German Shorthaired Pointers, also called GSPs for short, are full of energy and always on the move. GSPs are endearing and intelligent, but it must be exhausting having a highly energetic dog running around the house chewing and barking. It’s not surprising that we always get the question, “When will my German Shorthaired Pointer calm down?”
German Shorthaired Pointers usually calm down at age two to three. They are born hyperactive and tend to be unruly and energetic while still puppies. Some adult GSPs will still be active and ready to run and play. However, you can manage this behavior with proper training and exercise.
This article will explain why your German shorthaired pointer is active, including ways you can use exercise and training to calm your dog down.
Why Is Your German Shorthaired Pointer Hyper?
The first step to understanding how you can make your German Shorthaired Pointer less hyper is knowing the exact origin of this highly energetic-behavior.
A German Shorthaired Pointer is hyperactive because initially it was a hunting dog, accompanying its hunters to smell, track down, and retrieve wounded game from land or water. As a result, it is always active both physically and mentally and usually ready to pounce on prey.
Aside from the pointer’s genes, several factors, such as breeding, training, education, and socialization, affect its temperament and contribute to its hyperactivity. Let’s take a look at some of the other factors causing hyperactivity in GSPs.
Socialization
While your German shorthaired pointer is still a puppy and growing up, it requires adequate interaction with humans and other dogs. Human attention is fickle, and people can become easily distracted.
Your pointer needs sufficient socialization with other dogs. Socialization will ensure your dog receives enough love while growing up. Experts suggest that love and care can help to tame hyperactive behavior in the future.
Diet and Energy
Digestion, sleep patterns, and brain function affect your dog’s hyperactive behavior. Your pointer needs to eat healthy foods that aid these functions. Because GSPs are “hunting” dogs, most people mistakenly feed them a working dog diet, which is always high energy.
However, a family GSP does not require a high-energy diet. Food supplements like the Vital Paws Daily Superfood Biscuits, available on Amazon.com, are specifically prepared for growing GSPs. It contains the right blend of energy and vitamins and is easily digested.
Lack of Stimulation
Your GSP is an active and intelligent dog, and as such, requires sufficient physical and mental stimulation to prevent hyperactive behavior. GSPs need to get lots of exercise and learn new tricks to provide them with the psychological and physical stimulation they need. Check out Brain Training for Dogs to help training your German Shorthaired Pointer.
How To Calm Your German Shorthaired Pointer Down
The German Shorthaired Pointer is both a family pet and a hunter with a lot of high natural energy. We cannot wish the high-energy part of GSPs away; however, having a calm pointer is an easily achievable dream.
Both exercise and training provide ways to calm your German Shorthaired Pointer down. Giving it plenty of fast-paced exercise is the first solution for calming it down. Secondly, providing plenty of training sessions will redirect the high energy into positive results and create clear boundaries.
Exercise Requirements
A German Shorthaired Pointer is not your regular and typical dog that requires a 20-30 minute walk daily. Exercise is key to calming your GSP down; it takes a minimum of one hour of playtime to meet your dog’s exercise requirement.
For some GSPs, one hour cannot even cut it, and most of them are happy with more time for exercise. Failure to provide adequate exercise for your GSP to burn excess energy will cause depression and frustration, leading to destructive behaviors.
You can indulge your dog in fast-paced exercises such as swimming in a pool, beach, or river for an hour. Swimming for an hour will tire your pet out and provide a means to burn off excess energy. Other exercises include running, jogging, jumping, and playing catch. If your wondering if your GSP likes water or how to get them swimming, check out my article Can German Shorthaired Pointers Swim?
Space is essential to a GSP, and it is advisable to provide your pet with ample yard space so they can run around freely. If you don’t have enough room, it is wise to visit the dog park every day.
Training Requirements
You can start training your dog as soon as you bring it home. Your GSP is a bright and intelligent dog, easy to train, and will excel at anything. By eight or nine weeks, you can start teaching your GSP to follow simple commands such as ‘sit, ‘lay,’ ‘down,’ etc.
Training is a vital aspect of establishing boundaries and control with a GSP. A well-trained one will respond to your commands even while it is bristling with energy. They are stubborn with minds of their own, especially during exercise, but a well-trained GSP will respond positively to your exercise regimens and do what you say.
The best training for your GSP should revolve around activities that play to their hunting skills. You can redirect your pet’s hunting instincts with activities such as playing fetch, tug of war or buying it a puzzle to play with.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Be Left Alone at Home?
If you’re considering getting a GSP while working a full-time job, you may wonder if you can leave the dog alone at home when working. GSPs are affectionate dogs that are attached to their owners/family.
You can leave a German Shorthaired Pointer alone at home only when it is between two to eight years old. Even at this age, you can only leave your GSP alone after exposing it to sufficient exercise and training.
It would be best to spend dedicated time with your GSP because it could suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive. They need a lot of attention from their families and are not ideal for owners who travel a lot. I typically take my dogs for a mile walk in the morning and again in the evening. If I had a GSP, I would try jogging with them during these and times in addition to bringing them to my local dog park.
Conclusion
German Shorthaired Pointers are very affectionate, loyal, and playful dogs that get along well with children in the family. GSPs have high energy, and owners need to provide sufficient exercise to stop them from becoming destructive.
At least two sessions of exercise and training one to two hours each should suffice for your GSP. German Shorthaired Pointers will remain calm depending on the level of activity and training you give them every day.
Tiring out your GSP may not be easy because they have high natural energy, and it is advisable to not skimp on exercise.
