5 Things To Consider When Getting A German Shorthaired Pointer

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this video we talk about the top 5 things you should consider when deciding to get a GSP. Follow along to learn what they are and why they are important things to think about before picking up your puppy.

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Pretty Prairie, KS 67570

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Ethan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.

Produced by: @red11media
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[Shakester]

One of the most athletic dogs I’ve come across. I remember being at the dog park and an owner was playing fetch with his. He accidentally threw the ball over the fence. The dog got the part where it over the fence and looked back at his owner. The guy said “go get it” and this dog in one leap, scales a fence that was 8 feet tall. Got his ball and jumped right back over like a cat.

[cm]

My GSP died in February. I’m still not over it. I’m here just to live vicariously through you two. I miss her so much.

[Mikey__Times]

I’ve had mine since he was a pup and he’s 8 now. Undeniably the most loving dog I’ve ever been around. He just adores everyone and doesn’t have a single mean bone on his body. Give them 45 minutes to an hour of hard exercise a day (fetch) and they are the best dogs. Mine has lived with cats, dogs, adults, toddlers, and has never shown the slightest aggression ever.

[seand]

My first gSP, Hank was pointing butterflies when he was seven weeks old. Amazing dogs. Absolutely amazing. Hank lived to 16. The best upland bird dog ever. My current four year old Max is now my mountain biking dog. GSPs are such an intelligent and amazing breed. They will run with you until they drop when hunting and then they will lay on top of you when you are sick and take care of you. I can't imagine life without a GSP.. If you want a dog that will eat your couch, tear up your bed, put nose prints all over your windows, bark and holler with its head sticking out the window of your truck then get a GSP. It's always an adventure. I couldn't live without one.

[rickyticky]

I had a combination of a male German pointer and a standard french poodle. It was the dog of my life. She was sooo smart, and what an athlete! She loved to play, ran like the wind, would catch a tennis ball as high as I could throw it, every time. Loved the family, never jealous of a new baby. Loved to play with other dogs but never saw one who could keep up with her. All humans loved and admired her because she was so playful and smart. Knew when not to bother you and relax. I had great dogs before her and after her but she was truely special physically and mentally, and a beautiful dog to see run - like a champion 🏆 race horse. She truely spoiled me and she has been gone for 40 years. Her name was Speed, and I wouldn't be at all disappointed if she was with my daughter Rose and my mom to greet me at the Pearly Gates. If I'm lucky enough to be invited in.

[acvenard]

We had a GSP. "Aaron's Get to the point, Ruger" Best dog we have ever owned. We did not hunt him even though he would have been capable. He was so incredibly smart, gentle, and kind-hearted. He was our family dog and we still miss him. He passed six years ago. Ruger, you were the best, and watching these videos makes me miss you all the more.

[GrumpyGrunt]

Watching your videos makes me miss having them around. Whelping litters and watching their lights come on is one of the best feelings around.

[Bill-qcyd]

I have had 2 GSP's, they are without a doubt the most intelligent, loving, faithful, energy filled companions you will ever know. It breaks my heart that I was not a good fit for either of my GSP's, as they require a lot, and I mean a lot, of exercise and attention. Please keep this in mind before deciding to get one, or you will break your heart and his.

[ericirwin]

You guys are the best. Got a GPS turning one year old in a week. Been following you since I got him. Basically been going by your game plan and he has turned out to be awesome. Took him to Kansas in January got his first point on a wild bird at six months. You guys have helped us out so much. Thanks again. Keep the videos coming

[BallardBaller]

My GSP was the most incredible trail runner, mountain bike, and back country skiing companion. Even after a 17 mile exploit, he’d still run down deer and geese on my back 40.

[stevebower]

One more thing to consider. My first GSP lived to be 15 1/2+ years old. I’ve also heard of shorthairs living to the age of 17. My experience is they are a fairly healthy breed. Maybe I was lucky the first time around.

