Nature of GSP Games and Their Types
German Shorthaired Pointers are extremely active. They are always ready to play any game with their master and eager to start!
If your GSP is not involved in hunting, active games with toys is exactly what he needs. This dog breed is very clever. GSPs do not like senseless games like just running or jumping. They like meaningful games, and above all – something resembling hunting and chasing.
On Land Games
Your puppy and a grown up dog will be happy to run after a ball or a ring and bring it to you as a game. He can do it hundreds of times with the same enthusiasm. So, we advise to have a number of good quality toys that fly well and are easy to fetch. GSP can play even with one during the day. He chooses the “game” and keeps “hunting”….) But of course it’s better to have a couple for a change. Puzzles, dummies for hunting, plush toys – all are good for a German Shorthaired Pointer.
On Water Games
When the weather is warm, take your pup out to a place where he can also swim. And your GSP will be the happiest dog! He will swim after a ball or a ring and take it out of water to you.
TOP Rated Interactive Dog Toys for GSPs — Overview & Rating
Author’s Choice | KONG Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy
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|---|---|---|
People’s Choice  | KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy
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Premium Choice  | KONG Classic Dog Toy
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Best Plush Toy  | Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy – Plush Hide and Seek Activity for Dogs
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Best for Water Games  | ChuckIt! Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
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Best Chew Toy  | Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
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Best Dummy  | SportDOG Brand Plastic Dummy
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Best for GSP Puppies  | KONG Puppy Toy
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Best Outdoor Toys for German Shorthaired Pointer
The main part of all activities with your GSP takes place outdoors. So it is very important to follow the natural instincts of your dog and to choose several toys which will bring joy to both of you.
Kong Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy
- Material: Flexible Rubber
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M, L, XL
The Kong Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy is our Best Choice for many reasons. Among all Squeezz series Kong toys Bumbbell is the most comfortable for GSP’s mouth. He keeps it easily and naturally, provided you selected the right size. It is light, bouncy and flexible, so your dog can slightly chew it during the whole fetch and retrieve game. The squeaker keeps your pup’s interest all the time. Your GSP is gonna love it. Highly recommended!
Pros:
- The squeaker is protected
- Available in 4 colors: Ruby, Amethyst, Emerald, Sapphire
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Not for intense chewing
KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy
- Material: Rubber
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: S, M/L
The KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy is a multi functional toy which you can use for interactive games with your GSP. It’s a fetch toy first of all, and its extreme bounce qualities make it perfect to chase and catch.
Pros:
- Puncture resistant material to keep your pup safe
- Suitable for heavy chewers
- Helps to keep the necessary activity level
Cons:
- It may seem heavier than similar products
West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Frisbee
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, L
The West Paw Zogoflex Frisbee Disc is a convenient for dog’s mouth fetch toy. It flies perfect as a tough toy, yet it is soft by touch. You can also use it for water games, as it does not sink.
Pros:
- Made of non-toxic materials and 100% recyclable
- Bouncy
- Bright colors make it visible anywhere
Cons:
- Middle part of the toy may turn out to be too thin for heavy chewers
The Tumbo Solo is a tugging dog toy that you can attach to a tree branch or other solid object for your dog to pull on when they’re energetic. Try to supervise them when they’re playing with it so the rope doesn’t get caught in between their jaws. If not, try to keep it as low to the ground as possible. Also available with zipline.
Pros:
- When used for tugging, the toy is highly beneficial to teeth and gum health
- Safe to use on trees as a bungee
- Doesn’t rip when pulled vigorously
Cons:
- No studs or screws are included with the rope for attaching to trees or walls
Indestructible Bowling Ball for Dogs by Dogifly
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M, L
This Bowling Ball toy will be difficult for most dogs to break. There are three holes situated on the toy, so rolling it for your dog to fetch won’t tire you out so quickly.
Pros:
- Great for interactive owner and dog play
- The holes are big enough to fit into the hands of anyone
- Can keep a dog’s attention for hours at a time
Cons:
- Although it’s hard to tear, there have been reports of some dogs that have punctured through the material
Best Interactive and Treat Dispensing Toys
GSPs are very intellectual dogs and therefore they prefer not just senseless running, but smart interactive games. In fact, most of GSPs are not prone to overeat. So treat dispensing toys do not control their weight, but more like a smart game with food reward in the end. We have selected for you Top Rated toys, most suitable for them.
