How Do German Shorthairs Sense Danger?

German shorthaired pointers (GSPs) are the typical canine hunters that explore and seek the unknown. Their innate canine instincts combined with good training cause them to perform all the gundog roles to the point of excellence. They make great pointers, trackers and retrievers of fur and feather (in both field and water), and they are truly versatile hunting dogs. The breed's perception of danger comes from their training to develop hunting talents and their inherent hunter instincts.

  1. Canine Intelligence and Instincts

    • GSPs are the brainy lot of the "Canis lupus familiaris" subspecies; they love mental activity. Problem-solving activities that are intellect-stimulating keep them occupied. Their power of sensing danger can be attributed to the basic hunter instincts and innate canine instincts. Hunting tendency of the GSP is natural to this breed, as it was originally bred for hunting purposes (old Spanish pointers were bred with tracking and scent hounds). This breed of intelligent dogs is further trained to enhance its hunting potential. The inherent ability and alertness of GSPs as hunters make them talented enough to quickly sense any potential danger.

    ESP Powers Sense Danger

    • The tracking ability of dogs, especially GSP hunting dogs, could be due to their excellent sense of smell. There is a possibility that the ability of GSPs to sense danger is through their canine powers of Extra Sensory Perception (ESP). Dr. L.E. Rhine of the Duke University Parapsychology Laboratory has studied the phenomenon of ESP in humans and in virtually every domesticated animal. He has gathered reams of incidences in which it appears dogs have exhibited perception beyond the five senses. It is proven that animals and birds perceive changes in nature much before their human counterparts. ESP phenomenon has played a role in many real-life incidences where animals, especially dogs, have alerted their masters of danger.

    Role of Training

    • GSPs are very intelligent; they quickly grasp the taught concepts. But they do need formal training to obey and follow signals (such as to come after hearing a certain command or noise). As repetitive training bores these dogs, training sessions for GSPs must be of short duration and filled with fun. These dogs are trained for pointing, tracking and retrieving using tracking trials, field trials and hunting trials. They also receive agility training including rigorous exercises for physical and mental alertness.

    Advantages of GSP

    • Even if not used for hunting as gun dogs, German shorthaired pointers make great watchdogs for your home and wonderful playmates for older children. As training is necessarily given to this breed even when they are simply household companions, they become good show dogs. GSPs love hunting expeditions. Even if they are not allowed any hunting sprees, they at least need the walk, jog, hike and jump from outdoor romps to keep them satisfied, healthy and happy. Being born hunters, GSP pets are sure to look out for you in times of need.