[blya]

I definitely agree with you I had one he passed at 15 yrs! He was so handsome and smart he was loving and easy to train and walked him daily I miss him still had him as a puppy and he loved to swim in my pool on his own

[boshelby]

Great job advocating for the breed. I’m doggysitting a 3yo GSP and can’t seem to wear her out! Which is what brought me to your video. She goes & goes... & goes some more. MENTAL stimulation was the ticket! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[ThePrimebeef]

I had one growing from the age of 4 years. I miss her very much, one of a kind dog.

[SamMacyDesigns]

What a great video you two! Probably the best video I've seen showcasing GSPs, brought a tear to my eye. It's crazy to see how far your videos have come. Keep up the good work!

[Alan_Mac]

Brilliant video. I live in the UK and have an English Springer with whom I go shooting about 2x a month in the season and she's happy to go home after 3 or 4 hours in the field. My son's GSP, though, will happily run for a day and then some. The level of energy they have and the amount of ground they can cover simply can't be overstated. Also, and I know it's just a sample of 1, I found her to be more hard-headed than my Springer or the Labs I had before.

A fantastic dog but not for the casual owner.

[emanuelakristan]

If GSP doesn't hunt, it's important not only to let out his energy through physical activities. They need to be psychophysically engaged, which can be achieved with 'K9 nose work'. They don't necessarily need to run for miles, 20 minutes of nose work will wear out their energy more than any running.

[blakepariso]

Lucy is 10 now and she has always had energy and i like how you put in the fact that they are great family too because she is. They are also great bird dogs, thats what their bread for love and hunting

[grapegravy]

Great video! My GSP is 7 years old now, and still has the same energy level he had early on. I've never hunted with him (I don't hunt..not that there's anything wrong with that..I just don't hunt). I have taken him with my on many runs over the years and he's the best running buddy I could've asked for. We've gone up to 18 miles, but typically in the last few years have settled in on 12 miles or less (he seems to tire after about 14 miles nowadays, and I don't want to push him too much). He's fantastic around kids and the rest of the family, but I can definitely tell when he hasn't gotten his miles in for the week (I try to get him out for at least 20 miles of running a week). He still goes 100% whenever he can, so be aware (at least based on my dog) that they like and likely need their exercise. If you're looking for a running buddy though, I'm not sure if you can beat a GSP!! He's by far the most loyal, friendly and smart dog that I've ever had. He knows as soon as I put my running clothes on that he's going out for a run. Once he's out on the run, it really feels like he's got a job to do -- he ignores other dogs on the trail, and is such a pleasure to run with. If we go a week without a run, he may rip up a pillow, a towel, etc. Point being, it's a bit of a commitment (based on my dog). If you're good with that commitment though, it's the best breed ever!

[kwaynesatuckle]

I am a non-hunting GSP owner. You cannot stress enough the totality of exercise this dog needs to be satisfied. They need long duration, high intensity and novel exercise experiences varied throughout their day and life. Running hard at the dog park, then walking on leash down a trail in the woods. Going to 2 different parks back to back in one day. Not going to the same park two days in a row. Or not taking the same trail while at the park. Going to parks with different terrain.

In the summertime she gets 4 to 6 hours of exercise. Swimming next to me as I kayak is great exercise for her and really wears her out. I’m pretty sure she could keep going all day. Off leash running around is the second best exercise but walking around the neighborhood just doesn’t cut it. It has nothing to do with the duration and she enjoys the walk but it’s not enough. Unless you are willing to run with her you need to find a way to get her to run safely off leash. I started at the dog park with other dogs there and when it was empty. After you take her to the dog park and she sprints with another dog for 45 minutes you can then put her on the leash and take her for a hike through the woods or down the trail or whatever else you have in mind. This way she gets the physical exercise, the social exercise and the exploratory exercise she needs.

As for her job, well I think she has one. While I don’t need her to find a bird and point at it I need her to come to me when I ask her to, follow me as I move down the trail, stay within range of me, Leave alone will I tell her to leave alone and get what I tell her to get, get in the water and get out of the water, stay behind me when the trail is steep, Slow down when I tell you to slow down. I don’t see how this is different than teaching her to hunt, I’m teaching her how to hike. Her job on the hike is to listen to me when I gave her a command and to be in a position that I ask her to be in.
She has made me such a better dog owner in general and I am having a blast with her