Premium Choice
KONG Classic Dog Toy - Durable Natural Rubber - Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch
- Natural Rubber
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
This KONG toy is our Premium Choice in general and Best Interactive and Treat Dispensing Toy for many reasons. Its design, material and whole idea stimulates dog’s mental and physical activities. You can use it outdoors as a fetch and retrieve toy. Or as a chew toy at home. Simply stuff it with treats, add some peanut butter, freeze it – and your GSP will have a long-lasting puzzle toy and a slow feeding toy. Highly recommended!
Pros:
- Red color is for average chewers like GSPs
- Available in 6 sizes
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Make sure you have chosen the right color, as durability depends on it. If your dog is more prone to be a heavy chewer, a red one may be not durable enough. Better choose a black one.
GoBone Interactive App-Enabled Smart Bone for Dogs and Puppies
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M
Link your smartphone with the GoBone Toy using the brand’s own application to control the Bone’s movements. It’s battery-powered and will go a long time without needing a recharge. Try not to let your dog bite too hard around the edges of the bone since they’re much thinner than the inner portion of the toy.
Pros:
- Has a smartphone application that can move the bone automatically when a dog plays with it
- The battery will last up to eight hours without needing to be recharged
- The exterior is Nylon and dries quickly when the dog puts it down; slob resistant
Cons:
- The end pieces may puncture quickly
Chuckit! Breathe Right Fetch Ball
- Material: Nylon
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: M
Bring the Chuckit! Fetch Ball to the swimming pool or park to entertain your pet. The launchpad is fast enough to be used with two dogs if needed, and is very easy to clean and store.
Pros:
- Easily floats in water
- Can be bought in a combination of two to four balls
- Allows dogs to breathe while the ball is in their mouths
Cons:
- Lightweight may influence the throw distance
Hamkaw Dog Ball Launcher, Food Reward Machine
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: One Size
The Hamkaw Ball Launcher is a toy that can be used by dogs themselves since the device is short enough for them to place balls into the chamber without help from you. Great for on the go play at any time.
Pros:
- Promotes exercise in overweight dogs of all breeds
- Most dry dog food will fit into the reservoir
- On a flat surface, can eject the tennis ball forward to a distance of three feet
Cons:
- Comes with only one tennis ball
- The ball isn’t thrown into the air, rolling out slowly regardless of terrain
Best Chew Toys for German Shorthaired Pointers
Chewing is very natural for dogs. The chewing process itself acts as a self-soothing means, prevents separation anxiety and stress, keeps dogs busy and involved. Satisfy this instinct in a safe and healthy way, and both you and your lovely GSP will be happy. This way you will also save home from dog’s destructive behavior. We have tested different chew toys and selected the most suitable for German Shorthaired Pointers.
Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
- Material: Nylon & Real food ingredients (bacon, chicken, peanuts)
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
The Benebone is presented in different sizes and shapes. Their natural flavors of bacon, chicken and peanuts are absolutely irresistible for all breeds, and GSP is not an exception. They are good for their teeth and gums, safe and long-lasting. Highly recommended!
Pros:
- They are not for eating and durable enough
- Y-shape is easy to hold for a dog
- Keeps your dog busy for a long time
Cons:
- May cause allergy if your dog is sensitive to the ingredients
KONG Goodie Bone Dog Toy
- Natural Rubber
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: S, M, L
This Kong Goodie Bone has a convenient and natural shape for chewing. Special unique rubber formula is durable and engaging. You can also use it as a treat dispensing toy.
Pros:
- Good toy for small children to use for playing with pets
- Can clean teeth during play
- There are three sizes sold for the toy
Cons:
- May crack around the tip of the toy bone
Nylabone Dura Chew Axis Bone
- Material: Durable nylon
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
The Nylabone Dura Chew Axis Bone is a new design of Nylabone toys. It allows the dog to chew it safe from all sides. The textured endings clean teeth and massage the gums.
Pros:
- Natural tastes and flavors
- Easy to clean
- Soothes stress and anxiety
Cons:
- Choose the right chew level of the toy (for puppies, moderate, strong or power). If the toy is stronger than necessary it may negatively effect the teeth
Best Plush Toys for German Shorthaired Pointer
There are two main types of plush toys: stuffed and stuffing-free. Both of them are good for GSPs. They have entertaining, soothing functions, relieve separation anxiety, satisfy GSPs’ hunting instincts in fetch and retrieve games. Some dogs tear apart stuffed toys, make mess around, and even eat the stuffing itself which is not safe for their health. If your pup is one of them – better choose stuffing-free toys or allow to play with stuffed toys with your supervision.
