The idea of having a dog is a common phenomenon that occurs for many. However, finding the right dog breed for your living and family situation is important because if you invest in the wrong breed, critical issues can arise, especially if children are involved. A German Shorthaired Pointer is a great dog breed, but that might not be true for everyone.
Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t get a GSP:
- GSPs are very energetic.
- GSPs get overly attached to their owners.
- GSPs can be aggressive with other pets at times.
- GSPs are strong-willed and difficult to train.
Continue reading the remainder of this article to learn more about why you should not bring home a German Shorthaired Pointer.
1. GSPs Are Very Energetic
One of the main reasons German Shorthaired Pointers might not be the best dog to bring home is that they can be wild. They have a ton of energy that never ends, meaning they require constant attention or something to do. Physical and mental activity is essential to their well being,
GSPs also have other traits that coincide with their highly energetic personalities. They jump frequently and need to be occupied when they’re not on the go. That’s why they love chewing on toys when they’re idle.
All in all, the facts are that GSPs are not Golden Retrievers that hang at home on a Sunday, waiting for an afternoon walk in the park. All ages of this breed need activity regularly and raising one can be a full-time job. This is especially true during their puppy phase.
Individuals with GSPs have an active lifestyle routine that can accommodate the needs of their dogs. They most likely do not have young children and can bring their dog with them as they run about the town. If you don’t fit this dog-owner profile, this breed might not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
2. GSPs Get Overly Attached to Their Owners
Even though GSPs have high energy, that is usually not a problem for some dog owners. However, these dogs often grow attached to their owner and love being around the people they consider family. While this incredible bond is desirable for some people, it can lead to significant issues later.
German Shorthaired Pointers don’t do well on their own, such as when hanging out at home alone. When separated from their owners, they’re likely to develop a condition known as separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety makes dogs feel uncertain and scared and can create a wide variety of issues for your home and the dynamic between you and your pup. For instance, GSPs are known to get into things and tear up shoes and trash when left on their own.
Other signs of separation anxiety include:
- Unwanted vocalization, such as barking.
- Soiling your home when you’re not around.
- Restlessness, salivation, shivering, shaking, and other similar behaviors when you’re about to leave.
- Lack of appetite or total refusal to eat when you’re away.
- A withdrawn or abnormally quiet demeanor when you’re away or about to leave.
- Excess excitement when you come back home.
Evidently, most of these behaviors aren’t what you want in your dog. Sure, you want your dog excited that you’re back home, but not so much that it takes hours to calm them down. So if you work a typical job that runs five days a week and have to remain away from your pup, you might not do well with a GSP.
Luckily, there are solutions for mending separation anxiety in GSPs and other dog breeds. But even with these solutions, you’d be better off investing in a breed that aligns with your lifestyle.
3. GSPs Can Be Aggressive With Other Pets at Times
As we now know, GSPs are highly energetic, and they love to play. While this dog breed is generally kind and gentle, it can be aggressive with other pets because it’s energetic, protective, and loyal.
Aggression is not a common trait in this breed, but it’s something to consider if you’re looking to add a GSP to your family. German Shorthaired Pointers are not always aware of how energetic and powerful they can be, especially when playing. This can lead to involuntary aggression, especially with unfamiliar pets.
Additionally, GSPs might see certain dogs as prey rather than other pets. While this can be avoided with the proper training in your dog’s puppy years, it’s still a possibility to consider when choosing this breed.
Lastly, GSPs may become aggressive if they feel like you’re triggered or threatened by someone or other pets because they are loyal and protective of those they care about. Like other dogs, GSPs learn aggression as a coping mechanism in their puppy years. In some cases, their aggression stems from traumatic experiences in the past.
4. GSPs Are Strong-Willed and Difficult To Train
GSPs have great personalities. They are aware of their surroundings and are equally adept at filling the role of a hunting partner and living as pets. However, that’s only possible with proper training.
Unfortunately, GSPs are not the best listeners, especially during their puppy phase. They love to get into things and explore without having another person telling them what to do or how to behave. It’s an innate instinct for this breed, and it makes training difficult.
If GSPs are not trained early on, they may develop bad habits down the line. This can lead to messing up the house, aggression, and acting wild around certain people.
In most cases, you won’t be able to train a GSP on your own due to their “stubborn” nature. You’ll need a professional for that.
If you decide to train your pup, do so in a setting where they won’t be easily distracted. Create a routine for your dog, reinforcing and punishing bad behaviors and rewarding good ones accordingly. Be sure to afford them some room for independent thinking, so they may become well-behaved without losing too much of their natural instincts.