Getting a GSP this spring

[trasmuson3]

From what i have experienced with GSP's is that they are very vocal. Are they more vocal than the other versatile breeds? Is it something that can be broke easily with a bark collar? I'm planning on getting a GSP this spring but two things concern me... I have heard they are very vocal, and that they are excellent escape artists. Are these things true?

[TraditionsGSPs2010]

I think you have been lead to believe something that is no more true than stating red cars get pulled over more by the police. It depends on what you do with them. I would not worry about bark collars until I find out I have a dog that barks too much any more than I would worry about having a lawyer on retainer when you buy a red vet. I think the same can be said about them being escape artists.

[ultracarry]

Ha ha. Certain dogs in a pedigree can enhance your chances of having a vocal one...

[birddogger]

From what i have experienced with GSP's is that they are very vocal. Are they more vocal than the other versatile breeds? Is it something that can be broke easily with a bark collar? I'm planning on getting a GSP this spring but two things concern me... I have heard they are very vocal, and that they are excellent escape artists. Are these things true?

This could be said about certain dogs of almost any breed. There is a lot differences within the breed. Some are vocal and very good escape artists and some are quiet and easy keepers. I currently have three and only one is somewhat vocal but that is being taking care of. None of them are escape artists. You need to find out what the parents are like....Some bad habits are genetic and some are man made.

Charlie

[AzDoggin]

..Some bad habits are genetic and some are man made.

Charlie

Truth. And the way man handles the genetic ones makes a difference, too.

[JIM K]

GSP i see in kennels at campo,are always barking.
that is disturbing to me.
other breeds bark too but you asked what i SAW .

[DonF]

Most dogs in kennels bark, they are bored. I had about ten shorthairs and pointer's here at one time and they only barked if something was wrong. Escape artist? In my experience, yes! When Duke first got here, I put him in a kennel with 6' fence. He went over the top. My old Hannah figured out how to slip her collar and if shut in the back of the pickup, could slide open the canopy window and jump out. You'll love you shorthair. They really are a blast and very smart!

[Grousewing]

IMO barking is nothing to do with the breed when it comes to pointing dogs. I have had setters, shorthairs and pointers and some are barkers in the kennels are others aren't, same goes for escape artist. I really believe any dog will become a nuisance barker when left in the kennel for any length of time.

[birddogger]

And any dog may become an escape artist if you don't take the proper precautions.

Charlie

[Ryman Gun Dog]

ytrnsmusen3,
It all depends on the line you purchase from, I had a DK dog who was almost completely silent and several Ryman Setters who talk all the time. Talking is not a GSP only trait, in runs in different breed lines. It can be controlled by training however, sometimes it can be a pain, especially if the dog likes to bark and talk at every little noise.
RGD/Dave

[MN Bonasa]

I had some of the same concerns when I got my first GSP this spring and found out mine only barks when she wants to tell me something. So, usually woof... woof... means I need to poop so bring me outside to poop thank you very much! Then really isn't that vocal at all. However she will bark when someones at the door, and I actually like that. If its a stranger at the door they might think their is a vicious dog at home. My dogs a inside house dog so can't comment on the escape artist thing yet, but eventually she will spend a few hours in an outside kennel once I get it finished.

[reba]

Vocal in a GSP does not mean it barks a lot.

It means they talk or sing at times to express themselves.

I think it is very charming.

[markj]

My shorthairs seldom bark while in the kennel. I took a hose and turned it on em if the ybarked for no reason, shut em up good. Now if someone is out there they will sound off. My brothers dog will bark at the wind