HollidaySlim
Posts:8

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| 07/17/2007 9:36 AM |
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Hello all, I am new to the forums and have a question that maybe someone can help me with.
I will be going this week to pick out my new GSP puppy and was wondering if there were any tests that i could do to help in identifying a good pointer, more specifically a hunting pointer. I have raised, trained, and hunted with Labs in the past. But have been doing more field hunting than waterfowl hunting in the last 3 or so years and with the passing of my lab recently i think i am ready to get another pup, and after researching many different breeds the GSP looks to be the breed for me. I know the pups that i will be choosing from have parents that are great field dogs (have hunted over both) and the bloodlines are what i would consider good (both the dam and sire have MH titles) Thanks to anyone who can offer advice and look forward to be an active member on the board.
Matt |
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wgspr rescue Milwaukee, WI
 MH Posts:630


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| 07/17/2007 10:31 AM |
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| How I did it the one time I got one from a breeder, beyond looks and mother/father history, was watch the litter interact. We did not want the one that did not interact with others, the one that hid in the corner. We wanted one that was "in there" with their pack, playing, and interacting. Looks and that mainly sealed our deal at that time. It's hard when they are only babies to know what they will turn out to be in the end. Cuz ultimately, that is up to you and their future training and socialization. |
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Lisa C. Rossman WI GSP Rescue, Inc (wgspr.com) "Until there are none, rescue just one!"
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pixie bee
 MH Posts:4452


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| 07/17/2007 1:27 PM |
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We always let the dog pick us. You could also look for the one that will bring something you've thrown back to you. |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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BlueJack
Posts:6

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| 07/17/2007 1:52 PM |
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Working Dogs has a great link you might want to check out. The pup usually has to be around 7 weeks...this test is used widely and is a good indicator of temperment and retrieve focus.
http://www.workingdogs.com/testing_volhard.htm
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GSPinAZ
Posts:6

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| 07/17/2007 5:24 PM |
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| How long do you think you will have to observe the litter? |
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HollidaySlim
Posts:8

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| 07/17/2007 6:26 PM |
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thanks all for the info! GSPinAZ - i can observer the litter as long as i want the, breeder is a friend of mine. |
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GSPinAZ
Posts:6

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| 07/18/2007 10:42 AM |
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| If I were you, and the breeder is a friend, I would take whichever pup the breeder suggests. The breeder has the best 'book' on the litter !!! |
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rebeccaC
 JH Posts:25


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| 07/18/2007 5:57 PM |
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I agree with GSPinAZ. I had my choice of pups as well. Be prepared, all those wiggly little bodies, big brown eyes and puppy breathe rendered me unable to make a decision. Fortunetly, my breeder was great and asked alot about my lifestyle and was able to guide my decision. Just remember, there probably isn't a "wrong" pup in the litter. Try to relax and enjoy this process so you can look back on it later and smile  |
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everbell Kanata, ON
 MH Posts:3166


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| 07/18/2007 7:07 PM |
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Since our fella is a pet, and won't be a hunter, we went with the one that came right up to us and wouldn't stop licking me. Couldn't tell at 3.5 weeks, but he turned out to be the biggest boy in the litter 
Here's my absolutely smitten husband, Rich, with Bogart at 3.5 weeks. Tell me you could resist this face.

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Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures |
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MegC Ellensburg, WA
 MH Posts:989


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| 07/18/2007 7:37 PM |
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Husband seems to forget quite often that HE picked both Rogan and Anya.... but Rogan was showing a paler version of the trouble we'd be in for at 6 weeks old. 
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Megan + Dulcie (Lehmschlog's The Right Spot) + Rogan (Lehmschlog's BR Rogan) + Anya (Lehmschlog's Anya O Conchobar) Intro to harness sport/mushing- start here! |
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HollidaySlim
Posts:8

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| 07/19/2007 12:27 PM |
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OK i picked out a pup last night, i watched the dogs for about 1.5 hours. My breeder helped me choose but ultimately decided she was the right one.

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pixie bee
 MH Posts:4452


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| 07/20/2007 9:16 AM |
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Oh gosh. What an adorable little girl. How old is she? Love the red nail polish. |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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HollidaySlim
Posts:8

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| 07/20/2007 9:28 AM |
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she's 5 weeks old, yea we painted the nails on her one paw cause she has a sister that looks almost identical to her, and i didnt want to get them mixed up since i wont see her again for another few weeks. |
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wgspr rescue Milwaukee, WI
 MH Posts:630


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| 07/20/2007 2:13 PM |
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| I love her nail polish! |
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Lisa C. Rossman WI GSP Rescue, Inc (wgspr.com) "Until there are none, rescue just one!"
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Pointer Fan Westminster, Colorado
 MH Posts:954


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| 07/20/2007 3:02 PM |
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| Make an 8 X 10 of that picture and paste it on the refrigerator to remind you why you got this pup. Beneath that innocent looking face lies a brain that will astound and confound you in the coming days---but I wouldn't have any other breed. |
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MegC Ellensburg, WA
 MH Posts:989


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| 07/21/2007 12:21 AM |
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BTW, I need to get yet another full size copy of that GSP'ed couch. It is just.so.classic.  |
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Megan + Dulcie (Lehmschlog's The Right Spot) + Rogan (Lehmschlog's BR Rogan) + Anya (Lehmschlog's Anya O Conchobar) Intro to harness sport/mushing- start here! |
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