Hi everyone!!  This is my first time on the site.  We are currently looking at GSP's and we were hoping we could get some advice/help from current owners.  We have never owned a GSP before and don't know anyone who has.  We love the breed and have only one reservation.  We are not sure we can provide the dog with the exercise it requires.  We are an active couple.  We run, hike, swim, bike, walk, etc. but we are by no means enthusiasts.  We run 3 or 4 times a week and do about 2 or 3 miles each time.  The other issue is we live in a townhome.  There is a lake across the street, a tennis court near by, running trails, and plenty of streams.  We are just concerned with the level of exercise needed, particularly in the winter where running 3 miles outside is not our idea of a good time.  So if anyone can provide insight on what it's really like to own a GSP and it's daily regiment we would really appreciate it.  How long each day do you exercise yours?  What kind of activities?  Are there days off?  Feel free to be brutually honest, even if that means telling us that a GSP isn't for us.  Thanks!!

I myself just got my first shorthair in October of last year so I am by no means an Expert! Our GSP Barley is a master at adapting!  Although he needs exercise he doesn’t start ripping up the house if it is raining out!  This last winter it got crazy cold in Wisconsin and Barley was home bound for some time! My solution for this was to play with him in the house and work him out mentally! It sounds like you have an awesome area around you and I think you will love a GSP!

-Chris

 Like you I was afraid this breed would be to much for me so I read all kinds of books about the breed ,training etc. before I even started looking for a breeder.  My husband and I are not hunters but we are very active.  I wanted to be sure we weren't getting in over our heads.  We searched for a good breeder and found one. My breeder asked tons of questions and I was very honest with him in what I was looking for he was willing to give us a dog.  I am still in contact with my breeder, he is always there to answer my questions and lend a helping hand. 

Elle will be five in a few weeks and is the best dog we have ever owned she is a smarty pants!  She doesn't need as much exercise as when she was a pup but we take her every day for a minimum hour off leash run( with her now 2 y/o sister).  Yes, we have 2 shorthairs now and wouldn't have it any other way. 

I do lots of obedience with them and that helps a lot if the weather is bad and we can't get outside.  They are velcro dogs, they love to be with you 24/7.  I live in vermont so in the winter we played lots of doggie games inside.

So if you can handle a velcro dog, get him/her into an obedience class and are willing to give them 1-2 hours a day good hard off leash run you should be okay.  Finding a good breeder is the key!

Hope this helps, good luck.

I don't think you will have any problems. Exercise of both the physical kind and mental kind are important. Missing days due to weather shouldn't be a problem. Just exercise the brain on those days. Find it games inside are great fun for the dog and will challenge him mentally when you can't be outside exercising. It sounds to me though like the dog will have ample opportunity to exercise outside if you run 3 or 4 times a week for a couple of miles. I think a GSP would work great for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

I have three GSPs, two females 5 and 4 YO, and one male, 1 YO. 

Oh, and while I knew about the exercise requirement, I was unprepared for the range. A small backyard is better than no backyard but my GSP Tessa needs space! A football field, or 3-4 acres suit her just fine. And unlike any other breed I have owned or observed, she makes good use of every inch of those 4 acres!

The only thing I would add...

Keep in mind that you shouldn't "run" the puppy for long distances until they have finished growing to their adult size...it can cause a lot of wear and tear on their joints.  There are several posts regarding this topic on the forum. 

One of the reasons I got a GSP was to have a running buddy, but I haven't taken her out yet (7 months) for anything other than training (loose leash running, etc).  She stills gets the exercise she needs, but we have to find other ways to help her burn some energy. Just keep in mind you won't be able to exercise your pup in this way for a little bit.

Hendrix isalso a city dog, he doesn't have any problems rockin' the subarbs.... I am not a hunter, i am a Hiker, Runner, Mountain Biker, Beer Brewer and Snowshoer. (i think i may get that on my Business card?)  Hendrix is a great buddy for all of them.You will not find a better adventure companion. Just excercise him (when he is old enough, biking is AWESOME).

Travis

PS - if these dogs have uncontrollable energy, will someone please tell the one that is fast asleep at my feet!

What did you decide? Are you going to be a new owner?

We are!!!  We are currently looking into breeders and also visiting and speaking with lots of GSP owners.  We are hoping to get a puppy sometime in late July or early August.  Thanks for everyones response.  When we get our pup we will post some pics!!!  Thanks again!!

Oh, forgot to ask.  If anyone could point me in the direction of some good information on training and how to teach the dog specific commands.  I have been reading a lot of post about different commands such as whoa, recall commands, etc.  I was wondering where I can learn more.  It's difficult to sift through years worth of forum posts.  Thanks!!