Stuffed Toys for GSP
Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy – Plush Hide and Seek Activity for Dogs
- Material: Fabric Plush
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S, L, XL
The Outward Hound Toy has sound, along with interactive toy animals throughout the device that’s ideal for medium-sized dogs.
Pros:
- Made from plush material that’s very flexible, making it difficult to tear when bitten
- Built with hidden squeakers that make noise when squeezed
- A total of four sizes are sold, for people that have dogs that are variant in height
Cons:
- Difficult to clean and stains quickly
Outward Hound Hedgehogz Squeaky Interactive Durable Plush Dog Toy
- Material: Plush
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Your GSP can play with this Outward Hound Hedgehogz solo or together with you. A fetch and retrieve game will bring pleasure to both of you. It is durable enough. Squeaker keeps your pup’s attention and interest.
Pros:
- Soft and pleasant for touch
- Durable
- Minimal quantity of seems
Cons:
- May seem too noisy
Stuffing-Free Toys for GSP
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy - Fox, Raccoon, and Squirrel
- Material: Plush
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, L
The ZippyPaws is another plush toy that’ll keep curious dogs away from your clothing. Use it to replace old socks or other delicate fabrics that can be torn much faster than this product can be.
Pros:
- The animals are built with no stuffing on the inside, resulting in no cleanup if the exterior tears
- The fabric “hair” doesn’t come off easily and stick to carpeted floors
- Ideal for dogs that like to play with socks
Cons:
- The sizes run small; must be bought in a larger size than what’s advertised
CNMGBB No Stuffing Set Of Dog Toys, 5 Pack: Squirrel, Raccoon, Fox, Skunk and Penguin)
- Material: Plush
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: One Size
This squeezable toy will be loud for your dog but pleasant on the ears for you. They’ll come running for the instant that it’s heard.
Pros:
- The squeak is low for people but loud enough to get most dogs’ attention quickly
- Built to last; won’t tear early in its use
- No strong odors present in the fabric that would turn off any dog
Cons:
- May not last long with very large dogs
Best Dummies for Hunting Training for German Shorthaired Pointer
If your GSP is not only a family dog, but also a hunting dog and you train him for this purpose as well, see a selection of top rated dummies which will be handy for you.
Dog Bone Bumber Training Dummy
- Material: Rugged Heavy-Duty Firehose
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: S, M, L
Avery ATB EZ-Bird Training Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
SportDog Brand Plastic Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
Avery 2 HexaBumper Dog Training Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
Best Toys for German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies
Little puppies have special needs and require special care. It is of primary importance to select proper toys for your GSP pup. With their help you not only engage him, but build strong connection between you, develop his intellect, body and inculcate play habits.
Nylabone Puppy Starter
- Material: Nylon
- Functionality: Soothing
- Sizes: One Size
KONG Puppy Toy
- Material: Soft Rubber
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
KONG Puppy Teething Stick Dog Toy
- Material: Soft Rubber
- Functionality: Soothing
- Sizes: S, M, L
KONG Puppy Binkie
- Material: Rubber
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S
The Kong Puppy Binkie Toy is recommended for puppies and small dogs to help clean or increase the health/growth rate of their teeth. You’ll notice them going through dry dog food much better than before and grasping objects firmly when thrown.
Pros:
- Easy to identify the toy when used an outdoor setting
- Great for puppies to support teething
- Has space on the inside for dog treats and other small items
Cons:
- The hollow portion of the toy with the space inside is susceptible to punctures
Best Toys for German Shorthaired Pointer for Swimming and Water Games
Swimming is very important activity for all German Shorthaired Pointers. They are born to swim. Swimming develops their muscles, brings them plenty of fun and joy. Fetch and retrieve water game is something your GSP dreams about every night.
KONG Aqua Toy
- Material: Rubber, Foam Core
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: M, L
Chuckit! HydroSqueeze Bumper Dog Toy
- Material: Durable Rubber
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M, L
Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
- Material: Lightweight Memory Foam
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L
COLLAR Professional Dog Training Equipment Puller Plus
- Material: Special Non-Toxic Compound
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L, XXL
COLLAR Liker Unique Harmless Floating Lightweight Training Fetch Ball for Dog
- Material: Unique features of rubber - plastic – nylon – cotton compound
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L
It is perfect if you have a river or a lake nearby. But if you don’t, even a small swimming pool will brighten your puppy’s life. And the whole family will enjoy this game.
