thankfully, seems to have gotten past that stage.

He marks objects that other males have marked now. I don't control it except on walks downtown. He'd pee on every downtown street tree if he could. I limit it to one per block.

Nature of the beast (or high-powered intact hunting dog to be exact).

RBD

Full article can be found by the below link:

PAW rescue article on Marking

1. Overview

Dogs gather essential social information using their sense of smell, whether smelling other dogs directly or sniffing their urine and feces. That's why dogs urinate much more than required to simply empty their bladder.

Marking serves as a way to claim territory, advertise mating availability and to support the social order. Dogs like hierarchy; it's what they understand. They communicate age, gender and status within their packs via the pheromones in urine. Both male and female animals can engage in marking behavior.

A dog uses urine marking to help make a new environment smell like home, masking the unfamiliar odors with his own scent. Humans also engage in marking behavior, though it usually takes such forms as moving in a favorite chair and hanging pictures on the wall.

In addition, marking functions as an efficient way to protect a dog's perceived space than physically challenging each interloper who approaches that space.

Animals also mark to advertise their sexual availability, which is one reason why it helps to neuter and spay dogs. The earlier, the better, since early neutering can keep young dogs from ever developing the impulse to mark. (RBD note: Not a good enough reason to alter a "whole" dog. The negative physical aspects are of greater importance. See: rethinking-spay-neuter-in-2011.html )

Urinating in the house and other inappropriate areas can also be a sign of urinary tract disease, so take your dog to the vet before ruling out this possibility.

Urinating in the house can also stem from lack of house training or lack of an appropriate place to urinate, or having to hold it longer than the dog can physically wait. Consider having someone visit your dog for a mid-day walk if you work long hours.

Ode To Vizsla

2011-09-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

Have tissue at hand before viewing.

My friend, and the breeder of our Bailey, just lost her beloved Dani last week. Dani, was Bailey's maternal grandmother. She passed of cancer at 14 years old.

This "Ode to Vizsla" goes out to Kay and all the wonderful work she does for Vizslas.

Kay operates Vizsla Rescue Haven and does so much for the Vizsla breed here in America. She takes on the dogs no one else wants.

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2011/01/alpha-female-of-vizsla-rescue.html

If you ever want to donate to a great Vizsla cause, Vizsla Rescue Haven would be the best.

http://vizslarescuehaven.org/

Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation 2008 Health Survey

2011-09-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Below is a link of health information regarding the Vizsla breed.

More information then you would think possible.

Vizsla health survey 2008 by VCA

The 2008 Vizsla Health Survey was sponsored and funded by private donations to the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation, Inc. The purpose of this health survey was to scientifically research what the real current health issues are in the Vizsla breed. This survey focused on current health issues and other questions regarding current Vizsla health and research. Therefore only purebred Vizslas born from 1992 until present participated in the survey.

The use of a strictly anonymous on-line format had several major advantages over previous mailbased surveys. Because there was no way to trace any survey respondent, information bias was minimized. Because anyone with access to a computer could participate in the survey, people responded from around the world and a larger number of respondents were reached. Allowing the West Chester Statistics Institute, a research organization not connected to the Vizsla Club of America in any way, to collect and analyze the data also insured accurate and unbiased reporting of

the results. The health survey went on-line on January 21, 2008, and stayed active until December 15, 2008. A total of 2,505 surveys were collected and analyzed.

The survey marks an important beginning in establishing a starting point to spot future trends in Vizsla health issues. Future health surveys will be used to help track increases and decreases in Vizsla health and disease incidence. A major goal of this project is to assist Vizsla breeders by identifying what the most significant health issues are for the breed. Identifying significant Vizsla health problems and concerns will inform and educate breeders hence allowing breeders to make better breeding decisions.

The results will also assist veterinarians and researchers in caring for, treating, and establishing research protocols for Vizslas. The survey will help to better inform the public and future Vizsla owners and puppy buyers of what health issues they may possibly encounter when purchasing or adopting a Vizsla.

The Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation, Inc. also sponsors canine and Vizsla specific health and research grants and studies. Knowing what Vizsla health issues are the most significant and urgent will help the Foundation focus funding where it is needed the most.

In addition to summarizing prevalence of disorders affecting the breed, statistical hypothesis testing was conducted. All hypotheses were formulated a priori by consultation between Lynda Ruffini, representing the Vizsla Club of America, and the West Chester Statistics Institute.

All research data was collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed by West Chester Statistics Institute (WCSI). The West Chester Statistics Institute provides statistical support, analysis, and education on projects for the academic community and for business, industry, and other research institutions. WCSI is a non-profit organization, committed to providing hands-on, supervised educational opportunities for current West Chester University students in the Applied Statistics Graduate Program. The WCSI group employs 5 Ph.D. statisticians. WCSI provides expertise in study design, data management, statistical programming, and statistical analysis. For more information about WCSI, please visit their website at:

http://www.wcupa.edu/wcsi

Hidden Treasure - Sunset Beach, Russian River

2011-09-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

Just off the River Road along the Russian River we spent Saturday and Sunday enjoying the sunny warmth of Saturday and then the coastal fog drizzle of Sunday morning.

Sunset Beach is easy walk from River Bend RV resort. Dogs on-leash is the official rules of the park. We went early Sunday and had the park to ourselves.

Don't tell any officials that we broke their rules once we got down to the river's edge.

We like to park the RV at the River Bend Resort. It is right on the river.

Site R-11 River Bend Resort

The Russian River Pub cooks up great pub fare. The Hilton Park is nice but not as dog friendly as the River Bend.

A great walk in the hills is "priceless"

2011-09-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

Living in this part of California, anything can be bought for a price. If you can afford it, you can find it.

Then again, a walk in the hills on a bright cool summer morning with my Vizslas is priceless.

I can not buy this feeling. I can not write a post on this blog to convey the feeling. By the time we are done with a two-hour walk in these hills, the feeling of serenity of being is powerful and priceless.

No two walks in these hills are ever the same.

A deep ravine in a wild area of Briones

Came across this cow and a VERY young calf (days old) in the middle of a quiet, remote trail. We had to walk around

Chloe and Bailey along a small trail through the woods

Overlooking the hills of the East Bay

Viewing the valley in search of ground squirrels

Bailey's Boy "Hunting" Pigeons

2011-09-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

How is it that a video of a pup going on "point" on some pigeons in a parking lot can fill me with joy?

Fawkes is Bailey / Sophie's only boy out of this spring's litter.

"Hi Rod,
I shot this video of Fawkes hunting some pigeons in the parking lot at the end of short walk we had this evening at the Vallejo Marina. He's almost 40 pounds at 5 months. Beautiful boy--he gets compliments wherever he goes."
Aaron

Fawkes following Bailey and Chloe on a walk.

Vizsla does Appalachian Trail 2010

2011-09-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Appalachian Trail - 2,178 miles

These are the voyages of Daniel and his dog Kooper. His five-month mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and escape civilization; to boldly go where there is little to no internet access.

"I would also like to comment on the Appalachian Trail Vizsla accomplishment.

This is a TREMENDOUS accomplishment and to do it how it was done from April in Georgia to October in Maine is even more stunning. Logistically the key is to walk fast enough that the snows of New England don't sock it to you. In 2010 New England didn't start getting swacked by really mean snow until nearly Xmas.

The trip itself is a great book in itself. Many people try to hike the AT that certain comforts like rat-infested sleeping cots in small huts randomly along the way. You meet amazing personalities of AT hikers. The flora, the fauna, views and that cursedly American urge to see what is over the hill...or the mountain...or the river. An obsessive photographer could never make the trip in six months. What a great adventure. I am pea-green with envy. Write a book....yesterday."

