Activities For Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized gundog with a naturally unkempt appearance. They are a hard-working dog that truly is best suited for a home where they have a job to perform. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a social dog and expects you to give them the attention they believe they deserve. They also require consistent and continual training. Expect to spend time out with your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon instead of lazing on the couch after work. They enjoy all different types of activities as long as they are with you and exercising their mind and body. 

Give a Kiss

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 15 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description

Trick training of any kind with your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will take patience and consistency. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a high energy dog and will have a shorter attention span if they feel they are not getting a proper reward for their work. Make sure you have plenty of treats available for them during their training. It is easy to teach your dog to give you a kiss, and it will also help prevent unwanted licking. Most dogs want to show their affection by licking you; some dogs can go a little overboard and make their wet smooches too exuberant. By teaching them to kiss you on command, you are controlling the behavior and limiting the amount of time they are licking you. Teaching your dog to give you a kiss can be done in any weather and is a cheap activity, you just need some of their favorite treats! You will want to practice each day for about 10-15 minutes so they do not become bored and you do not become sopping wet. 

Step
1
Get their attention
You may think this sounds simple enough, however, with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, getting and keeping their attention can be a difficult thing. Make sure to do their trick training after they have been outside for a run or walk and are a little worn out. Have them do a basic sit before giving them the kiss command. This will keep them from becoming too affectionate with their kisses and enable you to keep control of them.
Step
2
Teach command word
You can begin by placing a treat on your cheek or on your hand and before they can slurp up the morsel, give them the kiss command. You can even give them a longer command such as “give me a kiss”. Whatever command word or phrase you choose make sure you use it consistently.
Step
3
Praise and reward
Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s reward for properly giving you a kiss is the treat they get to lick off your face or hand. However, just like any other dog or even person, they also like to hear how good they have done and a lot of praise is in order to keep them willing to keep giving you kisses on command.
Love this activity?

Touch Training

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 15 min
Items needed
Treats
Collar and Leash (optional)
Activity description

Touch training or targeting is a form of trick training and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should excel as long as they can reign in their activity levels long enough to listen and learn. Touch training can help with behavior issues as well because it keeps your dog watching expectantly for your next signal. Touch training has been used by many people to turn their dog’s attention from a potential problem such as passing another dog on the street or a grooming session. Once your dog has learned basic touch training, you can then expand on their training and have them learn to ring a bell to go outside or to get a treat. It is cheap to teach touch training, you will just need treats and if you are working in a public place, you will also need a collar and leash. Touch training can be learned in any environment, remember to start your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in a calm, quiet place to avoid distractions until they have learned what is expected. Keep learning sessions short, between 10 and 15 minutes long to avoid boredom from setting in.

Step
1
Basic obedience
Before your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon can learn to do touch training, they will need to have a grasp of basic obedience. If you are a new dog owner and not sure of how to teach your dog basic manners or obedience, then you can enroll your dog in a local training class. Even if you do not continue your dog’s touch training beyond the first few lessons, their basic obedience training will still be indispensable as you try other activities.
Step
2
Command word touch
Just like with any other training, you will want to use the same command during touch training. Most trainers will use the word touch to signal to the dog where to touch. In beginning touch training, you will be using your hand as the target. Hold out your hand and say touch. When your dog uses their nose or paw to touch your hand, give them a reward and a lot of praise.
Step
3
Practice often
When teaching touch training to your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, you will need to be patient and practice often. It is easy to take 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day and work with your dog on touch training. Keep their favorite treats close by to offer as a reward and make sure you give them praise when they correctly touch where you are directing them. Once they are comfortable and consistent with their touch training, you can start expanding to include targeting other items such as a bell to be let outside or get a treat.
Love this activity?

Visit the Beach

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Collar and Leash
Treats
Fresh Water
Bowl
Dry Towels
Waste bags
Activity description

A day at the beach sounds divine, especially when you can go hang out with friends and bring your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon along for the fun. Most beaches are do- friendly, but make sure you know the rules and keep your dog close to avoid any problems with other beachgoers. If you live near a coast, visiting a beach is probably easy and free, otherwise, those not as fortunate to have a beach close by will have to do a little searching for a nice sandy shore around a lake. While visiting the beach, it is always best to go when the sun is shining and the day is promising beautiful weather. When you are enjoying the sun and sand with your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, keep in mind that they can easily get too hot when they are in direct sun and they should have plenty of fresh water available. If you are planning on being at the beach longer than an hour or two, make sure there is a nice shady spot for your dog to rest after playing to keep them from becoming overheated. 

Step
1
Research beach rules
Every beach will have its own set of rules unless it is a private beach owned by one of your family members or friends. Take the time to research the rules of the beach you plan to visit in regards to dogs. Some beaches require all dogs to remain on leash while visiting; others allow you to unleash your dog. All beaches require you clean up after your dog.
Step
2
Pack supplies
Spending the day or even a few hours at the beach will require a plethora of supplies for you and your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. You will need the usual sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and snacks. Your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will also need towels and snacks, but you will also want to pack a water bowl and some fresh bottled water to keep them hydrated. You will also need to pack clean-up bags so you can pick up any surprises your dog may deposit on the beach.
Step
3
Enjoy the beach
Once you have arrived at the beach, search for a nice spot that has some shade for your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon to enjoy when they become tired and hot. Their wirehair will help keep sand from accumulating in their coat, but it will also cause them to get hot faster than if they were a smooth coated breed. Take some time to play in the surf and toss a stick for your dog, but also spend time relaxing near the shade so your dog does not overheat.
Love this activity?

More Fun Ideas...

Ride in a Parade

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not a popular breed unless you are a part of an avid hunting community. Therefore, you may want to help promote the breed by having them join in the fun and festivities of a parade. This can be a dog parade, a Christmas parade, or a Mardi Gras parade. No matter what the occasion, your dog is sure to be a hit riding on a float or strutting down the street with other parade participants.

Take a Hike

Because the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile gundog, they do enjoy a hike through the woods or even through open fields. They will be putting their hunting skills to the test and searching for all types of animals to ferret out. Remember to keep them close by or they will be off and running for miles and miles. This is a free activity that keeps your dog moving and happy.

Conclusion

A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a highly active gundog and does require an active family to keep them from becoming bored and causing destruction to your home. These dogs must have a job to perform each day and without that outlet, they will have a difficult time settling into a family life. Expect to spend a good amount of time with your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon doing activities that work their minds as well as their bodies. Find activities that you both enjoy. You can also find other people who have high energy dogs and form a group to have playtime.