See Related Post: Best Swimming Pools for GSP
Buyer’s Guide
Benefits of Playing with GSP Using Toys
- Engagement
If your German Shorthaired Pointer is not a hunting dog, or even if he is – you can’t hunt with him every day. Anyway, active GSP needs minimum 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening of intense walks and games. And there is no better way to train him as to use different toys for different purposes.
- Increased Problem Solving Skills
Smart GSPs with good problem-solving skills have excellent coordination and a great sense of awareness. They’re more alert to visual cues, of which could be of great benefit when hunting, or game-hunting, before you have a chance to notice a game yourself.
- Promotes Bond with Owner/Family Members
No training will make any sense, and no order will be obeyed by GSP, if there is no bond between him and his pet parent. German Shorthaired Pointer needs this like no other breed. If the bond is built and connection is strong, he will read your mind and obey even before you order. Interactive toys are really a solution. Your active puppy will be happy to fetch and retrieve balls, plush toys, discs and many more. When a puppy is not left on its own, a new really devoted family member is born in the process of proper interaction. Involve your kids and other family in your games – a GSP is happy to play with everyone.
Important Features to Look For in Dog Toys for German Shothaired Pointers
When choosing a toy for your GSP, always keep in mind basic characteristics of this breed in general and your dog in particular. By nature these dogs like fetch and retrieve games on land and water, and interactive games which keep their mind and body occupied at the same time. Based on that pay attention to the following:
- Material
Most GSPs love rubber and plush toys. For rubber they prefer soft rubber with bouncy characteristics. Too soft is no good. Your pooch will end with it within half a day. It should be soft enough for light chewing during the game, not rigid that it becomes unpleasant for a dog to keep it. But it should be chew resistant at the same time. Soft durable rubber or silicone are the best. Plush toys are good both stuffed and stuffing-free. The more durable – the better.
- Safety
It is very important that the interactive dog toy is designed with non-toxic and safe materials. There is also a danger that a toy that easily falls into small parts (broken or destroyed during chewing) can be eaten by your pup which not good for health at all.
- Size
All dogs, and GSP is not an exception, play more likely with an appropriate size toy. It should be comfortably placed in dog’s mouths. Too big toys discourage their interest. Too small ones may become dangerous as a dog can swallow it by accident.
- Cleaning
All GSPs are very active. They play anywhere at any weather, including rain, mud etc. So the outdoor toys are very dirty from time to time. You can also stuff treat dispensing toys with food, butter and so on. And here you understand how important it is a choose a toy to be easy cleaned. There are toys suitable only for hand wash. But there are also suitable for dish washer. The producer always stresses attention on the fact if a toy is suitable for dish washer or not.
FAQ
What games should I play with my GSP?
All the same as GSP is a versatile hunting dog, it is rather universal in games. He likes fetch and retrieve games, water games, chasing balls or plush toys, interactive games are also good.
Can I teach my GSP to retrieve with toys?
If you intend to hunt with your GSP, there are special dummies to help you with. They are specially designed to imitate a hunting game and to teach your puppy.
Do I need an interactive dog toy for GSP?
Interactive dog toys stimulate dogs mentally and physically. GSPs are very intellectual dogs. They like to be encouraged and engaged. Such toys develop their mind and help to cope with boredom. We recommend using them.
Do I need to by buy special toys for water?
German Shorthaired Pointers adore swimming and water games. Some producers like Kong, Chuckit! have created even a special series of toys for water. Some toys have features suitable for land and water. A water toy should lightweight, not sinking, easy to see on water surface from the distance and easy to grasp being in water. Not many toys correspond with these features. So we suggest buying special toys for water games.
Summary
Finding a good toy for your dog must be an easy and pleasant process. There are so many good products being sold today that you will end up with something really perfect for your pup.
Some of the toys shown above can be operated by your dog alone. And for those that aren’t, the quality in materials is sufficient to last much longer than your used clothing will.
Pick the toys that you think will provide them the most enjoyment and they’ll become stronger and healthier faster than you can say fetch!
And remember – we are here to help you with your choice. So do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will answer them.
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