Activities For German Wirehaired Pointers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
German Wirehaired Pointers are wonderful companions for active individuals and families and for avid hunters who want a canine companion to help in their pursuits. These dogs are not content to sit on the couch, so finding activities for German Wirehaired Pointers is important to keep them happy and from getting bored. These dogs are made to move, so they need to have activities that challenge their natural physical ability, and they are smart so activities to keep them mentally challenged are a must. Finding activities for German Wirehaired Pointers is easier than it sounds. Keep reading for fun ideas you and your dog will love.
Dock Diving
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Hot Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Dock or pool
Floating toy
Doggy life jacket
Activity description
Dock-diving is one of the best summer activities for German Wirehaired Pointers. Your dog's natural love of water and retrieving instinct make them a perfect candidate for dock diving. In this sport, dogs take running leaps off of docks into a pool of water in pursuit of a toy or buoy that their owner throws off the end. While dogs of all shapes and sizes compete in dock-diving competitions, your dog is especially suited for this fun game of speed, agility, and concentration. Dock-diving could soon become your dog's favorite summer activity.
Step
1
A slow introduction
Even though your dog may love the water, they may start out tentative, and it's important to introduce them to the water and to jump off a dock at their pace. Start by getting them comfortable with the water. Let them stand at the edge of a pond or the stairs in a pool and walk in at their own time. Throw sticks or toys a short distance into the water for them to achieve. Slowly increase the distance so they build confidence.
Step
2
Start to dive
When your dog is feeling confident and excited about the water, take them to the edge of the dock with a doggy life jacket on. Throw the toy off the dock and encourage them to jump in after it. Never force them or push them in. This will only scare them. Let them go at their own pace. You can even get in the water and encourage them to come and get you and the toy. Eventually, they will jump in when they are ready.
Step
3
The running leap
When your dog has gained confidence and is happily jumping in the water, you can start dock-diving for fun. You must first teach them to stay at the end of the dock while you walk out to the end with the toy. Next, they need to watch you closely as you throw the toy and give them the release word. Cheer them on as they take their first running leap off the dock and into the water to retrieve their reward! Once they get the hang of it, they will want to go again and again.
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Snowshoeing
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Cold Day
Moderate
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
Snowshoes
Leash
Dog booties or musher's paw wax
Activity description
In the cold, snowy months you can keep your active pup fit and entertained by heading out into the wilderness on a pair of snowshoes. Winter activities for German Wirehaired Pointers might seem like a challenge, but these dogs love playing in snow and make the perfect companion for a snowy jaunt down a crisp trail. Snowshoeing is a great way for you to explore and stay in shape as well, and you don't need any special skills to get out there. Your dog will be happy to run, play, and sniff out little critters as you walk along the trail with your snowshoes.
Step
1
Get outfitted
Snowshoes can be preferable to cross-country skis because they have almost no learning curve. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Go to your local cross-country ski shop or outdoor store and work with a salesperson to get the right snowshoes and poles for your size. While you're there, pick up a pair of winter dog boots or a musher's wax to protect your dog's paws from getting balled with snow.
Step
2
Pick your trail
When you have your equipment, it's time to pick the right trail to head out on your adventure. You can ask the salesperson you bought your equipment from for recommendations, or you can look up local trails on the internet. Make sure you look for dog-friendly places to go. Some trails are not dog-friendly, especially groomed trails, so looking into rules will prevent disappointment when you pull into the parking lot to start your adventure.
Step
3
Have fun
When you know where you're going to go for your snowshoe, pack a bag with some warm layers, snacks for you and your dog, and water. Then it's time to hit the trail. Take some time to enjoy the quiet, snowy trail and listen to the soft crunching of snow under your feet. Your dog will be running around, rolling in the snow, and following tracks left by animals as they scurried along. After a few hours, you both will be ready to return to a warm house and curl up on the couch.
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Hiking Adventures
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
3 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog backpack
Snacks and water
Activity description
Your German Wirehaired Pointer was built for rugged terrain and long hikes in the wilderness. If you are looking for a hiking partner who can go all day and be ready to hike again the next, you have the right dog. Whether you like steep, mountain trails or winding switchbacks to alpine lakes (or everything in between!) you can be assured your German Wirehaired Pointer will be there with you. This breed loves nothing more than to run through the woods, swim in deep alpine lakes, and take in big mountain views while standing by your side. Hiking will be one of your dog's favorite activities.
Step
1
Find your trail
Search through local hiking books, check out maps of nearby mountain ranges, or ask local shops to find great hiking trails near you. Depending on your dog's age and activity level, you can choose a long hike or something shorter if they are young. Young dogs can damage their growth plate if you take them out for very long or difficult hikes. When they are adults, they will love running with you for miles over almost any terrain you want to try.
Step
2
Trail behavior
Before you head out on a hiking trail or peak-bagging mission with your dog, be sure they are trained and ready to be polite on the trail. When passing people you should pull over with your dog and let them walk by you. Never let your dog run or jump on people, and always clean up after them on the trail. German Wirehaired Pointers can sometimes wander off while following a smell, so be sure you have a way to call them back to you or stop them from chasing wildlife.
Step
3
Log some miles
When your dog is ready to hike, lace up your boots and hit the trail. At the start of the hiking season, you can make a list of all the trails or peaks you want to hike to this summer. Keep them near your planner or even schedule them in a calendar. Your dog will be so happy to join you in ticking these trails off all summer. Be sure to take some photos of the two of you on summits or on the trail so you can look back in the winter and remember all the amazing miles you logged together.
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More Fun Ideas...
Bird Hunting
Your dog was meant to hunt birds and small animals. With a little training, they will be the perfect hunting companion.
Running
Running is one of the quintessential activities for German Wirehaired Pointers that many owners keep up their sleeves. These dogs make wonderful running partners and will match you mile for mile on nearly any run.
Conclusion
Whether summer or winter, finding activities for German Wirehaired Pointers is easy. These goofy, active dogs are happy to join you and your family on any outdoor adventure. They love playing in the water, running through the trees, and romping in the snow equally. It's up to you to find the activities you love to do with your dog and make time for them each week. As long as you keep your dog exercised and challenged, they will be a great companion. Planning daily exercise and challenges is a great way to stave off boredom and bad behavior. Your dog will certainly motivate you to prioritize outside activity.