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Craig Sargent User is Offline

Posts:2

12/09/2009 12:38 PM
Our family of 2 children (4yr & 2yr) have started the process of looking for a new dog. This summer we had to put our 2 springers down (18yr & 14yr old). We had planned on waiting for a few years before we adopted another dog but have been doing some research about different breeds. We loved the springers and their activity level so that is not an issue. After research we fell in love with GSP's and went to see one at a animal rescue. She was a great 4yr old that a breeder has given up. What a great dog with the children and very well behaved. My wife and I are now wondering if we should adopt earlier than wanted. Other than the normal things about GSP's should we have any concerns? Also is it common for all GSP's to be so friendly? I know every dog is different but this GSP seemed much friendlier than expected she even hugged us as if she did not want us to leave? Are they all this overly nice? Should we be concerned with a 4yr old & 2yr old even if she seemed to be great with kids? Any help that will make us believe this is a good move would help?

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7834

12/09/2009 1:50 PM
Any normal GSP loves people and loves to be loved. They make wonderful family pets as long as you are ok with the exercise needs and their need for loving. GSPs are sometimes referred to as velcro dogs because they stick close. The only think I can think of would be that same energy level sometimes causes them not to pay attention to what is around them which could result in the dog bumping into one of the kids and knocking them down. Not malicious, just high energy. Other than that, if you think you are ready, go for it. They are truly wonderful dogs.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

Craig Sargent User is Offline

Posts:2

12/09/2009 9:26 PM
Thank you for the response! I guess one of our other concerns would be leaving her at home alone? I would say we are sold GSP's just not sure if we are ready to make the move? It is winter and we do not have a fence. I fear she will not get the needed exercise without it? I am researching invisible fences that do not need to be wired for a temporary solution but the range seems a bit small even after adding 2 units? Any experience with these and GSP's?

Splat

Illinois (Northern)

MH
Posts:3130

12/10/2009 6:24 AM
We have our first GSP now 5 months old...I have a 9 year old and a 5 year (boys) our pup does great with the kids, though he is puppy himself and when they get down on the floor he crawls all over them, we are working on this. Blitz is very much a lovey dovey and uses his front legs to hug legs! Currently we are living with my parents on 6 acres...no dog fencing (just horse fencing in areas). We never let Blitz out unattended and have to keep a constant eye on him which is hard at times. We should be moving in a week to only 1 1/2 acres. I am thinking of trying this wireless fence... http://www.wirelessdogfence-4less.com/petproducts/Products.aspx?CategoryId=97652

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7834

12/10/2009 8:51 AM
I am not real fond of electronic fences because although they may keep your dog in they do not keep other dogs, critters or people out. This can leave you open to potential liability if someone comes in your yard and the dog does something to that person. Also, once older, GSPs are tough enough that it is not unheard of for them to get focused on something enough to bust through an electronic fence. As for leaving her alone there are allot on this board who have a similar situation. Most crate their dogs during the day or use a doggy day care. When they are younger they do need frequent potty breaks or they will have accidents in the crate so being able to let them out once or twice during they is good (at least until they are about 4 -5 months). That said if your pup gets walked in the morning and they get some high quality exercise at least once during the day, they should be fine. As a puppy the amount and level of exercise will not be as much as when they are older. I would also strongly recommend obedience training as well. After about 2 YO GSPs slow down quite a bit as well.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

escampbell User is Offline

MH
Posts:213

12/10/2009 11:41 AM
If you do adopt from a rescue, be very sure the dog is known to be good with children. If a GSP has not been raised with kids, it could be fine or could be skittish. Most good rescue groups will not adopt a dog from an unknown background to families with small children, unless the dog is fostered and proven to be good. Eleanor with rescue hat on

Eleanor Campbell New Jersey Sydney, Presto, Price, Ozma and Soleil

Jeannie

Posts:1

05/03/2010 4:55 PM
Hello, I seem to have landed on an all 'American' site, but I think as far as GSP's are concerned, they are universal. I am British but living in Bulgaria, in Eastern Europe and have adopted a GSP. He was thrown out to starve - he is a little bit deaf and so no longer useful as a working dog. This aditude is changing but unfortunately still happens in rural areas. Another Brit rescued him but didn't have the facilities to look after him so I took him on. It's the first time I've had experience of this breed, but I've been so impressed. Buster is a wonderful dog, obviously very obedient (from his hunting days) but also marvellous with other dogs and children. I have learned a lot about this breed of dog from your forum - and very grateful for that - and certainly my experience has been a very happy one. I have had labradors in the past and they are very similar in temperament - once trained they make delightful companions, familly dogs or working dogs - or a combination of all three. My first encounter with a GSP is very positive. I'm so impressed with their dignity and willingness to please. Really, a lovely breed.

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7834

05/03/2010 8:51 PM
Welcome to the forum. Most are from the US or Canada here, but we have some from the UK and even one from the Czech Republic. You have had the same experience as most in that once they got a GSP they fell in love with the breed. I started with one and now have three and plan to add to the pack in the fall. By the way, we would love to see pictures of your pup. Why don't you introduce yourself in the General discussion area and post some pictures?

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4448

05/04/2010 9:38 AM
I have one concern and it may be nothing at all. You said she hugged you and didn't want you to leave. What did she actually do? The reason I ask b/c what humans believe is affection can actually be dominance(not necessarily aggression) and if she is displaying dominance on the first date you may see more dominant behavior when she settles in. This is all fine and good - if you are preapred to take over the role of boss. With any dog this par for the course - but this is a dog you don't know and you don't know how she was raised. A loving home can be a hugh obstacle for a dog. Just my thoughts and if children were not involved I wouldn't have made this response. (Adults can take care of themselves.) Best of luck and let us know what your family decides. Francine

"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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