Activities for German Shorthaired Pointerpoodles

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Introduction

Let's get one thing straight: German Shorthaired Pointerpoodles need lots, and we mean lots, of activity to stay happy. These energetic puppers are a cross between two very bouncy breeds — the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Poodle — but we have a feeling you already got that from the hybrid's super creative name.

All jokes aside, though, these uber German pooches are gaining in popularity due to both their interesting looks and their superior intelligence. To keep your Pointerpoo mentally and physically sound, we suggest partaking in some of the activities below. And trust us — you'll be looking for as many outings as you can handle with these pups!

Trail Running

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water
Waste bags
Activity description

When you live with a German Shorthaired Pointerpoodle, normal hiking just won't do. Amp up your excursions by taking on trail running — the extreme way to get into nature! 

The activity is exactly what it sounds like — you run on a trail. Be prepared to sweat buckets and take a few tumbles, but most folks who begin this kind of exercise find it strangely addictive. 

Better yet, you'll be amazed when you witness how your four-legged friend manages to strategically place all of their feet over the varied terrain, and at speeds that leave you dizzy! 

Step
1
Find a trail
Not all trails are runner-friendly. Take some time to research hiking paths in your area or consult with local trail running groups. Once you've settled on a good course, get to know it well. That way, you won't have to slow down mid-jaunt to figure out where exactly you're going!
Step
2
Pack a small bag
Whenever you head off into the forest, it's always a good idea to bring a pack with you. Remember that you'll be running, so aim to keep this pack as light as possible. Items to bring along include water, doggy waste bags, a small first aid kit, your phone, and a map! If you won't be running near the water, be sure to grab some kind of collapsible bowl for your pooch.
Step
3
Pace yourself
As with any long distance run, you don't want to burn all of your energy right at the beginning of your trek. You'll enjoy the experience a lot more if you start off at a slower pace. Though we doubt you'll be able to keep up with them, if your doggo begins lagging behind, do not push them! Stop for a while, check them over, and continue at a walking pace back to the entrance.
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Water Retrieval

Popular
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Hot Day
Free
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Ball
Stick
Water Toy
Activity description

The two things that a GSPP loves to do the most are swimming (blame those puddle dog roots) and retrieving. Water retrieval blends both of these activities to provide your poochie with the most rewarding game you can conjure.

An aquatic spin on traditional fetch, water retrieval requires access to a spacious waterfront or shoreline for maximum running room — unless, of course, you happen to have a woofer that loves jumping into the deep!

Thankfully, out of many of the activities you can take on with your barking little ball of energy, this one only requires you to have a good throwing arm (and a towel for the backseat of your car on the way home!).

Step
1
Head to the shore
As we mentioned, for this game to be successful, you're going to need to locate a spot where canine pals are allowed to run off-leash along the shoreline. A shallow slope into the water makes for the most room to run, so favor these spots over deep drop offs.
Step
2
Bring a loved object
To get your pup really excited about the whole thing, make sure you bring a toy, stick, or ball that they go crazy for. They are going to be swimming out a ways to retrieve it, so they better like it enough to make the journey — or you may be finding yourself front crawling to do the retrieval yourself!
Step
3
Throw and enjoy
Once you're set up, all you need to do is grab your dog's special item and hurl it into the water. To make sure they are engaged and understand the game — and to avoid the situation we described in the previous step — make the first few throws fairly close to shore. If it's game on, feel free to toss the object out into the waves as far as you can manage!
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Meadow Toy Hunt

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Stuffed Toys
Treats
Activity description

Tap into your puddle pointer's tracking instinct by staging a pretend hunt! It's best to play this game in a wide-open park or meadow to give your canine an authentic experience that will make them feel like their ancestors of old. 

Your German Shorthair Pointerpoodle's nose will begin to twitch as soon as they are out in the grass. Their reward will be a super fun dog stuffy, which will keep them even more occupied!

This one does take some set-up time, but with a little bit of help, you can plan an activity that is tailor-made for your woofer.

Step
1
Get supplies
To execute a successful toy hunt, the first thing you're going to need is toys! Quantity reigns over quality for this activity, so opt for several budget-friendly stuffies instead of the fancy ones. The other item you'll need is yummy, preferably "aromatic" (stinky) dog treats. Once you have your supplies, it's time to take to the fields!
Step
2
Plant the toys
With your pupper not at your side — use the help of a buddy here, if possible — go around the field and stash the stuffies. Before hiding them, rub them over using the smelly dog treats. That way, the toys will have an appealing scent that your fur-baby can track. After you have planted all of the toys, let your pooch get a good smell of the dog treats so they know what they're looking for.
Step
3
Let them point
Your dog has a natural urge to track prey. This is where you will see their genetic skills come out as they scour the terrain to find the goods. Upon locating one of the toys, give your canine compadre oodles of praise (and one of the stinky treats, too!). If, by chance, your pup is having some difficulty finding one of the toys, gently lead them in the right direction.
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More Fun Ideas...

Dock Jumping

A four-legged sport that is getting more pawpular every year, dock jumping was made for water dogs! Canines compete for longest jump, highest vertical, fastest retrieval, or a combination of the three against like-minded pooches and their people. Be prepared for tons of fun, ample laughs, and new friends who are as dog-crazy as you are!

Agility Courses

Both Poodles and Pointers do exceptionally well on the agility track. This activity is ideal because it mentally exhausts your barky buddy and tires out their muscles. Another perk to agility training is that it strengthens the bond that you share with your doggo while helping them brush up on their obedience skills.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this foray into the psyche of the German Shorthaired Pointerpoodle has given you some inspiration for coming up with fun things for the two of you to do. A good motto to live by when dealing with the more rambunctious breeds is, "a tired dog is a happy dog."

Get your fur-kid out for activities each and every day, and you'll find that life with them becomes a breeze. Not to mention, clocking exercise time with your GSPP will likely have you in the best shape of your life!