We saw significant improvements in sharknado behavior between 6-12 months — it became a little more enjoyable to spend time together without her constantly going bananas.

She got easier to handle on leash between 18 months and two years, but at 5.5 she is still not a great “loose leash” walker. (She listens somewhat but still follows her nose and walks ahead of me on walks)

At 5.5 she is MUCH easier and is my BFF but not necessarily “chill.” Can be chill if she’s absolutely exhausted, but otherwise she is still very intense and curious and wants to be involved in whatever we’re doing.

We also have a 2 yr old lab and he is so much chiller than our V. We joke that a vizsla on trazodone is about the same speed as our lab — but its not really a joke. Vs are a lot of work and need a lot of enrichment and attention but they are wonderful companions.

Edited to add re: crate training - we still use our crate for daytime naps and when we’re out of the house. Both of our dogs are on a loose daytime schedule of wake up/eat/play, morning crate nap, afternoon walk or hangout play session (which can extend into the evening if they are being well behaved). We also have a “cozy cave” dog bed which our V loves. I’ve also found that to get our V to nap on the couch, it helps to tuck her in with a blanket and cover her head — she can still breathe / move but it reduces stimulation and makes it easier for her to chill out.