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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. The best toys for German Shorthaired Pointer should have these features.
Toys tested by our GSP
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.
When the weather is warm, take your pup out to a place where he can also swim. Your GSP will be the happiest dog ever! He will swim after a ball or a dummy and retrieve it.
Author’s Choice | KONG Squeezz Bone Dog Toy
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|---|---|---|
People’s Choice | KONG Ball Dog Toy
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Premium Choice | KONG Classic Dog Toy
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Best Plush Toy | Best Pet Supplies Stuffless Squeaky Wild Duck
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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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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.
The Kong Squeezz Bone Dog Toy is our Best Choice for many reasons. Among all Squeezz series Kong toys Bone 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!
The KONG 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.
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.
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.
Bring the Chuckit! Ultra Ball to the swimming pool or park to entertain your pet. The launch is fast enough, the ball is very easy to clean and store.
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 inside a toy in the end. We have selected for you Top Rated toys, most suitable for them.
Premium Choice
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 for toys, add some peanut butter, freeze it – and your GSP will have a long-lasting puzzle toy and a slow feeding toy. Highly recommended!
The Trixie Move-2-Win Puzzle Feeder is available in 4 levels of difficulty and several designs. Beagles are clever enough to overcome Level 3 as a start. By opening drawers with the help of loops and moving a pin in different directions, your dog is engaged in a challenging game of getting the treats out.
The All For Paws Dog Ball Launcher is an interactive dog toy that allows your furry friend to play fetch even when you’re not home. This automatic launcher functions as a perfect throwing toy, which can train your pet’s patience and consistency, as well as develop their intelligence. The launcher can throw balls to 3 different distances, and you can choose from three different preset launch angles to set the perfect throwing distance for your surroundings. The package includes 3pcs 2.5’’ non-abrasive felt dog tennis balls, which won’t wear down your dog’s teeth and are easy to clean. The Air-Hollow Core makes the dog balls have a longer shelf life.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The Fluff & Tuff Wally Mallard is a supreme combination of a plush toy, clear sound squeaky toy ant close to natural duck size, arising your GSP’s pup continues interest and desire to play.
The Outward Hound Toy has sound, along with interactive toy animals throughout the device that’s ideal for medium-sized dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Nylabone Puppy Power Chew Teething Rings are designed to provide a safe and satisfying chew experience for puppies during their teething phase. These rings come in a variety pack, with flavors such as chicken and bacon, making them irresistible to puppies. They are also made with durable nylon material, able to withstand the strong jaws of a teething puppy.
The KONG Puppy toy is a soft rubber treat-dispensing puzzle toy designed for growing puppies. It is customized for a puppy’s baby teeth and gums, making it gentle yet long-lasting. This toy helps satisfy instinctual needs and provides mental stimulation, helping to solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging, and barking.
The Kong Puppy Teething Stick is a great option for new puppy owners looking to help their furry friend through the teething process. The unique design of this toy includes exclusive denta ridges that gently clean teeth and soothe sore gums when chewed. This makes it extra-effective and fun for your puppy to play with. Additionally, the toy has grooves on the inside that can hold a treat, making it an easy and fun way to keep your puppy entertained.
Kong Puppy Binkie Toy is a cute and fun training toy for puppies. Its unique design provides relief for teething puppies and offers a fun and unpredictable bounce for playtime. However, the colors of the toy may vary and it may not be as durable as other toys.
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.
The DogBone Firehose Training Dummy is a durable and versatile training tool designed to help dogs learn how to retrieve birds or other objects. Made with rugged, heavy-duty firehose, it is light, durable, and perfect for throwing into the lake, pool, or marshlands. The dummy features a poly firehose case for added strength and resilience, and a buoyant granulated cork core that is water-resistant and floats. The handle on the dummy allows for it to be tossed further with less effort, making it ideal for water work. The perfect size for puppies and small breeds, it is proudly made in the USA for superior durability and reliability.
The Avery ATB EZ-Bird Training Dummy is a mallard-shaped dummy designed for training hunting dogs. It is made from durable, non-toxic materials and features a flexible, lifelike design for realistic training scenarios.
You can choose between such birds as: Pheasant, Green-winged teal, Mallard, Mallard-flasher, Mourning dove, Pintail, Teal-flasher, Wigeon, Wood duck.
The SportDOG Brand Plastic Dummy is a versatile training tool for sporting dogs, designed to be tough yet soft and floatable. Made with BPA-free material, it comes in two sizes (regular and jumbo) and three colors (white, 50/50 black and white, and orange) to suit different training needs. It features knobs to prevent hard mouth and a valve to adjust the weight or firmness of the dummy with air or water. As a brand, SportDOG is known for designing products that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and is a leader in the electronic tracking and training categories.
The Avery Sporting Dog Hex Bumper Training Dummy is a versatile and durable tool for developing retrievers. The alternating panels create a strobe effect that is visible to dogs on most backgrounds, making it perfect for mark training. The hexagonal shape eliminates many of the disadvantages of traditional round bumpers and holds up to the daily routines of pro trainers. Available in 2″ and 3″ diameter sizes, these bumpers are great for normal training with large dogs, and training the retrieve for young and small dogs. They are also ideal for preparing for field trials and hunt tests, and conditioning dogs for real ducks. However, it is important to note that no toy is 100% indestructible and it’s always recommended to supervise your dog when playing with toys and periodically inspect them for damage.
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 Wet Wubba Dog Toy is a high-floating toy that is perfect for water and snow. It is covered with easy-to-see neoprene (wetsuit fabric) that makes it easy for dogs to spot and play with in the water. It dries quickly after playtime so it can be used as a tug and toss toy anytime. It comes in three different colors: Orange, Green and Yellow.
The KONG Aqua Toy is a water retrieval toy that supports fun and exercise both in and out of the water. It is designed with a foam core that makes it float easily in water and its bright neon color makes it easy to find. The rope attached to the toy also helps you to throw the Aqua further to ensure healthy exercise and interactive play with your dog. The toy is available in medium size for dogs weighing between 15-35 lbs (7-16 kg) and large size for dogs weighing between 30-65 lbs (13-30 kg). Power chewers may need to increase one or two sizes or try the KONG Extreme. The toy is made in the USA using globally sourced materials.
The Chuckit! HydroSqueeze Bumper Dog Toy is a lightweight and textured dog toy perfect for pool, lake, and beach play. The inner bumper is hyper-absorbent and releases water when squeezed for maximum hydration. The toy is wrapped in polyester and has a TPR outer shell, with foam that absorbs water and allows for a controlled release when pressure is applied. Bumpers are traditionally used as fetch training devices and this toy has a larger surface area than a ball, making it easy for dogs to grab onto.
The Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Dog Toy is a fun and durable toy designed for water-loving dogs. Its EVA foam core creates buoyancy, making it perfect for fetching at the pool or beach. The toy features high-visibility colors, making it easy to spot in tall grass or on water. The knotted rope handle allows pet parents to direct throws with ease, and the nylon and rubber exterior is resistant to dirt and slobber, making it easy to clean.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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