How to Stop a German Shorthaired Pointer From Chewing Everything
German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, energetic hunters bred for endurance and problem-solving. With an energy level of 5/5 and a strong drive to work, these dogs often turn to destructive chewing when they're under-stimulated or bored—one of their most common behavioral challenges. Unlike breeds that chew out of anxiety, GSPs typically destroy objects because they need mental and physical outlets for their intense energy. Since they're highly trainable (4/5) and eager to please, they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement and structured activities that channel their natural instincts. This guide will help you redirect that chewing behavior toward appropriate outlets, prevent boredom-related destruction, and build a stronger bond with your pointer through targeted training and exercise.
Step-by-step
- 1
Meet the 90-Minute Exercise Requirement Daily
GSPs need at least 90 minutes of vigorous daily activity—this isn't negotiable for preventing destructive behavior. Split exercise into morning runs, midday fetch sessions, or swimming to burn both physical and mental energy. An under-exercised pointer will view your furniture and shoes as entertainment, so consistent activity is your first line of defense.
- 2
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys and Rotate Them
Offer durable chew toys designed for power chewers: rubber Kongs, Nylabones, or rope toys that you can stuff with treats. Rotate toys every 2–3 days to keep them novelty-fresh and prevent boredom. Make these toys more rewarding than your belongings by filling them with treats or peanut butter.
- 3
Use Positive Reinforcement When You Catch Good Chewing
Praise and reward your GSP immediately when you find them chewing their own toys rather than forbidden items. Offer high-value treats or brief play sessions to reinforce the behavior. Since GSPs are eager and respond well to approval, verbal praise paired with rewards creates a strong positive association.
- 4
Manage the Environment and Limit Access
Put tempting items (shoes, blankets, remote controls) out of reach in a closed room or high shelf. Use baby gates to manage where your pointer can roam unsupervised. A bored, intelligent GSP will find trouble if given the opportunity, so prevention is easier than correction.
- 5
Redirect Chewing Urges During Calm Moments
When you notice your GSP starting to mouth or chew on something forbidden, calmly redirect them to an appropriate toy with an enthusiastic 'toy!' command. Reward them for switching focus. Consistency and immediate redirection teach your pointer the difference between acceptable and unacceptable targets.
- 6
Introduce Problem-Solving Games to Stimulate Intelligence
GSPs are intelligent hunters who need mental challenges. Puzzle toys, scent-work games, and hide-and-seek with treats engage their problem-solving brain and tire them faster than exercise alone. A mentally satisfied pointer is far less likely to invent destructive games.
Pro tips
- Channel the hunter instinct: Use toy retrieval games, fetch drills, and scent-work activities to satisfy your GSP's bred-in prey drive in appropriate ways—this prevents the 'I'll invent my own entertainment' chewing.
- Set a predictable routine: GSPs thrive on structure. Schedule morning runs, midday play, training sessions, and puzzle time at consistent times each day; this creates mental rhythm that reduces boredom-driven destruction.
- Make the toy the reward: High-energy GSPs don't always need food treats—sometimes the joy of chasing, carrying, or destroying (safely) a toy IS the reward. Use this to your advantage when redirecting chewing behavior.
Frequently asked questions
My GSP still chews the couch even after 90 minutes of exercise. What am I missing?+
Exercise alone isn't always enough for GSPs—they also need mental stimulation. Combine running with puzzle toys, training sessions, or scent work. Additionally, make sure appropriate chew toys are more rewarding than the couch (stuff them with high-value treats). If chewing happens when left alone, your pointer may have mild separation anxiety; practice short departures and crate training.
Should I punish my GSP for destructive chewing?+
No. GSPs respond poorly to punishment and it can damage your relationship and increase anxiety. Instead, focus on prevention (remove temptations), redirection (guide them to toys), and reward-based training (praise good choices). Positive reinforcement is far more effective with this intelligent, eager-to-please breed.
How old will my GSP be before they stop chewing?+
While puppies naturally chew more during teething (3–6 months), destructive chewing driven by boredom or high energy can persist into adulthood if needs aren't met. With consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate outlets, most GSPs show improvement by 2 years old—though they may always enjoy chewing as an activity.
What's the best chew toy for a powerful chewer like a GSP?+
Look for durable, size-appropriate toys like Kongs Extreme (black rubber), Nylabone Power Chew, or West Paw Zogoflex toys. Avoid small toys that could be swallowed, and supervise until you're certain your pointer won't destroy and ingest pieces. Rotating toys and stuffing them with frozen treats keeps interest high.