- Diana Boggs

Daniel's website:

http://onahike.com/

Bailey and Chloe at Diamond Lake, Oregon 2009

This would be something I would love to do once I retire. Here on the western side of the U.S., we have the Pacific Rim Trail.

Lily - An Honorary Vizsla Pup comes over to the house

2011-08-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Our granddaughter, Lily, came over Sunday. She just turned 11 months and is now walking. She still thinks she is a dog. No one has broken the news to her that she is a human.

She watches her other dog friends go in and out the dog door and has opened the flap and looked out. It won't be long before she follows them out the opening.

She loves the water bowl and likes to dump the water on herself and the floor. There on the tile, the water is more fun to splash in.

Jackrabbits and Vizslas

2011-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning started out only in the mid-70's as Chloe joined Bailey and me for a trip out to Hastings Island for another attempt at getting the first leg of Bailey's Master Hunter title. The weatherman, on the car's radio, had let me know that it was going to be the hottest day of August. This would be after the fog burned off and the breeze died down.

Chloe, is not a bird hunter. She hates the sound of shotguns and she stays in the Jeep while Bailey and I go out to attempt to get a pass on this very demanding bird dog aptitude test.

So that she attains some enjoyment out of the trip, we stopped both going and returning from Hastings Island to a spot the dogs know well.
Back about 5 years ago, before the recession hit, a home builder started a development that was going to have 500 homes on a couple hundred acres. Now the deserted streets and sidewalks are all installed but only about 10 model homes were built and then they were promptly boarded up.

Here, out in the country, the dogs can safely run with little danger of cars or other dangers.

Jackrabbits number in the hundreds in this wide open area. So Chloe gets to channel her hunting drive chasing hares. She loves the chase. Even with the quickness of our Vizsla, she is no match for a healthy hare as it darts here and there. It is very enjoyable to watch as she barks and just "knows" she will catch that pesky hare any second. Just as she thinks she has it, the hare does a 90-degree turn and darts away.

In a period of 20 minutes of all out running, Chloe had scared up about 10 jackrabbits and had given futile but joyous chase.

Bailey usually joins her, but his enthusiasm for this game is much less intense. In the morning, he had to stay on his leash. I needed him fresh and focused on his bird work ahead.

After Bailey and my failed attempt in the judged field, we left Hastings Island and headed back to "Hare Central."

There I let him loose with Chloe out in the 98 degree afternoon heat.

They were both DONE in about 10 minutes and came back ready for the air conditioner in the Jeep to be turned up full blast on the trip back home.

One of my favorite dog books is "Herr Und Hund" by Thomas Mann, where he goes into wonderful detail how his "bastard" hound (German Shorthair Pointer) has a wonderful time with rabbits in Bavaria.

Earlier post on the book in English

http://redbirddog.blogspot.com/2010/05/herr-und-hund.html

Jackrabbits - remarkable critters

(edited to shorten)

By Dutch Salmon

"It seems that this year they're everywhere. I'm talking about jackrabbits - a plethora of big bunnies.

All right, it's true that many people - perhaps most people - wouldn't call a healthy jackrabbit population a blessing. Here in the Southwest, jackrabbits are largely taken for granted; like ravens, we see them around a lot but don't really notice them much. Hardly anyone remarks, "Hey, I saw a jackrabbit today!"

When jackrabbits do get noticed, the reference is usually negative. They get into your garden and eat the crop. They girdle your fruit trees. They compete with livestock out on the range (it is said that seven jackrabbits will eat as much forage as a sheep).

Or one leads your bird dog off on a merry and futile chase when the dog was supposed to be hunting quail.

