Bringing Home a GSP Puppy
You’ve likely researched the process of bringing home a puppy and have a plan in place for your preparation. To help ensure confidence and clarity, we’ve compiled a list of next steps to guide you through the process.
Bringing Your Westrock GSP Puppy Home
1. Puppy Go-Home Package
Your puppy’s go-home package includes food, treats, toys, and essential health documents. These records should be brought to your veterinarian to maintain continuity of care.
2. Veterinary Visit
As outlined in our Contract of Sale, we recommend scheduling a veterinary appointment within the first week of bringing your puppy home. Before leaving Westrock Kennels, each puppy receives:
- Initial health screening
- Deworming
- Core vaccinations
- Microchipping
A visit to your veterinarian provides peace of mind with an unbiased assessment, confirms baseline health, and allows your vet to continue the appropriate vaccination, deworming, and flea/tick schedule based on your puppy’s age, geographical location, and exposure risk. You can also verify the microchip is functioning properly.
3. Introduce Your Puppy to Family
Introduce your puppy in a calm, loving environment. Limit exposure to other dogs outside the home until their vaccine series is complete, as young puppies are more susceptible to illness.
4. Establish a Routine
Structure is key to helping puppies feel secure. Create a consistent schedule for:
- Mealtimes
- Potty breaks
- Playtime
- Naptime
Enforce rules consistently to help your puppy learn desired behaviors.
5. Grooming
German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) have short, easy-to-maintain coats. Grooming recommendations include:
- Brushing occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathing as needed to maintain coat shine
- Trimming nails every 1–2 weeks
- Regular ear inspection and cleaning
6. Nutrition
GSPs are active dogs and require a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level. Diet should be higher in protein and fat than average dogs. We recommend consulting your veterinarian regarding the best nutrition plan. For reference, we feed our dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog 30/20.
Be aware of bloat, a gastrointestinal condition that can affect deep-chested breeds like GSPs. Symptoms include restlessness, abdominal stretching, rapid shallow breathing, non-productive dry heaving, excessive saliva, or a swollen, hard, and sensitive belly. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if these signs occur. Prevent bloat by avoiding feeding immediately before or after exercise.
7. Exercise
GSPs require several hours of physical activity daily, such as running, swimming, or other outdoor activities to burn off energy. A consistent exercise routine is essential. Insufficient exercise may result in destructive or unwanted behaviors indoors.
8. Mental Stimulation
GSPs are highly intelligent and require mental enrichment. Under-stimulated dogs may develop destructive behaviors. Puppies should have the opportunity to explore and develop their personality, confidence, natural instincts, and drive. Early environmental socialization and basic obedience training are important for shaping a well-rounded dog.
9. Training
GSPs are energetic and intelligent dogs, and training is essential. Professional guidance is strongly recommended for:
- Basic obedience, which establishes a foundation for family life
- Basic and advanced bird dog training, supporting the breed’s natural instincts
Early training and socialization help your puppy grow into a confident, versatile, and well-behaved companion while preparing them for the activities they were bred to enjoy.
