Should You Look Into German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies?
It’s a hunting dog that aims to please, and it certainly succeeds in doing so. The German shorthaired pointer is the 12th most popular dog in the United States, according to information provided by the American Kennel Club, and it’s with good reason. This hunting dog is friendly, loving and very attentive. It’s good at what it does. It’s focused and it’s smart, but it also loves more than just the work. This is a breed that loves human companionship, a task and pleasing people. What this means for you is that this breed is going to work very hard to learn, to train and to follow commands because it wants you to be happy. What more could you ask for in a dog? Of course, just because this is a popular breed in many households does not mean it is the breed for you. In fact, this might not be the breed for you. Some dogs are better suited in certain households with certain types of people, and you should make it a point to get to know your dog breeds before you make a commitment to one that needs to last a lifetime. Here’s everything you need to know to determine whether or not you are the right fit for this particular breed.
GSPs Require Ample Exercise
This is not the type of breed that will do well cooped up inside all the time. While it’s fine to leave the dog in the house while you are out, it’s a dog that needs plenty of time outdoors. You’ll want to take this dog on at least one long walk every day and you’ll want to ensure that he gets to spend as much time running in the yard as possible. What this means is a fence; you’ll need one or you’ll need a local dog park to which you can walk the dog so he can spend some time exercising. It’s also a good idea to get outside and play with this dog so that you can also get some exercise. Games such as fetch are great games and tasks for your dog that will keep his mind sharp and his body active.
GSPs are Highly Intelligent Dogs
These are smart dogs. They’ll train easily and they will be very apt and answering your basic commands and your needs. This is dog that does require a strong owner, however. Dogs with this kind of intelligence do not do as well as they could with owners that aren’t willing to show their dominance and be the alpha. You have to assert and maintain control of this breed or it will learn that what you say might not mean anything, and the dog will attempt to take control. Firm discipline, positive reinforcement and respect are the three keys to training this dog and maintaining complete control.
GSPs Aim to Please
What we love most about this particular breed is its desire to please. It wants to make you happy. This is a dog that will go above and beyond and out of his or her way to ensure that you are happy with whatever decisions it has made. It’s going to learn quickly, it’s going to obey and it’s going to look to you for approval in almost every situation. This is why it is so imperative you use positive reinforcement with this particular breed. It requires this kind of positive attitude so that it can maintain a sense of peace and happiness, and it will respond much more positively to you when it is told what a good dog it is.
GSPs Shed Heavily
One of the biggest misconceptions with this dog is that it’s got a short coat, so it must not shed, right? Well, no. This is a dog that does shed and it sheds often. One way to combat the hair all over your house is to go ahead and ensure you do a good brushing a few times a week. This will loosen up the hair that the dog is losing and deposit it into the brush in a controlled environment. This is going to save you ample time cleaning your house and making sure you are not stuck with dog hair on everything you own. Go ahead and make sure you brush this dog regularly to prevent too much shedding on your floors and furniture.
GSPs are Friendly
Many people assume that hunting dogs are not friendly dogs, and that they are a bit on the aggressive side. This is not true at all in the case of the German shorthaired pointer. In fact, this is one of the friendliest dogs around. It does not know a stranger. It responds well to attention and love, and it will make sure it’s comfortable and friendly with just about anyone. Do not underestimate this dog, however. It will go with its instincts if someone that is not genuine or is up to no good comes around. Dogs have a great instinct for things like this, so you should not ignore this dog’s instincts and sudden dislike of someone.
GSPs are Child-Friendly
If you have kids, this might make a great pet. However, you should know a few things. For one, while it is child-friendly, all dogs do better around kids when they are raised with them. This means you’ll have a better chance of your dog and kids getting along if your dog is a puppy that’s raised with kids. Of course, even adults that have not been around children in their lives are just as friendly, but it’s always a bit more comfortable for parents to raise a dog with their kids (I say that as a parent considering a dog). Additionally, it’s never a good idea to leave kids and dogs alone together, no matter how old the dog and how friendly it is. Small children and dogs should always be supervised when together for the most assurance and peace of mind in all aspects.
Photo by Getty Images