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So a little stats for the record. Got her July 4th. She is now 9 weeks old.
She weighs (today) 11.7lbs
Strengths-
Very independent
Good nose
Knows her name (with treats)
60% housebroken
Sleeps through the night (after two crying nights)
Confident
Weaknesses-
Very independent
No interest in birds (at the yard)
So independent is a strength and a weakness. I need a dog who who is cooperative but not doing her own 'thing'. We want them to range, but recall on command. We are going to start doing some basic scenting drills on a leash, and in two weeks I will bring a live bird (a wing clipped pigeon) into the mix. I'll set up a one way fence for her and the pigeon. That should take care of that.
Still hanging around 75% housebroken now. Still dealing with the 'sometimes I'll pee first, then I'll run over and scratch the door! It's all good, lol.
The nipping and biting of human flesh has pretty much been eliminated. She was way worse than my other two were, for sure... We 'nipped' that one in very short order.
The nipping of other dog flesh is abating. My two mature dogs are doing precisely what they should. When they get tired of that play- they let her know it and quickly. No aggression, just that firm "Okay that is ENOUGH" bark and smack down. Schnitzel literally puts one of his meat hooks on top of little Pearl and pushes her down and just stares at her. And she stops. It is obvious he rules the roost, and she follows both of them and is towing the line.
They all play well together- string toys, balls, chasing one another outside ripping and rolling in the tall grass. Good fun to see them all getting along.
Going to snap a quick video of her scenting bits of hot dog in the yard. Her nose is relentless! She uses her nose better than any other pup I've had. It's amazing how in tune she is at this early age with the world of smells. My recollection with Schnitzel was that he was tasting everything first and it took about 6 months for him to get used to that sensor on the end of his schnoz.
Over the weekend it appeared the housebreaking went severely backwards. Lot's of frequent small accidents- no warning. Highly unusual. We suspected a UTI.
So we got her to the vet yesterday and sure enough- UTI. High count in urine and crystals. Little one is on an antibiotic and on the mend.
All of the dog blankets / bed covers get a the 'sterile' cycle in our washing machine.
It's amazing how much they cooperate even on a walk off lead. When I'm hiking they typically range out 50-100 yards but always within line of sight to me. If they get out of sight, they check back in to me (I'll hold my hand down and palms out and they nose touch my hand) and then off they go again. My male ranges farther than my female, and he's a little more of a handful but fun none the less.
I had a male German Shorthaired Pointer (Mauser) for sixteen years before I sadly had to put him down. He was the same as yours except he kept me within about 50 yards, and he'd check back to see where I was before moving ahead. They are good bird dogs, and I hunted mine in PA, and CO for Pheasant, and Quail mostly. He was also a great family pet. I like the breed a lot as they are not big barkers, and will only bark when they really have to. At least mine was that way. As you know they do require a lot of exercise, and don't like being alone for too long. You have three beautiful GSP's!!! Mine looked like your male I believe, the darker one with the liver patches, and ticking.
When I get a little more settled, I will get another one. Can't wait.
I had a male German Shorthaired Pointer (Mauser) for sixteen years before I sadly had to put him down. He was the same as yours except he kept me within about 50 yards, and he'd check back to see where I was before moving ahead. They are good bird dogs, and I hunted mine in PA, and CO for Pheasant, and Quail mostly. He was also a great family pet. I like the breed a lot as they are not big barkers, and will only bark when they really have to. At least mine was that way. As you know they do require a lot of exercise, and don't like being alone for too long. You have three beautiful GSP's!!! Mine looked like your male I believe, the darker one with the liver patches, and ticking.
When I get a little more settled, I will get another one. Can't wait.
Oh man 50 yards- that's a flusher out here!
Yeah my 2 will range pretty far. Even though my male is approaching 5, he will still occasionally run ahead of the birds. Not all the time, seems like he's just too excited. A few days out during the season he settles in nicely. I've had him get out 300yards working a field and hold a point. Talk about a cardio work out to get there, lol. Like Biathlon stuff!
The female is just a Honda- she goes 100-200 yards and checks back, wash, rinse, repeat.
Yeah I love these dogs, this breed in particular. Just super, super all around dogs.
Snapped a video today. My big male plays with horse toys, and this little spunkmeister was NOT going to let him have all the fun. She is strong willed and tough!
When you whistled my dogs ran to the computer, nice to know they listen to you.
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