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Anyone have experience raising a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:07 am
Posted by Tigeralum2008
Yankees Fan
Member since Apr 2012
17124 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:07 am
So my family has requested that in lieu of presents, we get a dog for Christmas. At the top of the family's list (not mine yet) is a GSP.

My research shows they can be a great dog to own but require a lot of outside exercise. We would absolutely be fine if the dog can get along with weekend exercises but if it requires more than that, we may have issues as we don't get home until after 7pm on most weeknights.

My hesistation is the GSP would be replacing what was the greatest dog I have ever owned. A mutt that was loving, well behaved, and never left a mess while home alone.

ANY OBers own a GSP?

How did you train it?
How big is your house/yard? Ours is a relatively small yard but a short walk to a large field.
Kennel trained? Mutt never needed a kennel

They want a light brown colored coat





This post was edited on 10/12/17 at 9:09 am
Posted by finchmeister08
Member since Mar 2011
35566 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:09 am to
what about a GWP? the kids will love the beard they have. by the way, i know nothing about these dogs.

Posted by choupiquesushi
yaton rouge
Member since Jun 2006
30416 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:10 am to
how was wick not the first to post here..
Posted by Teague
The Shoals, AL
Member since Aug 2007
21664 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:15 am to
I wouldn't get a hunting dog unless I were going to hunt it. I think getting a dog that was bred to do what you're going to do with it goes a long way in both yours and the dog's quality of life.

*Edited to add:

I did have a GSP once. She was a sweet dog, but I didn't feel like I was doing her justice, so I gave her to someone who wanted to hunt with her. I just didn't have the time or birds to hunt.
This post was edited on 10/12/17 at 9:34 am
Posted by saray
Member since May 2014
458 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:18 am to
i have several of both - a gwp is like a shorthair on steroids dont get one unless you have plenty of time and have experience in training they are bred to be relentless and will wear you out - now a gsp is a wonderful dog but if you only have weekends do yourself and the dog a favor -pass- they need a lot of exercise and hunting/swimming- if you dont get them exercise they will tear up what/where ever you keep them- both are stronger than they look and have more energy than most families- if you must get one a treadmill every day will calm them somewhat to allow training - if you can put in the time they are fantastic if not youll be sorry
Posted by Tigeralum2008
Yankees Fan
Member since Apr 2012
17124 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:21 am to
quote:

I wouldn't get a hunting dog unless I were going to hunt it. I think getting a do that was bred to do what you're going to do with it goes a long way in both yours and the dog's quality of life.



agreed which lends to my hesistation on this breed.

We are an outdoor sports family but I fish and rarely hunt

I want a dog better suited to following me at Highland Road park while also playing catch/fetch.
Posted by Tigeralum2008
Yankees Fan
Member since Apr 2012
17124 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:22 am to
quote:

i have several of both - a gwp is like a shorthair on steroids dont get one unless you have plenty of time and have experience in training they are bred to be relentless and will wear you out - now a gsp is a wonderful dog but if you only have weekends do yourself and the dog a favor -pass- they need a lot of exercise and hunting/swimming- if you dont get them exercise they will tear up what/where ever you keep them- both are stronger than they look and have more energy than most families- if you must get one a treadmill every day will calm them somewhat to allow training - if you can put in the time they are fantastic if not youll be sorry


Great insight, thanks!
Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45786 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:23 am to
People talk about exercise for a shorthair, I would argue that a well breed shorthair is one of the smartest dogs out there, mental stimulation is as important than physical. If you are soft minded that will abuse you. They are great with kids. I have had 4, 2 currently, our yard is very small, but they do fine. They need time to exercise their mind and body and can be very attached to humans.
Posted by choupiquesushi
yaton rouge
Member since Jun 2006
30416 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:25 am to
the yard matters not....

they get very attached to their people and routines.....

GREAT DAWGS..

of all the hunting breeds..... most don't hunt....no harm no foul.....
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7365 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:26 am to
GumboPoboy has a couple. His female is a duck dog, damn thing loves to retrieve. It's pretty cool to see her get worked up and go after them.
Posted by Tigeralum2008
Yankees Fan
Member since Apr 2012
17124 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:27 am to
quote:

People talk about exercise for a shorthair, I would argue that a well breed shorthair is one of the smartest dogs out there, mental stimulation is as important than physical. If you are soft minded that will abuse you. They are great with kids. I have had 4, 2 currently, our yard is very small, but they do fine. They need time to exercise their mind and body and can be very attached to humans.


recs on a good breeder?
Do you keep the GSP in a kennel while away?
Posted by fastedLSU
BR
Member since Sep 2007
4477 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:30 am to
Put them in yard and they will run till they tire themselves out.
Posted by fastedLSU
BR
Member since Sep 2007
4477 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:31 am to
They are very well behaved dogs. Extremely smart. Once trained no reason to kennel them while away for the day if that's what you mean
Posted by CoachChappy
Member since May 2013
32499 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:32 am to
quote:

We are an outdoor sports family but I fish and rarely hunt

Hunting is not necessary for GSPs. However, they will chase up squirrels and birds. Just keep them active and engage their mind.

GSPs are something else. I always caution people from getting them unless they are actually ready. I was replacing a lab and got a GSP. There was a steep learning curve. While I love my dog, and he is a part of my family, I sometimes wish we had gotten a lab. He 7 and still a lot of work.
Posted by tilco
Spanish Fort, AL
Member since Nov 2013
13459 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:44 am to
I have a 9 year old female. She had been the best dog ever. I don’t hunt her but she is my jogging partner 5x a week.

Like an earlier poster said, you can’t give them an inch early on. If you do they will abuse you. Sure hey will always be a little hyper and nutty but I love that about them.
Posted by finchmeister08
Member since Mar 2011
35566 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 9:57 am to
quote:

Put them in yard and they will run till they tire themselves out.

How big of a yard?
Posted by Motorboat
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
22652 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 10:00 am to
quote:

Anyone have experience raising a German Shorthaired Pointer?



Yes. lots of figs on here.
Posted by Stlsport
Shreveport
Member since Oct 2007
1014 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 10:13 am to
My little brother had one and it was mean. He gave it away when he had his first child.
Posted by DonChowder
Sonoma County
Member since Dec 2012
9249 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 10:32 am to
quote:

German Shorthaired Pointer?
Neurotic to the bone no doubt about it.

Sorry...that was bad but true.

Lovable, quirky, attached to their people, if I fits I sits mentality (gsp owners on here will understand), athletic and active...and they shed all colors of hair so nothing is safe.
Posted by Dtiger19
Member since Dec 2007
762 posts
Posted on 10/12/17 at 10:49 am to
I'm not sure about a GSP but I have a GWP and can assure you that they need much more than weekend exercise. My GWP will fetch, jog, run along side my bike or swim all day everyday if you let him. If you don't have time to spend with him/her daily do yourself and the dog a favor and pick another breed. If you do have the time they are awesome dogs. Mine is well behaved, easily trained and friendly to everyone. He's just ready to go 24/7.
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