The nature of each breed has its own specifics, and every breeder would argue that his breed is exceptional. But how many differences and exceptionalities await you when your best friend is a Vlciak? Yes, we will again focus on the Czechoslovakian Vlciak and focus on its unique character.
It is strong, big, hardy, intelligent and its original use was to be purely for work. Is the Czechoslovakian Vlcak really a real workhorse? Or does he prefer to lounge on the couch at home? And who is it actually suitable for? This time we're going to talk about "Vlciaks" again. What is the character of the Czechoslovakian Vlciak, how it differs from other dogs, what it excels in and what it does not like at all and what activities are suitable for it, will tell us the most competent person – Bc. Kvetoslava Slaná, training officer of the Club of Breeders of the Czechoslovakian Vlciak of the Slovak Republic.
Thank you for taking the time to share with us your rich experience in raising and training this amazing breed. Your canine practice is very rich and interesting. During your work at the shelter, you have become acquainted with a really wide range of breeds and their crossbreeds, so you have huge opportunities for comparison. Is the Czechoslovakian Vlciak really that different and in what?
I think he's thinking a lot more. If he is to do something, he must see meaning in it. I was caring for a Belgian shepherd who dropped his stick from the bridge and jumped after it. About the Briard who jumped over the fire without hesitation to bite into her sleeve. About the border collie who endured reversing in front of you with a straw in her muzzle throughout the hike. You come to the training ground and see the sheepdog walking leaning against the handler's leg, his head tilted, if there was a pit, he would fall into it. And they look at the Vlciak as an exotic. So, I ask, what's weird and what's normal?
Is it more of a wolf or is it a dog?
It is impossible to say what is more in nature. In any case, a Vlciak will certainly do more for humans than a wolf, but it is not and never will be a slave to it. However, if you are willing to communicate, he can be your sidekick.
Is there an innate aggressiveness in the breed, or is it just their reputation that precedes them and also their big teeth that arouses such respect and sometimes fear?
I think the problem is in poor communication and attitude, in mutual misunderstanding. And there are so many examples of "bad" dogs that it casts a bad light on the breed. Of course, misunderstood dogs are many in every breed. It is not aggressiveness when a Vlciak growls at a stranger who wants to pet him. We also do not let ourselves be petted on the street by strangers. Why even. These are clear signals that the vlciak gives. Dogs can talk, but only with those who know how to listen.
One of the essential reasons for the creation and breeding of the breed was perseverance. But having a hardy dog at home may not always be an advantage. Is CSV very demanding in terms of movement?
I don't think so. That a dog is hardy means that he can handle something, not that he requires it daily. I know people who can annoy CSV. It needs more exercise than companion breeds, but you certainly don't have to run a daily marathon with it.
And is mental activity as important to him as physical activity, or can he do without proper intellectual work?
Mental activity is equally important, and it will make it easier to tire the vlciak. However, it should be balanced with the physical one.
He inherited his innate shyness from the wolf, but is he also sometimes timid?
In nature, wolves are very careful not to get hurt, as this would probably cost them their lives. This instinct for self-preservation was also inherited by vlciaks. Of course, there are vlciaks in which we can find a more sheepdog nature, but many more are more wolf-like. Those who do not have dulled senses. Those who see in man what we do not detect at first glance.
You yourself are engaged in rescue work at a high level with your CSV. How much does working with CSV differ from other breeds?
I see a big difference in searching the terrain. When I see working breeds shoot through the forest, where the handler shows them, sometimes I envy them a little. My Ariana works slowly compared to them. But this does not mean that she will find a person later. She can wind a person over a long distance. It is this slow work that is an advantage in searches, where the dog has to search the terrain for hours. At a fast pace, the dog quickly bites, moreover, with its muzzle open, it does not catch as many odors as when it works at rest and breathes through its nose.
Which cynological disciplines do you consider to be clearly suitable for CSV and why? What do they enjoy the most and what do they excel at?
Rescue is perfect for them. Run around the forest, look for "prey" and finally eat there. I don't know if there's anything more natural and fun. It is enough to shift the dog from hunting game to a simpler prey – a human with food.
For dogs that are not completely under control, or are afraid of people, I recommend mantrailing - a stranger, whom the dog would be afraid of in a face-to-face encounter, will leave with its meat and hide somewhere. My experience is that curiosity eventually wins out over fear. Of course, it is necessary to respect the nature of the dog and reward it accordingly for its performance. With a vlciak, you can do practically anything. Well, every individual is different. If you respect this, you will find an activity together that suits him. Well, you have to learn to think like a vlciak.
On the other hand, what would you never try with a regular CSV and could such experiments have a long-term negative effect on the dog's psyche and behavior?
I don't know what I wouldn't try, but I'm sorry to see the defenses of some vlciaks (again, I don't mean prey who bite with pleasure). Some people try to do defense at all costs through aggressiveness and try to provoke dogs with whip blows and the like. Most vlciaks do not have such a balanced character that, on the one hand, they can handle psychological pressure, and at the same time they are not a threat in everyday life.
Is the breed club active in working with CSV and does it help breed owners in any way?
Three times a year, KCHCSV organized training camps, but since it is not enough for any progress in training, we decided to organize a training weekend at least 1x a month. If someone has a problem with their wolfdog, or a group of people wants to train, we meet by appointment outside of these training weekends. Many of us do not meet with understanding at exercises, so it is nice when the same fools are found, support each other and, most importantly, find a common path with their dog. Passed exams are just a bonus.
It is said that CSV is really not for everyone. So, what is the profile of the ideal owner of this breed? Who would you recommend getting a puppy to and who would you definitely talk you out of?
This is a difficult question and a dilemma that probably every breeder solves. There is no guaranteed formula for this. We can only hope that one falls for the breed by adapting everything else to it – just like us. It's nice when a person can spend as much time as possible with their dog. I chose housing and work so that I did not have to leave the dogs alone. When they've had enough of me, they'll just let it be known that they're not going anywhere with me.
Thank you for your comprehensive answers and I would like to ask you one last question at the end – if you could change anything, anything from the nature of the CSV, what would it be?
What would I like to be different? Sometimes, but really only for a moment, I would like my CSV to be a retriever, who carries the ball to foolishness. To pull like a dragon in a sled, to react faster, to bite more predatory, so as not to be afraid of anyone and not to deal with anyone. To jump from the bridge into the water, just like that, because the lady told her to, and run at the exhibition. But that wouldn't be CSV anymore. I'm glad it's what it is, it's a challenge for me. Every creature has its pros and cons, and I'm 99% sure, CSV will also be my next dog.
Translated through Google
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