haggis Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Me and the wife cant agree on a dog we like I wanted a Lab and she wants a Geman Sheppard so had a compromise and are thinking of the above mentioned GWP any info greatly recieved,I would like to get into field trials and any info on that as well would be good. Thanks Haggis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 If you want to get into field trials then a GWP may not be the right dog, however if you enjoy a challenge and want a very versatile and slightly different dog then go for a GWP. I've got one and she is an absolute character and taking to work very well but they are what they are a dog that likes to hunt at times at range and hunt all the time. I'm getting there with mine but she certainly won't ever be push button but then I quite like that. So far mine is great about the house and soft as they come with other dogs and children, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundowner Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 There are of course dogs for different courses, I however, would never ever entertain another breed, I like the above mentioned challenge LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver_pigeon Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 Helllo! Th following is only an opinion! GWP are lovely dogs in the experience I have had with them, however....very stong willed, there is a mighty difference between a lab and a G.wirehaired pointer!! If you are wanting to work the pointer then you'd need to be very dilagent from the outset, as I dont think they are as mallable as Labs! The instinct is there, very strong...but a little harder to control! Good luck though, they are stunning dogs, and even if you went the route of a lab, stunning dog with a lovely temperament! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 It all depends on what kind of shooting you want to do, if its beating then a springer is the dog for you, if its Picking up than its a lab, if its Rough shooting than a GWP is the dog for you. A GWP isn't really suitable for beating they are bred to range out and find game where game is scarce, however they can be useful for picking up, although I have never tried it with my one. I also have used her wildfowling but its not my primary type of shooting. Being a HPR they will hunt, point and retrieve dor you. In the last week I have started to work my GWP with my ESS when out rough shooting the results have been great the GWP hunts and points and the ESS flushes. However the ESS gets tired long before the GWP, they are a high energy dog and will stay going all day long, hard hunting and as tough as nails. Though be warned they need companionship and love to bark. I didn't find mine that hard to train but it took time, I couldn't rush anything with her and they don't react well to rough treatment so patience is the key. Be sure to have the dog well used to the sight of the gun before you even attempt to fire a shot of it. They are also strong willed and love to test you, but if you get the basics right you will have no problems. They can be slow to come on but when they do you'ld better stand back ! If its a roughshooting dog you want then I would recommend a GWP but if its only beating you want to do get lab or a springer. Hope this makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traztaz Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 GWP is by far the most popular dog here in germany,amazingly fast, fit and inteligent.Hard as nails, and immune to water and weather.A large male is a big dog!They are used for everything from pointing and flushing to retreving and waterwork, blood tracking and pulling down wounded game.A true allrounder and very loyal.They are great also with your family and other dogs , but can appear allof to other people..............unless they are near anything that belongs to you!! The GWP is a massivly fast learner and matures quite quickly, however as someone else said be carefull how you treat them as some have a tendancy to be sullen. I chose his cousin the GSP, which is all the same things but a slightly softer dog, and more royal in his looks!! If you go for either you will have a great intelligent and very faithfull companion for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hodge911 Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 i,ve got a ess gwp cross she seems to be very intelligent only took a couple of days to become house trained and has been excellent in the crate from the first night . had her 4 weeks now and she,s doing well sits when told comes to calling her name and brings anything that she can get hold of back to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundowner Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 Just thought ............... it takes a long time to train a gwp, in my case it took the best part of 3 yrs. You can, of course, take him/her out earlier, but then, you are sure to be let down by your dog!!! I had a few very, very very very, very ....embarassing days in the field with him because .................. I took him out far too early!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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