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 GSP puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences including:

• Early physical and neurological stimulation 
• Scent introduction
• Bird introduction
• Environmental socialization 
• Car rides
• Grooming

At approximately 3-4 weeks old, our GSP puppies start to wean off breast milk and are slowly introduced to puppy formula and kibble. By 8 weeks old, our puppies will be fully transitioned to consuming Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog - Puppy 30/20.

At approximately 4 weeks old, we start our potty training program. We teach the GSP puppies there is a specific place to relieve themselves. When they go home with you, you have an easier time housebreaking them as they have an easier time understanding the expectation.  

Towards the end of their time with us, our GSP puppies will be exposed to a kennel atmosphere in order to prepare them for their transition to your home.

We work collaboratively with our specialized Reproduction Veterinarian office throughout the pregnancy, whelping, and post partum period to ensure stable health of the dam and litter.  

German Shorthaired Pointer puppies ingest their mothers breast milk for its nutrients, but it also contains powerful antibodies that help prevent and fight infection. Our GSP puppies wean off breast milk at 3-4 weeks old and begin to lose these benefits around 6 weeks of age. At this stage, puppies become more susceptible to diseases and conditions and this is when the first set of vaccines are recommended. Each Westrock puppy will receive the recommended core vaccines at their initial Vet visit. It is the responsibility of the buyer to follow-up with their Vet for further booster doses and to discuss any other non-core vaccines that may be necessary based on the Provincial/ State recommendations. 

Worms are unfortunately very common intestinal parasites in dogs. Because of this, our dams are treated with dewormer during pregnancy in order to prevent worms from being transmitted to puppies through the placenta in utero or through milk once whelped. Our puppies are then treated with dewormer on a routine schedule as ordered by our Vet prior to 8 weeks of age. WRK recommends follow-up with a Vet regarding a further deworming schedule. 

Fleas and ticks can be easily picked up by puppies while outdoors in the warmer months. This can be uncomfortable for puppies as well as lead to serious health conditions. Generally, flea and tick prevention are not typically safe to give puppies before 8 weeks old per our Reproduction Veterinarian. Therefore, we recommend following-up with your Vet post adoption regarding the appropriate timing for flea and tick prevention based on the puppy's age, and weight, and your geographical location, and normal outdoor activities.  

A microchip is an ID tag that lives under the skin, usually behind the dog’s shoulder blades. If a puppy who has a microchip is ever lost and returned to a shelter or Vet, the microchip can be scanned for information, connecting the lost puppy back home. For safety and security of the puppy, we microchip all of our GSP puppies prior to rehoming them with their new owners.  

Westrock German Shorthaired Pointer puppies are seen by our specialized Reproduction Veterinarian at 6 weeks old for their initial health screening. This ensures that you are fully aware of the health status of a puppy prior to transfer of care. During the physical examination, the Vet will assess puppy’s body structure, skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and weight. They will also test pup’s vision, hearing, and alertness. As per our Contract of Sale, we recommend having the purchased puppy seen by an alternate unbiased Vet within 5 days of purchase to confirm for yourself that the puppy has excellent baseline health. As described above, your puppy will receive their first vaccine doses as well as started on their routine deworming schedule during this appointment.