Tuesday, January 01, 2008
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) 2008 Changes
German Shorthaired Pointers and sometimes refered to as German Shorthair, Shorthair, or GSP are one of the most family friendly active family members you are likely to encounter. They are never in short supply of love, loyality and dedication for thier family members. I was reminded of this over the last couple of weeks considering I have been on an extended vacation for the holidays.
While I was off I had the opprotunity to work on a long running construction project in the basement and for the safety of our two boys we have child gates up to keep them out of the basement during the work. Nails, staples, screws, wiring and loose cut pieces of dry wall may all look like fun but can be dangerous for the dogs.
As I was working during the day I can count on one thing both of my German Shorthairs will be waiting dilligently either sitting sleeping at the top of the stairs waiting for my return and will greet me as if I had been gone for a month.
Pack mentality in German Shorthairs is very strong and having more than one Shorthair only makes it stronger. If you have or have thought of having a Shorthair in your life this is a very important consideration. Do you have the time to be a pack leader? Do you want to be a pack leader?
German Shorthairs need leadership not to be confused with punishment or discpline. Being the leader meaning setting down the rules of the pack and being consitant with those rules. The best example I can give of this are the baby gates. Either of the boys could clear the baby gate without as much as a thought but they know the rules when the baby gate is up this area is off limits, when they are not up they are free to enter.
So with those thoughts keep in mind the love, kindness and dedication you have for your Shortairs will be reward for years to come.
Pending 