First of all, despite the name, jackrabbits aren't rabbits at all, they're hares. The gestation period of a rabbit is about 30 days. Hares hold their young seven to ten days longer. And where rabbit young are born bald, blind, and helpless, a just-born hare is already in fur, with eyes open, and the little leveret can hop around. Rabbits, such as the cottontail, like cover; they live in burrows or brush piles and when pursued hard they look for cover or a hole to provide an escape. Hares spend their entire lives on top of the ground, hooding up in a "form" - a mere depression in the grass - when they're not out feeding or moving about. Flushed by a coyote, fox, greyhound, or eagle, a hare will attempt to outrun rather than hide from a predator.

By any or all of the above determinants, the jackrabbit is a hare. The most sensible explanation I've heard for the name "jackrabbit" is this one: the striking long ears of this hare caused the descriptive moniker, "jack-ass rabbit," later shortened to jackrabbit.

As Aesop knew when he matched a tortoise against a hare, you can't talk about hares without talking about speed. The hare the greyhound chases at the race track is artificial, but the one out in the field is real. By knowing something of greyhound speed one can infer the speed of a jackrabbit.

Greyhounds have been clocked at an attained speed of 50 mph coming down the first straightaway. Take such hounds to the open field, flush a jackrabbit, and what happens?

Usually, the hound is able to overtake the hare one or more times, forcing the jack to change direction in order to escape, indicating the superior speed of the hound. More often than not, in the ensuing high-speed chase, the jack is able to elude the hounds with a myriad of high-speed moves until the hounds begin to tighten up (usually inside of a mile). At that point the hare is once more able to straighten out into a sprint, stringing the pack out and leaving them behind.

At times, however, one encounters some remarkable jackrabbits. I have seen both blacktail and whitetail jacks start up not ten yards in front of greyhounds of proven speed - fresh, healthy hounds on good running ground - and literally run away from them. These hares beat greyhounds at a straightaway sprint!

I have been running jackrabbits with greyhounds, salukis, and other sight hound breeds for 30 years. It is clear that the best jackrabbits are capable of an attained speed of at least 40 mph, and of maintaining that speed for a mile or more. That a hare is capable of outrunning a specially bred dog like the greyhound, a quadruped six to ten times its size, is surely one of the most remarkable feats in the realm of natural history."

Loyal dog may take part in Iowa tribute

2011-08-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

Post script to the Loyal Navy Seal dog post last week.

(I know it wasn't a Vizsla, but Vizslas are this loyal)

IOWA CITY, Iowa - The University of Iowa will salute all who have fallen during service to their country, state and community - including U.S. Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson - at one of the Iowa football team's two games in November.

The nation will celebrate Veteran's Day on Friday, Nov. 11. The Hawkeyes play home football games on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12.

"Jon's death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community. We are very pleased that Jon's family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall."
UI Director of Athletics
Gary Barta

A 35-year old native of Rockford, Iowa, Tumilson was one of 30 American soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6.

Tumilson's personal sacrifice became even more poignant when his pet Labrador retriever, "Hawkeye," lay next to his casket and remained there for the majority of Tumilson's funeral service.

"Jon's death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community. We are very pleased that Jon's family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall,"
said Gary Barta, the UI's director of athletics.

Barta noted the decision to not do something at Saturday's first home game of the season was deliberate.

"We wanted to be respectful of Jon's family and friends and others who are still grieving. Also, as a fan of the Hawkeyes and the UI football program, I'm certain Jon would expect a solid game plan, one that is thoughtful and thorough and respectful, and well-executed on game day," he said.

The UI will work with the Tumilson family to determine exactly what role "Hawkeye" may play on game day.

Master Hunt Test = TOUGH!

2011-08-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Went out today to Hastings Island and entered and ran Bailey in a Master Hunt Test run. These 45-minute walking field tests are judged by two horse-mounted AKC-certified judges. Everything is overseen by a horseback-mounted field marshall.

Judges expect the dog and handler to do everything very close to perfect. The performance has to be exceptional to get a pass.

It is a MASTER HUNTING DOG TITLE after all. The standards are set very high.

This was our third attempt out this month. We have not successfully passed yet but will try again tomorrow.

