Training

Training classes are an excellent way to bond with your GSP, right after adoption and throughout the years! It’s also a great way to help with the adjustment process and catch any concerns before they become problems. The following are trainers that we recommend. These trainers use only positive reinforcement methods and techniques.

If you need additional resources, the San Francisco SPCA maintains a list of positive trainers throughout California. These trainers are graduates of the esteemed SF SPCA Academy of Dog Trainers. Go to the SFSPCA website and click on “Academy Dog Trainer Referral List – in California.”

If you need help in finding a trainer near you, email us (be sure to include your zip code), and we will assist you.

Information & Resources

Here are some resources to help you with your active dog! If you have additional resources you’d like to recommend, please let us know and we’ll check them out.

The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Northern Sacramento Valley offers a variety of activities for GSPs and their owners. The club is based in Sacramento and has members across northern California and western Nevada. Its purpose is  to help promote fellowship, cooperation, and friendship amongst those involved with this sporting breed. It provides opportunities for owners to enhance their skills, has training facilities at Mather Regional Park available for members, and conducts AKC sanctioned Field Trials, Hunt Tests, and Dog Shows throughout the year. It encourages high standards in breeding, training, and performance of the German Shorthaired Pointer in all endeavors, to include field, hunting, show, obedience, tracking, agility, and rally, and is constantly striving to keep the breed forever a truly versatile dog. Rescue GSPs may participate in all activities (except conformation), and the club graciously offers our new adopters a free one-year trial membership.

Oakland Dog Hikers group: This Meetup group is for people who love to hike with their dogs.  Hikes are scheduled in Oakland and nearby cities on dog-friendly trails. Groups are kept small for everyone’s fun and safety, and to respect the trails and other hikers. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous. Evening and weekend hikes are available. A great resource for energetic dogs!

Smilin Dogs:  Smilin Dogs offers off-leash hiking daycare on a private 750 acre coastal-range property geared towards the medium and large-sized energetic dog, as well as facility-based daycare and boarding. Transportation is available to/from your home or work.  Smilin Dogs serves the mid-Peninsula area of the SF Bay Area.

Exercise

We cannot stress enough how important exercise is for your GSP. Both physical and mental stimulation are needed so that your GSP does not invent clever ways to stay busy.

While each dog is different, and exercise needs vary with the age of the dog, we’d suggest you plan on the following:

     Young GSP:  60 – 90 minutes of aerobic activity daily

     Middle-aged GSP:  45 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily

     Senior GSP:  30 to 60 minutes of walking, 1 – 3 times daily

Remember, this is every day, rain or shine, 365 days a year. We believe that a tired dog is a good dog.