A couple of questions which almost all be answered positive.
Do I need a hunting license to keep a
hunting dog?
Some breeds are handed over only to hunters.
At first contact this can be quite irritating so be aware of it.
Background to this is that the key qualities of a hunting dog are
typically determined on special hunting trials. Not for every hunting
trial it is necessary to have a valid hunting license in particular
for the German-shorthaired it makes things easier.
Can it be ensured that there are enough
social contacts?
Our dog is a social structured part of a
pride. He needs company and wants to communicate as well as he tries
to find his place in the hierarchy. Social contacts is meant not only
with family members or his master but furthermore other dogs. Regular
and plenty of contacts train the dogs ability to moderate himself with
other dogs and conditions him in a positiv way. Obviously the own
pride and his master is the most important contact that is meant to be
the most intensive. Hierarchy for a dog is something absolutly natural
and also something very essential. The master must show his quality
and sovereignty to achieve the loyalty of the dog. This means either
sensitivity and competence.
Am I a well adjusted person?
In reading your body language dogs are true
professionals - it's really hard to trick them. Any kind of stress,
disharmony, trouble or care while training or working the dog will
make it hard to succeed and truly are not the right basis. I might
sound strange but dogs can smell how we are tempered. If you juge
yourself realistic its of your own benefit. Nothing is more disturbing
than a dog that isn't educated sound.
Is there enough time and opportunity for
the daily walk?
There are a couple of good reasons why you
should take your dog outside. The dog has to relief himself and can do
so best where it disturbs no one else. For physical fitness it is
necessary to let him run - German shorthaired is a natural born
runner. Later on while hunting it is essential that your dog is used
to the field, its sound smell and everything that makes a natural
scene. To train your dog it is sufficient to take him out by bike and
let him determine the speed. The old english stile with dogs is also
nice but might not be suitable to anyone.
Do I have family and maybe more children?
Any adult knows that a hunting dog is not a
pet. Children experience this in a different way. They love to pet and
hug what isn't a big problem if this is done without forcing the
animal. Things become serious when children start to tease the dog
what can be depending on the animal more or less dangerous. It's hard
to predict how the dog behaves so having a dog together with children
means intensive survey and moderation when things start running out of
control. The German-shorthaired is in comparison to other breeds very
patient what might be due to breeding and therefore a good choice when
having a family together with kids.
