Are you a hunter looking for an adaptable, tough, and attractive dog? You may not need to look further than the German Shorthaired Pointer. This breed is good not only for pointing out small game such as birds and rabbits, tracking animals, but also for retrieving downed game either on land or in the water. As an added bonus, the GSP is also one of the most congenial of hunting dogs, making itself a welcome companion in the home. This dog also enjoys interacting with children, and is a reliable watch dog.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium/large dog with a short coat. The coat is generally a unique combination of light roan with dark chestnut spots and patches. Some dogs are nearly entirely chestnut with roan spots. The head should always have a chestnut mask. Because the GSP’s coat is quite thick, many consider that the coat is double, but it is not. The coat is dense and waterproof, but not double, which accounts for the fact that these dogs should sleep inside, especially in cold climates.
A Good Diet Is a Must
An active dog like the German Shorthaired Pointer requires a no-nonsense, high-quality diet. Hunting in the field, often in difficult weather, means that your dog needs to be at the top of his or her form. The ability of a dog to run over long distances requires food that supports all bodily functions. The stamina of the GSP is as much a direct result of their diet as it is from their genes.
When I was growing up, for most people dog food was whatever kibble was available at the local grocery store. Only a handful of people even thought to look at the ingredients, and often these foods were made, in large part, of grains. Fortunately the science of dog nutrition has advanced since those prehistoric days and now there are excellent choices available that will help to keep your German Shorthaired Pointer active and strong.
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The demands of hunting require a premium food like Yumwoof! Perfect Superfood. The main ingredient in this recipe is meat that has been air-dried to preserve nutrients, while destroying pathogens that could make your dog ill. Available not only in beef, but also in a wild-caught fish recipe, Yumwoof! uses only natural vitamins to round out the food.
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To make feeding your German Shorthaired Pointer easier, you can depend on A Pup Above to provide nutritious and flavorful recipes for your active hunter. You can choose between fresh recipes or dry food, which is made in a facility that qualifies for the preparation of human food. A Pup Above also provides more protein than most other fresh or dried foods.
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Nextrition is another quality company that makes good, healthy food for your German Shorthaired Pointer. To get the most out of the food, the company will be glad to help you come up with a personalized plan for your dog, to make sure that he or she is getting maximum nutrition.
After a hard day’s hunting, your dog may well want to stretch out on their bed and enjoy a relaxing chew. I’m sure your German Shorthaired Pointer would love to settle down with a Jumbo Bully Stick from Best Bully Sticks. Now, it’s true that some of these chews can be a bit aromatic as your GSP works them over. When our Frenchies got going on their choo hooves, a certain smell was obvious. If you would prefer a less odorous chew for your favorite dog, you might prefer Large Hickory Smoked Yak Cheese. Regardless of which chewing treat you decide upon, remember to always supervise your pup’s chewing time.
Hard Work Deserves Good Rest
Field work is strenuous and demanding, but your German Shorthaired Pointer just loves it. This is a breed of dog that embraces physical activity, and probably cannot thrive without it. However at the end of a long, rewarding day of hunting, your GSP will appreciate a snug and comfy bed to crash out on. Hard-working dogs like yours need a place to sleep that will help them get the rest they need. Sleep recharges the body, and with a dog like the German Shorthaired Pointer, he or she will really appreciate a good night’s sleep.
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Does your dog need an orthopedic bed, even if there is nothing wrong with his or her joints? You can certainly get your German Shorthaired Pointer an orthopedic bed regardless of joint health. The added support and comfort from the Poly Cotton Double Orthopedic Dog Bed will help your hunting companion get meaningful rest. This bed’s bolsters surround the sides and back to allow your dog to elevate their head if desired. The back bolster will provide a feeling of security.
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White it’s true that your GSP isn’t classified as an extra-large dog, some dogs just like to stretch out a bit more than others. If your dog appears to be one of these, the Gigantic Ass Bed could be just the thing. After a long day in the field, this bed will really let your dog stretch out. surrounding bolsters will let him or her sleep with their head elevated if they wish.
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Of course, your dog would also be comfortable sleeping in a Contemporary Lounge Bed. This bed has bolsters so your GSP can lean and have support for his or her head. This bed would be especially appreciated after an autumn hunting trip when the weather is nippy and your dog has been running all day. If you wish, you can also throw a blanket over your hunting companion if the night is cold.
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If you transport your GSP from your home to the hunting grounds, you will probably be using a crate. To make the journey more comfortable for your dog, use a Le Mat Portable Dog Bed. A soft and warm place to nap while traveling will keep your dog at his or her peak when you arrive.
A dog that works hard, like a German Shorthaired Pointer deserves the best bed possible to crash out on. Sleep will help restore your dog’s energy and vigor, and they will be ready in the morning for another full day of hunting.
Field Tracking
I know our biggest nightmare as regarded our French Bulldogs was that they would wander off when our back was turned and get lost. This did happen once with Pip. Fortunately, we found him, but I can imagine the chances for a German Shorthaired Pointer to get lost during a hunting trip are even greater than we experienced.
Of course, most of these dogs will never get lost, and will return to their master without problem. However, situations can occur when your dog could become confused and lose track of his or her surroundings. To help prevent something like this happening, you can take advantage of a tracking collar. A device like this could save a lot of worry especially when you’re out in the field in unfamiliar territory. Dogs caught up in a chase could simply lose their sense of direction, a tracking collar could help you find one another quickly.
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