To get the title, we need get SIX passes.

This may take us a long time. That's ok. We've got plenty of time.

Wanting to be the best sure ain't easy.

Section 3. Master Hunting Test.

A Master hunting dog must give a finished performance and demonstrate clearly that it deserves to be qualified as such.

This is the complete hunting companion that any hunter would be proud to own.

It must be under its handler’s control at all times, and handle kindly, with an absolute minimum of noise and hacking by the handler. A Master hunting dog must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive manner of running, and must demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out-of-sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical hunting companion. The dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot on all birds and if it breaks, it cannot receive a Qualifying score. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and intensity on point are essential. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor. A dog that steals its bracemate’s point cannot receive a Qualifying score.

A Master hunting dog must positively demonstrate its steadiness to wing and shot. All birds that are pointed by the Master dog in a bird field must be shot where safety allows. If gunning is being done on course, all birds pointed on course must be shot where safety allows. Gunning must be done by Official Guns only. A legitimate attempt to retrieve all downed birds must be made. Conditions such as the type of cover, where the birds landed, the terrain, and the condition of the downed bird, sometimes make a retrieve impossible and this should not reflect negatively on the score of the Master dog. All killed birds must be retrieved promptly, tenderly and absolutely to hand. The handler shall not command or signal the dog to retrieve until positive steadiness has been demonstrated.

Loyal Dog Mourns, Lays at Casket of Fallen Navy Seal

2011-08-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

May we live up to be the person our dog's think we are.

Heard about this story on the radio today.

About a Navy Seal coming home to be buried and his dog being next to him during the service.

If you have a Vizsla, you have a dog that will give its all for you.
Never have I had a breed that epitomizes complete loyalty.
A dog's loyalty is an amazing thing.

"The dog of slain Petty Officer Jon Tumilson refused to leave his side during the Navy SEAL’s funeral earlier this week in Rockford, Iowa. The heartbreaking photo taken by his cousin, Lisa Pembleton, shows Tumilson’s dog Hawkeye lying by the casket.

Navy SEAL U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jon T. Tumilson was among the 30 American troops killed August 6 when Taliban insurgents downed their Chinook helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. At his funeral in Iowa, his dog Hawkeye paid his last respects, walking up to the casket, lying down in front of it, and heaving a sigh."

Read rest of article and see video on:

http://blogs.discovery.com/daily_treat/2011/08/loyal-dog-mourns-lays-at-casket-of-fallen-navy-seal.html

Makes you believe there must be a God that would have made such a wonderful animal.

Why God Made Dogs Poem

When God had made the Earth and Sky, the flowers and the trees,

He then made all the animals, and all the birds and bees.

And when His work was finished, not one was quite the same,

He said, "I'll walk the Earth of mine, and give each one a name."

And so He traveled land and sea, and everywhere He went,

a little creature followed Him, until it's strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth,

and in the sky and sea, the little creature said,

"Dear Lord, there's not one left for me."

The Father smiled and softly said, "I've left you 'til the end,

I've turned my name from back to front, and called you DOG, my friend."

Pet Underpopulation: The Pet Shortage in the US

2011-08-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

"Last month, I had the opportunity to be a guest on a talk radio program discussing recent pet legislation efforts in Wisconsin spearheaded by a small group of animal rights extremists. Some callers to the program realized the threat to pet owners and breeders such legislation poses and expressed concern. Many callers, however, were frantic about the "pet overpopulation" problem and thought laws were needed to stop breeders.

Listen up! The notion that there is a "pet overpopulation" problem is nothing more than a figment of the imagination of the anti-pet, anti-pet owner, anti-pet breeder animal rights fanatics.

Yes, you read that correctly.

There is definitely NOT an overpopulation of dogs or cats, at least not in the United States."

Complete article well worth reading:

http://spanieljournal.com/33lbaughan.html

by Loretta Baughan

Another great blog on dogs in society:

http://time4dogs.blogspot.com/

Reserve Winner's Dog - Bailey

2011-08-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Back from Reno Kennel Club Dog Show.

Saturday group prize - 2nd; Sunday group prize - 1st and Reserve Winner's Dog

The above are the ribbons Bailey took home.
This was Bailey's first confirmation show.

Below are the best of show and group winner awards.

"Keep going! This is a very good sign. Reserve Winner’s Dog (RWD) means you were the second best class dog. I just looked up the point schedule, 8 dogs is a 5-point major, the largest you can get. Makes Bailey’s achievement even better." - e-mail from Bailey's sire owner

Tiffany showing judge Bailey stacked.

Bailey, Chloe and I took our Tuesday walk down to Crogan's Bar and Grill.

Bailey was welcomed as a conquering hero.

Bailey and Chloe are the mascots of Tuesdays at Crogan's.

May 2010 write up about Tuesday city walks

That's good enough for Bailey, Chloe and me.

Pals - The Hungarian Vizsla Movie

2011-08-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Hungarian story of the adventures of a Vizsla, Dachshund and falcon.

Check out the water rescue scene 4 to 5 minutes in!

Just a great viewing experience. 76 minutes long.

PJ’s Pets ends puppy sales

2011-08-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Glad to see a major pet store chain makes the sale of puppies the job of hobby breeders.

TheStar PJ’s Pets ends puppy sales

Don’t ask how much that doggie is in the window.

At least at PJ’s Pets stores, as the retail chain announced Tuesday that it will stop selling puppies on Sept. 1.

It’s part of company plan to promote adoption from animal shelters or humane societies. It has already adopted the policy in Atlantic Canada where its stores operate under the Pets Unlimited banner.

(see the rest of article on link)

"Best in Show" Movie

2011-08-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

Entering the show world this weekend.

Quotes from the movie "Best in Show"

Storyline

Christopher Guest, the man behind Waiting for Guffman, turns his comic eye on another little world that takes itself a bit too seriously: the world of competitive dog shows. Best in Show follows a clutch of dog owners as they prepare and preen their dogs to win a national competition. They include the yuppie pair (Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock) who fear they've traumatized their Weimaraner by having sex in front of him; a suburban husband and wife (Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara) with a terrier and a long history of previous lovers on the wife's part; the Southern owner of a bloodhound (Guest himself) with aspirations as a ventriloquist; and many more. Following the same "mockumentary" format of Spinal Tap and Guffman, Best in Show takes in some of the dog show officials, the manager of a nearby hotel that allows dogs to stay there, and the commentators of the competition (a particularly knockout comic turn by Fred Willard as an oafish announcer). The movie manages to paint an affectionate portrait of its quirky characters without ever losing sight of the ridiculousness of their obsessive world. Almost all of the scenes were created through improvisation. While lacking the overall focus of a written script, Best in Show captures hilarious and absurd aspects of human behavior that could never be written down. The movie's success is a testament to both the talent of the actors and Guest's discerning eye. --Bret Fetzer

Getting Ready for the "Show"

2011-08-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Bailey living "the good life"

Bailey is staying the week with my friend and Bailey's handler, Tiffany, getting ready for the Reno Dog Show this coming weekend. I am actually excited about this. He is having a great time. I miss the knucklehead.

I'll head up to Reno for the show this weekend. I have to stay in the background so Bailey will not be able to see me as Tiffany handles him in the ring.

Abbey and Bailey playing

"Hey Rod

As you can see, Abbey sure fancies Bailey. Rose is completely satisfied sitting on my lap while I read a good book.

I took Bailey and Barley for a nice walk around the block today. Bailey walks very well on the lead - totally showing my dogs up. Maybe I need to send my 3 to your house Rod! I stacked Bailey a few times when we stopped and he did fabulously.

The best thing about being a handler, I’m the one person that gets to spoil them rotten so showing is the best thing EVER! I’m very excited about this weekend.

