German Shorthaired Pointer: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young German Shorthaired Pointer becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
German Shorthaired Pointer's exercise is recorded as The GSP does best with plenty of exercise and things to do, such as running, swimming, and dog sports'in fact, anything that will burn some of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a human buddy. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (The GSP does best with plenty of exercise and things to do, such as running, swimming, and dog sports'in fact, anything that will burn some of their boundless energy whil) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The GSPs coat is easy to groom most of the year, requiring only a good once-over with a brush or grooming glove every few days. Although the coat is short, it still sheds'especially at certain times of the year, when more frequent brushing will be needed to remove the loose hairs before they end up all over the house. The hairs can become embedded in…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The GSP does best with plenty of exercise and things to do, such as running, swimming, and dog sports'in fact, anything that will burn some of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a human buddy. Their routine should ideally include ample physical activity twice a day. This might be in the form of brisk, half-hour walks morning and…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early training is essential for the German Shorthaired Pointer. Socializationand puppy training classes are vital, continuing with practice in basic obedience commands. This is an intelligent breed that learns quickly with consistent training sessions. GSPs need a purpose, and without one they can be destructive if left to their own devices. The breed can…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The versatile, medium-sized German Shorthaired Pointer is an enthusiastic gundog of all trades who thrives on vigorous exercise, positive training, and a lot of love. GSP people call their aristocratic companions the 'perfect pointer.'
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Cone Degeneration (German Shorthaired Pointer) (CD) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GermanShorthairedPointer.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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