German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

FLITTERBUG · Member Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

DO GWP'S NEED TO BE KEPT IN THEIR KENNELS EXCEPT TO GET OUT TO TRAIN OR HUNT? HOW MUCH EXERCISE/PLAY TIME DO THEY NEED EACH DAY? ARE GWP'S FAMILY DOGS OR DO THEY LIKE THEIR TIME ALONE?
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

dualgwp · Posted: 08/13/06, 5:06 am Post subject:

GWP's and all dogs need to learn to be confined for periods of time and they need to learn to be relaxed and comfortable in a kennel.

Having said that, I find this breed is meant to be a companion to the family and is happiest and most productive when included in the family activities. I know people who keep them as kennel dogs and the dogs are adjusted and good workers, but I don't think a strickly kenneled GWP can get all they need in that enviroment. They get bored, they get destructive, they get noisey.

Which leads nicely into.....

Exercise.... all you can give them. A 15 minute walk twice a day just isn't going to cut it for the GWP. They are a high energy dog who is happiest and easiest to live with when they are tired.

If anyone is leaning toward a GWP, they should ask themselves if they have the time and dedication to give the dog what it needs to be a good companion and working dog. Training, exercise, exercise and exercise~!!!

fredgaines · Posted: 08/24/06, 5:58 pm Post subject:

I think we all would agree with the statement that GWPs need be a part of the family and they do get lonely if confined. However, if properly trained, to spend some time alone in a kennel, they can do very well. I would suggest starting with very short periods of kennel time and then gradually increase time, but be prepared they need a lot of excerise and companion time.

If your situation requires that your dog spend most of the time confined, in a kennel, then maybe this is not the breed for you.
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"Lord, please let me be the person my dog thinks I am."

FLITTERBUG · Member Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

YES, IT'S SAD THAT I KNOW A PERSON WHOM FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT GWP'S OR ANY WORKING DOG SHOULD BE KEPT IN THEIR KENNEL UNTIL TIME TO WORK/TRAIN..NO EXERCISE AND SOME DAYS NEVER COME OUT OF KENNEL...HOW SAD FOR THIS BREED AND FOR THOSE 4 DOGS...IS THERE ANYONE TO CONTACT ABOUT THIS KIND OF TREATMENT????

gundogguru · Posted: 09/16/06, 7:42 pm Post subject:

I could not think what life would be like with out a fuzz face in the house with me. I am a firm believer in that the more your dog loves you the more that they will do for you. Just my 2 cents.
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Proud Owner of 2 AKC Bench Champion Master Hunter