Congratulations on getting a German short haired pointer. I would love to tell you that it is known as a naturally hunting dog. They are blessed with an instinct to point through smell waterfowl. You must know that they have soft mouths. It can retrieve the fallen waterfowl and even point it out for you. Here are certain steps that would help you to make your pointer learn to hunt.
1. Initially, train it about the obedience commands. Start with commands such as sit, stay and heel. This will inculcate the habit in it t listen to you.
2. It is important to make it learn to come when called. The best way for this is to tie a lead to your pointer, and then call her gently pulling on her lead. It would be great if you reward it when she comes.
3. Instruct it to walk beside you instead of in front. This would ensure that it stays by your side during the hunt.
4. After this, gradually begin to take it out into the field. This would enable it to pick up the scent of pheasants. If he locates some waterfowl, don't let him chase. Let it learn to point initially.
5. Try to play fetch to teach him how to retrieve waterfowl. Rub the scent of a deceased duck and throw it.
It is important to expose it to the sound of a gun. Once it gets accustomed to the gunshot, use a partner to throw up decoys. Train your pointer to fetch it and bring it back to you. You can refer to a book named How to help gun dogs train themselves to know other effective ways to train it.
