Pointer: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young 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
Pointer's exercise is recorded as The athletic, exuberant Pointer is a very active sporting breed and requires lots of exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy. 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 athletic, exuberant Pointer is a very active sporting breed and requires lots of exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy) 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: 25-28 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 55-75 pounds (male), 45-65 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Pointer's short, dense, glossy coat requires minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a hound glove will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. The ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned if needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution'your veterinarian can recommend a good brand to…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The athletic, exuberant Pointer is a very active sporting breed and requires lots of exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long daily walks and vigorous play sessions with his owner. Providing a securely fenced yard where the Pointer can run full out and burn off some of his renowned
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Pointer's amiable, even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial and trainable companion both in the field and in the home. Pointers are versatile! Many have multiple titles before and after their names, indicating their ability to perfect their inherent talents and happily learn new ones. Pointers have also been known to excel at service…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. The breed's name is its job description: Pointers point game birds, and they have been pointing for centuries. The high-energy Pointer is an excellent runner's companion.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation', 'Eye Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pointer.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools