German Shorthaired Pointers (affectionately known as GSP’s) are great dogs for just about any home. They are very smart and can be trained fairly easily, but they do require a lot of exercise. These highly energetic dogs need room to run to release their energy. When they are tired-out, they are fairly calm and obedient dogs. So, can German shorthaired pointers live in apartments?
German Shorthaired Pointers generally have far too much energy to live in an apartment setting. However, some dog owners do live with them in apartments, but it is not an easy task, as they have high energy levels and need plenty of space to run. If they do not get an ample amount of exercise, they could act out in a not-so-good way.
There are some times when a German Shorthaired Pointer’s owner has no choice but to live in an apartment. It takes a lot of training and long walks (and runs) for these high-energy dogs. Read on to find out everything you need to know about living with a German Shorthaired Pointer in an apartment.
Why German Shorthaired Pointers and Apartments Don’t Usually Mix
German Shorthaired Pointers are dogs that need lots of walks or time to run and stretch their legs. If you are going to be gone most of the day and live in a smaller apartment, your living situation will not give your dog a great life. With all the extra energy they have, they can start to bark or act out in other ways. The last thing anyone wants is to come home and find their cushions destroyed or shoes chewed apart.
Dogs are very much like children and act out when they are bored and not being stimulated. A hyper dog will be up to no good while you are away. If you are one of the lucky ones and live in a first-floor apartment with a fenced-in yard, there is no reason why you can’t have a doggy door for your dog to roam around.
If you are like many people who live in an apartment with only a balcony, owning a German Shorthaired Pointer may not be the right fit for you.
For those that find themselves in this situation, consider:
- Having a trusted dog walker
- Find a local leash-free dog park
- Find a nearby safe walking path
- Working from home, if possible
These are great scenarios that will give your GSP a much better life. It is in their genes to be active, and until they are senior dogs, you will have your hands full in a small apartment.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Live in Apartments? Let’s See Which Home Settings German Shorthaired Pointers Thrive
German Shorthaired Pointers will do best in a home with a fenced-in backyard where they can run to release energy. They will not thrive in small a yard found in smaller homes as some other small lap dogs would. They are large dogs that need the proper environment to live in.
This breed needs to be walked often and have space to roam. As mentioned above, they can easily act out (even when trained) when they are bored and hyper. They are smart enough to know better, but their boredom can get the best of them. It is best to have a doggy door (if you work out of the home) so they can run whenever they would like.
These are not dogs for those that work out of the home for long hours at a time with no way for the dog to get outside. They also aren’t dogs that can be in a kennel all day long to stop them from getting into things. When they are out, and you are home, they will still act out, which can result in situations as bad as them nipping you or running off.
What Type of Temperament Do GSP’s Have?
German Shorthaired Pointers have become therapy dogs, and some are even service dogs which is a big indicator of how well behaved they can be. They can be trained fairly easily and are truly smart dogs. They are not as stubborn as some other breeds and are very loyal companions.
You can expect them to listen quickly to commands but do not let them get away with things. They are very smart, and if you let certain things slide sometimes, they will pick up on it. They need to be trained because, without guidance, intelligent dogs sometimes get into a lot of trouble. They end up to no good, looking for things to get into.
How Big Will German Shorthaired Pointers Get?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not lap dogs. They will grow to about 24-inches tall and weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds, making them a poor choice for small apartments. They need plenty of space to walk around so they are not breaking things.
They are also not the lightest dogs, so an apartment setting with a 70-pound dog running around or barking could get you kicked out or left with fines. Both are not ideal, and in the worst case, animal control will remove the dog because it is left alone too often and becomes a nuisance.
How Much Exercise Will a German Shorthaired Pointers Need?
German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to be hunting dogs and, therefore, need a lot of exercise. They are known to act out when they are not walked enough as they just have too much energy for sedentary lifestyles. They are great hunters and love to seek things. They love to chase small animals and can easily get away from you if they are not well trained.
It is best to take them on at least one if not two walks a day and let them run at a dog park if you are able. A search for dog walkers in your area can relieve a lot of the stress for you and your four-legged friend. Dog walkers can come into your home when you are not there and take them on as many walks as you would like. Most places that have a lot of apartments also have dog walkers.
If you live in an apartment, you want to keep your German Shorthaired Pointer busy with games as much as possible when you aren’t working. They also sometimes have anxiety and separation anxiety, so it’s best to have plenty of toys around the home and even interactive toys like the PETGEEK Interactive Chase Ball. Your dog will be able to trigger the toy and chase it through the house even when you aren’t home.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Be Left Alone?
German Shorthaired Pointers should not be left alone for hours at a time as they are prone to feeling quite anxious when they are away from their family. There are ways to help ease the stress for them, such as providing:
- A bone to chew on
- A cozy bed or spot they can lay to relax
- A dog walker or house sitter that comes by to check on your dog
- A doggy door to get to the fenced-in yard to play
- A lot of toys
- Another dog to play with
- Cameras where you can check in on them and speak to them
- Interactive toys
- The tv on for noise so they do not get alarmed by outside noises
All of these can help reduce the level of anxiety your dog will have. This will also lower the chances of the dog destroying your home or barking nonstop. Even a trained dog can have issues with being left for long periods, but highly energetic dogs struggle with it.
Verdict: German Shorthaired Pointers will be Happy in apartments ONLY if Allowed LOTS of Chances to Exercise
If you have a German Shorthaired Pointer, you know all too well how much exercise they need. If you are still looking to get one and live in an apartment, take to heart some of the information in this article to help keep your dog calm and reduce your stress level. In the right situations, German Shorthaired Pointers make wonderful lifelong pets.
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