How to Prepare for a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy

German Shorthaired Pointers are lovely dogs, and their increasing popularity is for good reason: they're gentle, loving companions who form strong bonds with their owners.

But you should know what you're doing before getting one. Below, we discuss how to prepare for a German Shorthaired Pointer, some accessories you'll need and other tips.

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Research what German Shorthaired Pointers are like

While German Shorthaired Pointers form strong bonds with their owners nice and early, they do benefit from having someone who is experienced.

They're fond of long walks, mental stimulation and spending time outdoors, but need a guiding hand to prevent their hunting instincts from taking over.

We don't recommend them for families with small children, but they can get along with older kids just fine.

Oh, and remember to socialise them well early on - they can get a bit protective.

German Shorthaired Pointer characteristics

Affectionate: German Shorthaired Pointers form strong bonds, but it also means they can get separation anxiety easily. You should expect a lot of face-to-face time with this breed to prevent problems.

Distractable: They can follow their hunting instincts a bit too strongly at times, meaning they can ignore recall and commands when they get a scent.

Good-natured: They're a high-energy breed that loves spending time with their owners and family.

Outdoorsy: Given their hunting background, German Shorthaired Pointers need outdoor time and lots of exercise.

German Shorthaired Pointer must-haves

Here's our recommended German Shorthaired Pointer puppy supplies:

Food and water bowls

German Shorthaired Pointers get fairly big. Most males reach 24 inches in height at the shoulders, while females reach an average of 22 inches.

That means their food and water bowls need to suit a medium-sized dog, which is usually around 5 x 2.2 inches. But each dog is different, so check to see if yours is getting on with it.

We recommend getting a smaller bowl at first while your German Shorthaired Pointer grows. Generally, pick one that suits their:

• Age.

• Preferred eating style.

• Size.

Make sure it matches your floor too, because you don't want the bowl slipping around. Using a mat or one with a rubber bottom can help with this.

Oh, and know your way around pet nutrition so your pup gets what they need.

High-quality puppy food

We recommend high-quality food with good protein and fat sources.

But be careful how much you feed them; German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to obesity and hypothyroidism.

Comfortable bedding

It's important German Shorthaired Pointers have somewhere supportive to sleep as they are prone to hip dysplasia.

Generally, pick a bed that:

• Suits their size.

• Uses non-toxic chemicals and irritants, like synthetic fabric.

• They like and find comfort in.

Given their protective nature, they may want to sleep in your bed.

Leash and harness

Choosing between a leash and a harness depends on your dog's personality, so see what your dog responds best to as a puppy. Our training guide can help.

It is essential to keep German Shorthaired Pointers on a lead as they are prone to chasing scents due to their hunting background.

Identification tags

Microchipping is there to offset risk if your dog goes missing, and it's the law to get yours microchipped, but ID tags can help too.

Make sure your dog's ID tag has:

• Good, weather-resistant materials.

• Legible writing.

• Your name and address, not your dog's.

German Shorthaired Pointer grooming tools and accessories

A German Shorthaired Pointer's coat is pretty low-maintenance, and you'll only need to brush it once or twice a week.

Coat grooming has numerous health benefits, so make sure you establish the routine with your puppy early.

Overall, we recommend:

• A gentle brush made for short-haired coats.

• Tearless shampoo and condition for regular bathing.

• Nail clippers.

• Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls, which help prevent ear infections.

German Shorthaired Pointer toys and enrichment

German Shorthaired Pointers need regular mental stimulation - it's not just about physical exercise!

Generally, if possible, get them one or more:

• Chew toy - which helps with chewing and teething.

• Interactive toy - which keeps them mentally stimulated.

• Puzzle feeder - which helps their problem-solving skills.

• Comfort toy - to calm them down, especially if they're prone to separation anxiety.

Dog enrichment varies from pet to pet, so this will be a long-term process to find which toys your German Shorthaired Pointer likes the most.

German Shorthaired Pointer safety and travel accessories

Sometimes, we need to take our dogs travelling with us. While German Shorthaired Pointers love the great outdoors, you'll still need these to keep them safe on the road:

• A crate or carrier that suits their size.

• A seat belt or harness while in the car.

• Reflective gear if you're walking at night.

• A first-aid kit.

• A doggy life jacket, even if you've gone to lengths to teach your German Shorthaired Pointer how to swim.

Our travelling with a dog guide covers more.

Prepare with good dog insurance

Of course, dog insurance is one of the best ways to prepare for your puppy.

Our German Shorthaired Pointer insurance helps with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other perks.

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