When I was putting the medicine on Bailey’s barbed wire wound, the thing came off on the cotton ball. The good news is, there is hair already growing underneath and a good judge can not fault a hunting breed for hunting scratches. I’m not concerned about it at all. He is a very handsome boy.
Stay tuned!
Tiffany

Are You My Father?

2011-08-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Belle, at 4 months old, meets her dad, Bailey.

She is the youngest female in Julie's Vizsla Sorority.

The dogs all played happily with Bailey and he had a good time with the four females.

Chloe, my 4-year-old female joined us for about 10 minutes. She was "inspected" by the other females. After the inspection, it was obvious that she was not welcomed into their world.

Chloe was placed back in the truck. She was happy to be safe in the cab.

Interesting pack interactions.

The Art of Nail Trimming

2011-08-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

When Bailey or Chloe walk across our hardward floors and I can hear the nails touching, I know it is time to trim the nails.

Nail cutting was a problem for me. Using cutters on nails worked but a few times of cutting and seeing blood and the dogs crying in pain told me there has to be a better way. The dogs and I hated it.

So when Chloe and Bailey were pups I sent away for the "Peticure" cordless nail grinder. The peticure videos are very informative.

http://www.peticure.com/demos.html

Problem was the grinder motor was weak and the cordless battery would die quickly.
So what to do. I had learned how to use the Pedicure and the dogs were ok with it. I ended up throwing the grinder away and saved the "head" and installed it on my Dremel multi-speed tool. Now I had power and control.

The head protects the surrounding area and the "window" is adjustable. Bailey has BIG paws and needs a big hole. Chloe has little paws and needs the smaller window. The sandpaper disc that came with the Pet-a-cure is the same you can get at any hardware store for the Dremel.

Nails are short.

I have the "nail trimming rug" that we always use. The dogs know when it is nail trimming time and with many treats and patience we have gotten to the point that the dogs enjoy coming to the rug to get their nails trimmed.

Short nails are very important for hard driving dogs. Long nails catch on things while running through fields and the hills.

without protective cover

Just trimmed the dogs nails. Chloe is now 4 and Bailey is 3. They don't fight nail time.

I have them sit for their front paws and then lay down belly up in my lap for the rear paws. Patience and persistence is the key. Grinding can cause heat, so just do a little on each nail and go to the next. You might need to go over them three or four times.

There is more to it but this is a start.

You Never Know What You'll Come Across

2011-08-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

On last Thursday night's walk with a friend and her Vizsla, we took a tough two-hour walk in the Las Trampas Wilderness.

A walk in these hills can always turn into an adventure.

A pack of coyotes howled as we walked out of their hills as the sun set over fog covered hills.

Teeth Cleaned Professionally

2011-08-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Bailey is going to his first confirmation show in a few weeks. His teeth were brown with tartar that just refused to come off. Now after a professional cleaning they shine.

Chloe got her teeth done also. Chloe is a ball addict and has been since a pup. Her teeth are blunt from the grit embedded in the tennis ball. They are now clean and blunt.

The veterinarian technician told me a sweet story when I picked up Bailey and Chloe.

She was watching as Bailey and then Chloe slowly came out from under the effects of the anaesthesia. They had been put in the same kennel to recover. Bailey had his teeth cleaning procedure first and as he drunkenly started to revive, he saw Chloe still quite deeply under from the gas used.

The tech told me that she watched as Bailey staggered slowly over to Chloe and started gently licking and pawing her. He sat unsteadily next to her as she slowly revived.

I love this boy. He is such a wonderful soul.

At $215 per dog to have it done, it was not inexpensive. I know that gum and dental care helps keep the rest of the body healthier. Preventive maintenance, in health, is worth it.

But the thing I have learned about owning and competing with Bailey - It is not an inexpensive hobby.

But it sure is a less expensive hobby than cars, motorcycles, boats or horses.