German Shorthaired Pointer Training

Do you have a German Shorthaired Pointer that needs some training help? Natalie from Crazy Kind Calm dog training can help!

With over 900 dogs trained across the Macedon Ranges, Natalie understands the unique personality and needs that come with this wonderful breed.

German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile, athletic hunting dogs built for endurance. They're affectionate and eager to please, but their energy levels are among the highest of any breed — they were bred to hunt all day across open country.

Common German Shorthaired Pointer traits and training needs

• Extremely high energy — needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily or behaviour deteriorates
• Strong prey drive that can make off-lead walks risky around wildlife and small animals
• Mouthy and jumpy, especially during adolescence — uses their mouth to explore everything
• Can become destructive, vocal, or develop compulsive behaviours when under-exercised
• Pulls hard on lead and can be difficult to walk calmly past distractions
• Velcro dog tendency — follows you everywhere and may struggle when left alone

GSP owners know they signed up for an active lifestyle — but the reality can still catch you off guard. These dogs don't have an off switch in the traditional sense. If your GSP is climbing the walls, destroying things when left alone, or dragging you through the bush after every bird scent, that's their breeding talking. The good news is that a well-exercised GSP with some training structure becomes an incredible companion.