10 Activities To Do with Your German Shorthaired Pointer

Written and Photography By: Emily Shirey 

If you own a German Shorthaired Pointer, you already know that they are always on the go! These high-energy dogs were bred to cover ground for long durations while hunting for game. Now, many of them live as pets in our home, but that energy and endurance still lives in their DNA. Giving your GSP plenty of mental and physical exercise is important for their well-being, so here are 10 ideas for activities for you and your favorite GSP: 

1.     Hunting

This one may seem obvious, but hunting can be so rewarding for both dog and owner! Hunting is a great form of exercise that satisfies drives and offers a great relationship-building experience. Even if you have never hunted before and don’t know where to start, there are plenty of ways to get involved with local clubs and organizations. Many owners don’t actually hunt, but train for hunting tests. You might be surprised by how rewarding it is to see your dog thoroughly enjoy what he was bred to do! You can start by reaching out to your local North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association club (https://www.navhda.org/chapter-locator-map/) about upcoming training days!

2.     Hiking

My second favorite way to wear out my GSP is hiking! There’s something about miles of up and down mountains that makes her sleep so soundly! I like to use AllTrails App (https://www.alltrails.com) to find local and destination hikes with great views. Remember to bring water and poo bags!

3.     Canicross/Bikjoring

Pulling sports, just as canicross, bikjoring, skijoring, scooterjoring, etc. are a great way to tire out your GSP and get your cardio in, too! Keep in mind that no dog should run for long distances/durations until all their growth plates are closed, which can be anywhere from 18-24 months old depending on the dog. Once your dog is old enough, be sure to find a properly fitted harness. Harness fit is super important to not injure your dog while pulling. GSPs thrive in these sports and seem to thoroughly enjoy them!

4.     Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that is low impact and a great summer activity! If you don’t have access to a pool, you can often find state land with water for swimming! Another option is to post on local FaceBook or community groups (like NextDoor https://nextdoor.com ). I have often found neighbors that are happy to share their pond for my pup to swim in!

5.     Dock diving

If your pup likes to chase a toy and swim, he could really love dock diving! Whether you want to do it for fun or aspire to be competitive, there are a growing number of docks and organizations around the country! Even if you don’t want to compete, most of these pools rent out time slots so individuals can bring their dog to “play” in the pool. Check out North American Diving Dogs https://northamericadivingdogs.com , Dock Dogs https://dockdogs.com , UKC Dock Jumping https://www.ukcdogs.com/dock-jumping or Super Retriever Series Super Dock https://www.superretrieverseries.com/about-srs/ to find a dock diving event near you!

6.     Paddleboard/Kayak/Canoe

One of my most favorite summertime activities is to take my dog out on a paddle board or kayak! My pups love to hang out with me and spend time swimming around in the water. Be sure to find a rental company that allows dogs. I also recommend getting a properly fitted lifejacket with a handle for your pup; this will enable you to pull them back on if they decide to take a swim.

7.     Scent work

GSPs were bred to use their nose and they are super good at it! Many local clubs and online organizations (such as Fenzi http://fenzidogsportsacademy.com ) offer scent work classes! Whether or not you want to compete, there are a variety of activities you can do! AKC and UKC both offer scent work trials, or you might teach your dog to search for an essential oil that’s on your keys in case you lose them! Another option is to train shed hunting (https://www.sheddogtrainer.com ), which can be a fun outdoor activity.

8.     Obedience

Training your GSP in obedience isn’t just for competition! A well-behaved dog can do so much more with their owner. Working on a solid heel, sit and down stays, and polite manners in public can enable you to do more with your dog. Whether that’s joining you on a shopping trip to a hardware store or hanging out with you are a brewery, a well-behaved dog is welcome in a variety of public places. If you are struggling with obedience, reach out to a local, reputable trainer. It just might change your lives!

9.     Teaching tricks

Often overrated, tricks are a super fun way to engage with your dog and provide a perfect rainy day activity! Think outside the box and come up with some really fun ones! Can your dog do a handstand against the wall? Open the fridge door for a beer? Sit pretty while balancing a treat on his nose? If you are looking for trick ideas or want to earn some titles while you’re at it, check out Do More With Your Dog (http://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/ ).

10.  Lure coursing

If your GSP likes to run fast and chase things (I think they all do!), lure coursing is an awesome way to allow them to do that safely! Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) is where a plastic bag is attached to a lure to mimic prey. You hold your dog at one end, release your dog as the lure starts moving, and your dog can chase the lure straight to the other end of a fenced-in area. Not only do dog dogs LOVE this event, but it is also timed so you can see how fast your GSP runs in miles per hour! For Fast CAT events near you, you can visit the AKC event page (https://webapps.akc.org/event-search/).

GSPs are high-energy dogs that deserve proper stimulation. If you think your dog might enjoy something new, I encourage you to try it! You never know how much you might enjoy doing more with your dog!