Bringing home a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is one of life’s greatest adventures — but even the most well-meaning new owners can stumble into a few common mistakes early on.
At Fernwood Pointers, we believe in setting you and your puppy up for success from day one.
Here are the top mistakes we see — and how to avoid them for a smoother, happier start.
1. Inconsistent Routines
Puppies thrive on structure. Without a clear daily routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and sleep, puppies can quickly become confused, anxious, and harder to train.
Avoid it:
Start day one with a simple, consistent schedule. Keep wake-up times, meals, potty trips, and bedtime roughly the same each day.
Consistency builds confidence — and trust.
2. Skipping Early Training
It’s easy to think “I’ll train them later when they’re bigger,” but training starts the moment your puppy comes home.
Even basic commands and good manners should be gently introduced right away.
Avoid it:
Use short, positive reinforcement training sessions daily. Focus on fun, not perfection — and celebrate small wins!
Early effort = easier teenage and adult stages later.
3. Not Prioritizing Socialization
Socialization isn’t just exposure — it’s about creating positive early experiences.
Missing the critical window between 3–16 weeks can lead to fearfulness, anxiety, or aggression later on.
Avoid it:
Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, pets, sounds, textures, and environments — safely and positively — as early and often as possible.
4. Too Much Freedom Too Soon
Giving a young puppy unsupervised free run of the house is a recipe for accidents, chewing, and frustration.
Avoid it:
Set clear boundaries using crates, playpens, and baby gates. Supervise and gradually expand their access to new areas as they earn trust.
Freedom is earned through maturity — not given all at once.
5. Expecting Perfection
Your puppy will make mistakes — it’s part of learning! Expect accidents, chewed shoes, and a few broken rules here and there.
Avoid it:
Stay patient, redirect calmly, and focus on progress, not perfection.
A good sense of humor and lots of love go a long way.
Helping You and Your Puppy Start Strong
At Fernwood Pointers, we’re committed to raising confident, well-prepared puppies — and giving their new families the tools to continue that journey with success.
Avoiding these common first-time mistakes can make the difference between a rocky start and a strong, joyful bond that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to learn more about bringing home a Fernwood Pointer puppy? Contact us today!
