German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies

Our pregnant German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) dams lives with us inside our home. When it's time, we whelp her GSP puppies in a warm and quiet room. After each puppy is delivered, we complete a physical assessment of both mom and puppy to ensure there are no overt health concerns. After whelping, the dam cares for her puppies and we intervene only as necessary for health checks and various support. For the first few weeks, mom and puppies are under constant supervision either in person or via monitor.  

Our German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences to support their development, including:

• Early physical and neurological stimulation
• Scent introduction
• Bird exposure and basic hunting experiences
• Environmental socialization
• Car rides
• Grooming and handling

At approximately four weeks of age, our German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies begin the weaning process, gradually transitioning from mother’s milk to a combination of puppy formula and kibble. By eight weeks, they are fully transitioned and consuming Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog – Puppy 30/20.

At approximately four weeks of age, we begin our potty training program with our German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies, teaching them to use a designated area for elimination. This early training helps lay the foundation for successful housebreaking, making the transition to your home smoother and reinforcing the expectation of proper behavior.

As they near the end of their time with us, our German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies are gradually introduced to a kennel environment. This exposure helps prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes.

We work closely with our specialized reproductive veterinarian throughout the pregnancy, whelping, and postpartum periods to ensure the health and well-being of both the dam and her litter.

German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies receive essential nutrients and powerful antibodies from their mother’s milk, which help protect them against infection. Puppies begin weaning at approximately 3–4 weeks of age, and these maternal antibodies start to decline around six weeks, making puppies more susceptible to illness. At this stage, the first set of core vaccinations is recommended. Each Westrock puppy receives the initial core vaccines during their first veterinary visit. It is the responsibility of the buyer to follow up with their veterinarian for subsequent booster doses and to discuss any additional non-core vaccines that may be recommended based on provincial or state guidelines.

Intestinal parasites, including worms, are common in dogs. To help prevent transmission to puppies, our dams receive deworming treatment during pregnancy, protecting puppies both in utero and through milk after birth. Our puppies are then dewormed on a routine schedule, as recommended by our veterinarian, prior to eight weeks of age. Westrock Kennels recommends that buyers consult their veterinarian to establish an ongoing deworming schedule after bringing their puppy home.

Puppies can easily pick up fleas and ticks when outdoors during warmer months, which can cause discomfort and, in some cases, lead to serious health issues. According to our reproductive veterinarian, flea and tick preventatives are generally not recommended for puppies under eight weeks of age. We advise consulting your veterinarian after adoption to determine the appropriate timing for flea and tick prevention based on your puppy’s age, weight, geographic location, and typical outdoor activities.

A microchip is a small identification device implanted under a dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. If a microchipped puppy is ever lost and brought to a veterinary clinic or shelter, the chip can be scanned to retrieve contact information, helping reunite the puppy with its family. For the safety and security of our puppies, all Westrock German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies are microchipped prior to going to their new homes.

At six weeks of age, Westrock German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppies are examined by our specialized reproductive veterinarian for their initial health screening. This ensures that you are fully informed of your puppy’s health status prior to transfer of care. During the physical examination, the veterinarian evaluates the puppy’s body structure, skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and weight, as well as tests vision, hearing, and overall alertness. As outlined in our Contract of Sale, we recommend that the puppy also be examined by an independent veterinarian within five days of purchase to confirm excellent baseline health. At this initial appointment, your puppy will receive their first core vaccinations and begin their routine deworming schedule.