THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER

The German Shorthaired Pointer has been consistently gaining popularity and is increasingly being chosen by prospective dog owners. While I may be biased in my opinion of these dogs making great companions, GSPs are not always the easiest dogs and require a few warnings for those not familiar with the breed.

After 7 years of being owned by a GSP, I thought I’d share important things to know before getting a German Shorthaired Pointer.

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GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER OVERVIEW

The German Shorthaired Pointer or GSP is a medium-sized versatile gundog developed in Germany in the 1800s to excel at finding, pointing, flushing, and retrieving multiple types of game.

Modern day GSPs are smart, highly active dogs who can fit many roles from loyal family companion to capable hunter to professional security officer and beyond.

GSPS ARE HUNTERS AND ATHLETES

Before brining a GSP into your home, it is absolutely crucial to understand their background and what makes them tick. These dogs have had deep-rooted hunting instincts bred into bloodlines over the course of centuries which heavily impacts their wants, needs, and behaviours.

Their prey drive and energy levels are off the charts.

This is excellent news for anyone looking for a versatile hunting partner or wanting to participate in field trials. It also means they make great up-for-anything adventure companions who can outlast you in almost any activity.

BUT it also means they require structured training, clear boundaries, and significant amounts of exercise to channel those instincts in a positive way. It can also mean that pairing a GSP with other small animals (think cats, chickens, rabbits, etc.) can pose a challenge.

If you’re looking for a laid-back couch potato that’s going to ignore that squirrel in the park, a GSP is likely not for you.

THEIR BODIES SOMETIMES MOVE FASTER THAN THEIR BRAINS

Further to the point above, their curiosity, athleticism, and instinct-driven behaviours can result in poor choices being made when left to their own devices.

Whether it’s bolting off after wildlife, scaling fences, jumping from panic-inducing heights, or treating your house like a parkour playground, they have little regard for the health and safety of not only themselves but those around them.

While their friendly attitudes and fierce loyalty make them great family pets, this can mean they are not always easy on the young, old, infirm, or, well, anyone really.

If you opt for a GSP, you might want to learn some self-defence strategies – not to thwart aggression but simply to protect yourself from the walking ball of energy that is a GSP.

GSPS VERY MUCH HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN

Although they sometimes act without thinking, don’t believe that means they don’t have a brain in their head.

GSPs are smart as a whip, quick learners, and form strong opinions. While this means they are very trainable, it also means they can be stubborn and full of attitude at times.

For this reason, it is incredibly important to form a strong bond with your GSP so that they are more likely to look to you for direction and guidance rather than simply following their own whims.

READ MORE: 10 COMMANDS TO TEACH YOUR ADVENTURE DOG

STRUCTURED TRAINING IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

To reign in that sharp mind, training is an absolute must with GSPs. Basic obedience is a great place to start but focus more on forming that bond and partnership than simply trading an action for a reward.

These powerhouses can quickly become bored with traditional training methods and will eventually begin to make their own fun if they aren’t continually challenged.

Beyond obedience, they will also need clear boundaries established in the home and an understanding of what is expected of them. They often need to be taught to relax and unwind so that they can take it down a notch when needed.

I highly suggest finding a high quality dog trainer who will work with you and your dog. The investment will be worth it.

If you plan to hunt with your dog, dedicated gundog training is also key. While there are any number of board and train options available, I’m always an advocate for training the human and would opt for a program that you can actively participate in.

GSPs commonly need a little extra reinforcement to redirect their focus and maintain control, especially in off-leash environments. Tracking and training collars can be extremely useful for GSP owners and I would highly recommend you get some training on how best to use this tool if it’s something you might use.

MY PICK: GARMIN ALPHA 300/TT25 COLLAR TRACKING AND TRAINING SYSTEM

MENTAL STIMULATION IS KEY

If you’ve ever heard the term “a tired dog is a good dog” it could not be more applicable.

While basic training and sufficient exercise will establish a strong foundation for a healthy routine, GSPs will benefit from varied and ongoing mental stimulation as well.

You’ll want to avoid falling into the trap of relying too heavily on extreme amounts of physical exercise as this can create a bit of a monster who needs more and more and more as they become fitter and stronger. A lot of people underestimate the importance of creating a balance between physical and mental exercise for dogs.

GSPs are dogs that want jobs and they can easily become bored and destructive if they aren’t having their cognitive needs met.

Mental stimulation can come in many forms:

• Being allowed to freely sniff and explore new environments.
• Brain games such as hide and seek, find the treats, etc.
• Food-based enrichment such as scatter feeding, puzzles, lick mats, snuffle mats, etc.
• Dog sports such as agility, field trials, barn hunts, scent training, etc.
• Advanced training such as tricks, obstacles, learning names of toys, etc.

READ MORE: CANINE ENRICHMENT FOR HIGH ENERGY DOGS

YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE SOME ROOM IN YOUR SCHEDULE AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

If I didn’t get the point across yet, GSPs require a lot of time, effort, attention, and money. If you’re not willing to commit to that, it might be best to look for a different breed with a more low-key vibe.

Training classes, dog sports, a daily physical and mental exercise routine, vet trips, training tools, toys, treats, etc., etc., etc. It adds up quickly.

I don’t even want to know the number of hours or the amount of money we have spent on these things for our GSP. Especially vet trips.

Further to that whole “bodies are faster than brains” point – their intensity means they are constantly coming up with creative ways to injure themselves. Izzie has become rather well known, not only at our local vet clinic but also at our university’s emergency department, for her shenanigans and the resulting fallout.

Finding a good pet insurance policy or setting aside funds in a dedicated account is never a bad idea.

THEY’RE PUPPIES FOR LIFE

If you’re thinking that the endless amounts of energy and tendency toward bad choices will taper off with age, think again.

Izzie is nearly 7 and continues to keep us on our toes with her daily adventures.

The upside is that they maintain their zest for life and physical endurance well into adulthood. If you’re looking for a dog that will be able to stay active with you through the years, this is it.

The downside of course is that you will also need to maintain that level of activity over the decade + that you’re responsible for their health and happiness.

GSPS ARE QUIRKY, FUN-LOVING GOOFBALLS WHO WILL STEAL YOUR HEART

You’ll often see GSPs described with words such as “aristocratic” or “noble” and, while they are beautiful dogs, don’t let their looks fool you.

They are really just affectionate, loveable and sometimes wacky pups capable of melting your heart and pushing your buttons all at the same time.

The challenges of having a GSP are part of what make them so much fun to have as a companion. Witnessing their stellar athleticism or watching them explore in their element makes all the hard work worth it. Plus, they’ll make you laugh every day.

If you’re up for the commitment of ensuring their needs are met, a GSP will reward you tenfold with affection, loyalty, and a personality that’s hard to beat.