Trainability

The GSP simply loves to please. For this reason; they excel in obedience training and will simply love every second working beside their adoring owners.  As one of the most versatile sporting dog-breeds, the GSP is a favourite as a companion or as a high-tuned training machine. They love to learn new things and adore running – everywhere –  making them a great competitor in a range of dog sports. This breed needs a really good off-leash run daily so teaching a strong ‘recall’ command right from the word go is important. Like with all breeds, early socialisation with as many sights sounds and experiences as possible will help your pup grow into a well-rounded and behaved dog. Enrol in a puppy-preschool from a young age and continue with a basic obedience group session to get the best out of your wonderful dog. You will be truly amazed at how quickly you and your new pup will learn to speak the same language.

Grooming

Your GSP is an easy to maintain breed and will only require a good brush with a rubber mitt once a week to remove any dead hair. The breed is also not a big shedder or a smelly breed, so bathing can be kept to a minimum unless your precious pup has found something extra smelly to roll around in! However, they can be prone to ear infections, and it’s no wonder with such beautiful ears. Check your dog’s ears weekly and look for any signs of infection including excessive brown discharge or a pungent odour. Nails should be kept short from puppy-hood. If you are unsure on how to clip your GSPs nails as your lovely vet nurse for some assistance. The earlier you get your dog used to this procedure the easier it will be.

Exercise Requirements

This breed loves to move! Many GSP owners joke that this breed does not learn how to walk until around two…they like to run to do everything. A good brisk walk in the morning followed by a vigorous off-leash run in the evenings will keep your GSP happy and entertained. They make wonderful jogging companions and will happily run and play all day. They can get bored easily so ensure you change your exercise and training schedule up to keep your dog focussed. A GSP who is not correctly and adequately exercised can become destructive and miserable. This breed loves to swim, and is a master at the doggy paddle, so a weekly trip to the watering hole may in order.

Intelligence

Being an intelligent breed, they are masters at making up their own entertainment. Meaning if you do not have the time to exercise this adorable breed, and enrich their environment, you will be in for some trouble (cue digging, barking, chewing). They simply love being with their pack and will pine if left for long hours alone. When going to work, ensure you have exercised your pup and use boredom busting techniques such as treat-balls and games to keep you dog entertained while you are not at home.

Family Friendly

The GSP is a family favourite and is wonderful around children, however they have been known for getting into trouble with toddlers due to their over-excited nature. This can be easily trained out of your pup. Like with all dog’s; supervision is paramount when it comes to child/dog interactions. Always teach your pup how to correctly behave around a child and also teach your children on how to correctly behave around a dog. This breed is a wonderful companion and will follow their beloved family around like a shadow, hoping for the next play session or pat.

Indoor/ Outdoor

GSPs do have a very short coat and will feel the cold quickly. Some owners do provide dog coats in the winter to prevent chills. Always ensure you dry your GSP off well after a swim to prevent them catching a chill. Like with all breeds, a nice warm dry area in the winter is needed, as too, plenty of shelter from the sun during the warmer months. GSP are companion animals and do not take well to life inside a kennel or not being around their pack (AKA you). This breed requires a lot of exercise and affection to thrive. They also require room to move in a well fenced area. It is also recommended to check fences weekly for any escape routes.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.