Have you ever wondered how much sleep German Shorthaired Pointers require? Read on to find out more about GSP’s sleeping habits!
This post will cover:
- Sleeping habits of GSP puppies
- Are GSP’s clingy?
- Do GSP’s have trouble sleeping?
- Can GSP’s calm down at a young age?
German Shorthaired Pointer puppies sleep for 6-8 hours. However, adults may sleep for shorter durations as they get distracted easily. Since GSPs are energetic and sporty, they require a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them healthy.
However, never expose them to intense simulations to promote better sleep for extended periods.
How much should a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy sleep?
A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy should sleep for 6 to 8 hours to compensate and regain the energy lost during their activity hours. Since GSPs are an active breed, they spend their time exploring things or participating in various exercises.
For instance, your new puppy will adjust to several experiences before following a sleeping cycle for a few months. Likewise, new interactions and smells can be alluring for GSP puppies, exhausting them before they go to bed. In short, GSP puppies will follow an eat-sleep-poop-repeat cycle for the first few months.
Besides allowing your GSP puppies to develop their sleep cycle, you should encourage healthy habits to ensure proper rest for your new fur friend. According to the German Shorthaired Pointers Club of America, puppies should sleep in a secure and confined place.
For instance, crate training is crucial for any dog breed as it helps them relate to their space. You can also enhance the crate training by providing your puppy with a comfortable bed or blanket inside the crate. Likewise, you need to provide food and fresh water near the crate to fulfill your dog’s cravings.
Crates ensure that your puppy stays in a secure place and away from danger, especially during the night. On the other hand, you can allow mature dogs to sleep loose or in your bedroom after they have proven themselves.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers clingy?
Besides displaying traits of exceptional hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers develop strong relationships with their owners.
According to pet experts, GSPs love people and spend most of their time with their families. These dogs will follow their owners wherever they go to a point where you can call them clingy.
German Shorthaired Pointers are very friendly, and you can teach them socialization skills from an early age. While GSPs can be protective, they will never harm humans unless provoked to a certain extent. However, you may experience strong alarm barks or aggressiveness around strangers due to their protective nature.
GSPs are also good with children, especially when they are pups. However, you will have to pay attention to adult dogs as they can cause unintentional injuries to small children. The best way to deal with this problem is to train your dog to be gentle and ask your child to understand animal behavior when they are with each other.
In short, German Shorthaired Pointers can be clingy and sometimes annoying, especially at night. It would be best to train them to stay alone without being destructive.
How can I make my GSP sleep?
Adult German Shorthaired Pointers sleep less than younger GSPs due to their alert and playful nature. In short, you may have a hard time keeping at bay, especially during the night. However, you can employ some effective techniques to make your dog rest for longer durations.
Maintain a daily schedule
Creating a specific routine or schedule fulfills your dog’s activity quota and helps him get enough rest. For instance, a specific schedule for daily exercise, walks, naps, feeding, and bedtimes will benefit your dog and encourage him to develop these habits.
Here is a sample routine you can follow for GSPs:
- Schedule daily morning and evening walks
- Ensure that your dog sleeps during the day instead of evenings
- Feed your dog 3 to 4 hours to maintain your dog’s lavatory needs before bedtime
Exercise
Activities and playtime before bedtime allow your dog to digest food and exhaust their physical and mental energy. This method ensures that your dog will sleep peacefully throughout the night.
You can also offer them puzzle toys or stimulate their mental health, keeping them occupied and busy.
A comfortable bed
Setting up a crate and stuffing it with a comfortable bed is one of the best ways to help your dog sleep peacefully throughout the night. The bed will provide a sense of ownership for the dog and act as a cozy refuge to relax during naps.
Toys
Besides puzzle toys, you can also give them chew toys to help them relax when they rest in their crate. Peanut butter-coated toys are excellent as most dogs find the flavor delicious.
Music
Like humans, dogs also love to hear calming music when they relax, promoting better sleep for your fur friend. You can set up a speaker system in your dog’s crate to provide a soothing experience.
Supplements
You can use supplements like Melatonin to promote better sleep in dogs. However, it would be best to seek professional help before offering these products to your dog.
What age do German Shorthaired Pointers calm down?
German Shorthaired Pointers calm down at the age of 2 to 3 years. Since GSPs are hyperactive, they may require more time to settle down than other breeds. However, some adult dogs can carry their playful trait into maturity, but you can manage them with proper exercise and training.
You can follow some strategies to calm down German Shorthaired Pointers.
Training
GSPs are quick learners, and you can set training rules from an early age. You can set up commands and teach your dog to obey these commands during training sessions. Likewise, you can incorporate these training regimes with activities to help your dog calm down.
Exercise
Exercise is pivotal for GSPs as they are naturally hyperactive. Since German Shorthaired Pointers require more exercise than other breeds, you will have to extend activity cycles to suffice their needs.
Activities like running, swimming, and playing fetch are perfect for GSPs and will help ease their nerves. These exercises also lower frustration and boredom, allowing your dog to stay calm during their resting hours.
Additional measures
Besides training and exercise, you can also employ additional measures like understanding your dog’s age and providing durable toys to help your dog stay calm.