Australian Shepherd

An affectionate dog despite its hunting heritage, the German Shorthaired Pointer does not have an aggressive tilt. It is robust and boisterous and may at times accidentally knock a small child or elderly person off their perch. It means no harm by this. Regular and plentiful exercise and some obedience training will wind in the energy of this loving dog.

An active dog that likes to play and interact, and will do so all day long if given the opportunity. A German Shorthaired Pointer likes to please its owner but it can be a bit of a show and a little rough.

This is a dog not given to undue nervousness. Its lust for life and enthusiasm to tackle any task pushes timidity and agitation into the background. The Pointer does not however enjoy being left alone or isolated, and will suffer separation anxiety if it is.

Willing and able to learn new things, enthusiastic and keen to please its owner: just some of the traits of the German Shorthaired Pointer that constitute the dog’s more than ample intelligence. It is a dog easily distracted though, so training needs to be consistent, forthright and include a variety of training measures. Once you have the Pointer’s attention it will be cooperative to a tee.

Hunting was the reason the German Shorthaired Pointer was originally bred, but its German masters were also careful not to instil too much of a blood lust. Obedience training puts pay to some of the dog’s desires to chase other animals but to hunt is an instinct deeply ingrained in the dog’s psyche.  Regular and plentiful exercise is a must for preventing this dog from causing a nuisance.

German Shorthaired Pointers are not afraid of new people visiting their domain but some may be reserved at the initial meeting. Others are warm and friendly to strangers and may even bark an excited welcome.

German Shorthaired Pointers are independent but can be trained to be exceptionally obedient. Pointers are on the whole very easily distracted by sights and sound around them and will often plod off if something interests them more than your command.

German Shorthaired Pointers do not tolerate solitude. Separation anxiety is seen of Pointers that are left alone for long periods of time. Not only do they miss their family but the lack of exercise that comes with being left alone will bring on depression.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is reasonably easy to train. However training must be done properly and consistently, and at all times the trainer must make an effort to hold the attention of the Pointer. If the attention is lost, the pupil is too. In order to ensure that what you are teaching a Pointer is learnt your training sessions should be short and done only when the dog is alert and responsive to you.

This dog doesn't bark to excess and will soon settle again once a perceived ‘danger’ has passed.