If you are a new owner of a German Shorthair Pointer, you might be at your wit’s ends trying to figure out just how to tire out this wild dog breed.
As an owner of many years of GSP’s, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to share and help you to tire your GSP out.
The German Shorthaired Pointers are a breed that is known for their endurance and stamina.
They have been bred to be able to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. The dogs are also known for being very active and energetic.
This makes them an ideal family pet as well as a working dog. German Shorthaired Pointer puppies come with a lot of energy and need lots of exercise.
If you want your puppy to grow up into a healthy adult dog, then it’s important to provide him or her with plenty of exercise.
You should think about getting your puppy started on its training when he or she is young so that they will learn how to behave properly from an early age.
How to tire out a german shorthaired pointer
There are many ways to tire out a german shorthaired pointer, Some of these ways include:
Running around the yard
You can make your fun by running around the yard with your German Shorthaired Pointer. It will help to develop his or her legs and give him or her some exercise.
Running around the yard will also help to keep your puppy occupied while you’re busy doing other things.
This way you’ll be able to get more done at home without having to worry about keeping your puppy entertained.
For example, if you have a garden, you could take your puppy outside to run around and play in the grass.
Playing fetch
This is another great way to tire out your german shorthaired pointer. You can use a ball or toy to throw across the yard.
Your puppy will chase after the ball and bring it back to you. You can do this several times throughout the day. This will help to keep your puppy’s mind alert and focused.
Tug-of-war
If you want to get your german shorthaired pointer involved in a game, then you can try tug-of-war.
All you need to do is tie two pieces of rope together and put one end through the middle of a large stick.
Then you can attach the other end to your puppy’s collar. When you let go of the stick, your puppy will pull on the rope until he or she gets tired.
You can do this indoors or outdoors. Normally, you should only allow your puppy to play tug-of-war once per week.
Fetching sticks
Another good way to tire out your puppy is to teach him or her to fetch sticks. You can buy special toys made just for this purpose.
These toys contain small holes that your puppy can fit through. Once your puppy has learned how to retrieve the stick, you can start throwing it further away from you.
This will help to build your puppy’s endurance and strength.
Teaching commands
Another way to tire out your pup is to teach him other commands. You can teach your puppy basic commands such as sit, stay, down, and come.
As your puppy learns these commands, you can add new ones to his or her repertoire.
For example, you can teach your dog to shake hands. To do this, you can hold your hand out towards your puppy and say “shake”. Your puppy will reach out his or her paw and shake it.
You can repeat this process over and over again until your puppy understands what you mean.
Puppy games
One of the best ways to tire out your dog would be to play with him or her. Puppies love playing and having fun. You can play with your puppy using different types of toys.
You can even set up a puppy obstacle course where you place various items throughout the house.
These training programs will help to strengthen your dog’s coordination and balance. You can also play hide and seek games with your puppy.
Usually, you should limit the amount of time you spend playing with your puppy. If you don’t, you may find yourself spending too much time chasing your puppy instead of getting work done.
The same goes for when you are taking your puppy for walks. Don’t forget to stop now and then so you can rest and stretch your muscles.
Chasing Bubbles
Think I’m kidding? You may not realize it, but bubbles are very entertaining for dogs. They love chasing them around and trying to catch them.
This activity helps to tire out your puppy because they are constantly moving. You can use balloons to create a bubble pit. Simply blow up a balloon and place it inside a plastic container.
Place the container near an area where your puppy likes to play. You can leave the container there all day long. Your puppy will probably enjoy chasing the bubbles around.
Walking
When you take your puppy outside, make sure you walk at least twice a day. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking in the park or going for a stroll along the beach. Just keep walking.
Walking is a great exercise for dogs. It strengthens their legs and improves their overall health.
Make sure you give your puppy plenty of water while you’re walking. He or she will drink more if you have some available. This can make your walk go by faster.
Playing with the hose
If you live in a dry climate, you can always turn on the sprinkler system. This will allow you to let your dog run around and chase after the water.
This is one of the most enjoyable activities for puppies. You can even put a toy in the water to attract your puppy’s attention.
When you’re finished playing with the water, simply shut off the faucet.
Bottom line
There are many ways to tire out your gerbil. However, you should not abuse your pet. Instead, you should treat your pet like a family member.
Remember to always supervise your pets whenever they are outside. Make sure that you are aware of any signs of illness or injury.
Also, remember to provide your pet with plenty of food and water. In addition, you should also make sure that you clean your pet’s cage regularly. Finally, you should never neglect your pet.
GSP Items We Love
- Leash: Carhartt
- Memory Foam Bed: Furhaven
- Remote Trainer: SportDOG Brand 425X
- Treat Toy: WEST PAW Zogoflex Qwizl
- Hat: GSP Hat
- Harness: Kurgo Baxter Backpack for Dogs
- Seat Cover: URPOWER
More info:
Carhartt Tradesman Leash: Every dog owner needs a good leash, and all leashes are NOT treated the same.
This Carhartt dog leash is very well made, and is durable enough to deal with a GSP’s strength (yes, pulling too). I’ve had cheap leashes in the past, they aren’t worth it, grab this instead.
Furhaven orthopedic and Memory Foam Bed: If you have a GSP, you know, they LOVE to lay around, cuddle and sleep (when they aren’t running circles around the living room and yard.
This dog bed is so great because GSP’s love to rest their head on “pillows” just like humans and this dog bed has a built-in “pillow” perimeter that my dog uses every day as a pillow. Hank loves this bed.
SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainer: You know what sucks more than having your GSP run around the neighborhood or after a rabbit at your local park? Not having the ability to stop your GSP and recall them in an instant.
With the Sport Dog 425x, you have complete control for up to 500 yards (yes, 5 football fields end-to-end). Its battery lasts a LONG time, it’s sleek, lightweight and your pup won’t ever be out of your control with it on.
WEST PAW Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle Treat Toy: Our GSP’s love to play, even when we may not have the energy to entertain them ourselves. Maybe it’s work, maybe it’s the end of a long day, who knows.
But, all you need to do is give this Kong to your GSP and they will entertain themselves for quite a while, while you finally get some rest. Hank has had this for years now and it’s still kickin!
GSP German Shorthaired Pointer Hat: Represent your GSP pride with this great trucker, snapback style German Shorthaired Pointer ball cap. It’s got a modern look but also shows others your favorite dog breed.
The best part? The glances and smiles from those who also have a GSP, it’s always a conversation starter!
Kurgo Baxter Backpack for Dogs, Saddlebag Back Pack Harness: I don’t know about you, but my GSP loves to adventure with us out here in Colorado. That means hiking, mountain biking, and camping all year.
Our GSP sees this saddle bag break out and he can’t stop wiggling his butt knowing where are headed outdoors.
Toss in the car keys, a snack bar and some kibble, you are on your way to outdoor fun with your pup!
URPOWER Dog Seat Cover Car Seat Cover: Ok, this is last but it is the MOST beneficial item you will get. Don’t, believe me, Take a road trip with your GSP in the back seat. Once you arrive, you will have GSP shedding hair all over your back sweat.
This slick hammock-style seat cover creates a waterproof barrier between your lovely truck’s interior and your GSP’s shedding hair.
Hunting and having a wet GSP? No Problem! Did your GSP decide to chase a goose into the lake? No big deal! This seat cover is a lifesaver.