English pointers are popular gun dogs, but as family pets, they may not be the right dog for everyone.
The American Kennel Club calls English pointers "even-tempered, alert, hardworking, and loyal; a peerless hunting partner." These lovable but energetic dogs require time and patience for house training, as well as lots of outdoor space to run and romp in. Owners must also be ready for the dog's exuberant personality.
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English pointers, bred primarily as sporting dogs, are very active and easily bored,
according to obedience instructor Michele Welton, author of "Teach Your Dog 100 English Words: The A+ Dog Training Program for Good Manners and Happy Obedience.” If you aren't prepared to give your pet a lot of attention, patient training, and daily exercise, don't get a dog, especially an English pointer.
Although they're good-natured, English pointers are vigorous and, especially when young, prone to romping and jumping. They can easily knock down small children or infirm adults. Breakables should be stored away until the dog is thoroughly trained, and even then fragile items should be kept out of range of a happily wagging tail.
"English pointers were never intended to be simply household pets," Welton writes for YourPurebredPuppy.com. "Trying to suppress their 'hardwired' desire to run and work, without providing alternate outlets for their high energy level, can be difficult."
English pointers can be tough to housebreak, a process that may take several months of crate training. Crate training is also advised because the dogs can be destructive. "Bored pointers are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters," according to Welton.
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If you do get a Pointer, you'll need an enclosed yard where the dog can run and burn off excess energy, the AKC suggests. They are not good apartment dogs.
Under the right conditions, however, English pointers can make a good pets as well as gun dogs. They don't require much grooming and they get along well with people and other dogs, and can be trained to live with cats. "Pointers long to be full-fledged family members," says the AKC, "and early socialization and training will make that possible."
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