Bringing home a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is exciting — and overwhelming. GSPs aren’t typical puppies. They’re athletic, intelligent, driven, and they grow fast. The gear you choose early can either set you up for smooth training or create months of frustration.
This starter kit focuses on practical, proven essentials for GSP puppies — not gimmicks, not fluff, and not things you’ll replace in two weeks.
All of the items below are widely available on Amazon and commonly used by active sporting dog owners.
What Makes a GSP Puppy Starter Kit Different?
German Shorthaired Pointers need gear that:
- Holds up to high energy and strong prey drive
- Supports early training and structure
- Scales as the puppy grows
- Keeps safety front and center
This list is built for real owners raising real working dogs, whether your GSP will hunt, compete, or just live an active outdoor life.
GSP Puppy Starter Kit Essentials
1. Durable Flat Collar (Adjustable, Lightweight)
Your puppy’s first collar should be simple, comfortable, and adjustable. Avoid heavy tactical collars early on — you want something your puppy forgets they’re wearing.
What to look for:
- Nylon or biothane
- Adjustable sizing
- Strong buckle or snap
- ID tag attachment point
This collar will be used daily for leash walks, basic obedience, and ID.
Primary pick:
Blueberry Pet Adjustable Dog Collar (Small / Medium)
- Lightweight
- Durable nylon
- Simple buckle
- Great for growing puppies
Alternate:
GoTags Personalized Dog Collar (Non-embroidered version)
2. 6-Foot Training Leash
A standard 6-foot leash is one of the most-used tools in the first year.
Why it matters for GSPs:
- High prey drive means pulling starts early
- Early leash manners save months of frustration
- Works for vet visits, public exposure, and basic commands
Avoid retractable leashes — they teach pulling and reduce control.
Primary pick:
Mendota Products Slip Lead (Small / Medium)
- Made in USA
- Durable rope
- Excellent control for training
Alternate:
BAAPET Heavy Duty 6-Foot Dog Leash
3. Check Cord (15–30 Feet)
A check cord is one of the most valuable training tools you’ll ever buy for a GSP.
Uses:
- Recall training
- “Whoa” foundation
- Controlled freedom outdoors
- Preventing self-rewarding behaviors
Start with 15–20 feet for puppies, then move to longer cords as training progresses.
Primary pick:
Redline Biothane Check Cord – 15 or 20 ft
- Waterproof
- Doesn’t tangle
- Easy to clean
- Excellent for recall training
Alternate:
K9 Tactical Gear Biothane Check Cord
4. Crate (Safe Space, Not Punishment)
Crate training is essential for GSP puppies. It supports:
- House training
- Preventing destructive behavior
- Teaching calm downtime
- Safe travel
Key features to look for:
- Adjustable divider
- Sturdy construction
- Proper ventilation
- Room to stand, turn, and lie down
A properly sized crate prevents accidents and builds confidence.
Primary pick:
MidWest iCrate Double Door with Divider (36” or 42”)
- Includes divider
- Strong wire construction
- Easy to clean
Alternate:
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Dog Crate with Divider
5. Puppy-Safe Chew Toys (Mental + Physical Outlet)
GSP puppies chew — a lot. Chew toys aren’t optional; they’re management tools.
Best types:
- Durable rubber (not plush-only)
- Safe teething designs
- Interactive chew shapes
Rotate toys regularly to keep interest high and protect furniture.
Primary pick:
KONG Puppy Rubber Toy (Blue or Pink)
- Designed for puppy teeth
- Durable but safe
- Helps with teething
Alternate:
Nylabone Power Chew Puppy Starter Pack
6. Training Treats (Small, Soft, High Value)
Early training happens fast with the right motivation.
Treat guidelines:
- Soft and easy to chew
- Small pieces
- Limited ingredients
- High value but not messy
You’ll use hundreds of these mini treats during puppy training — quality matters.
Primary pick:
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
- Small size
- Soft texture
- Easy to reward frequently
Alternate:
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
7. Puppy Food Designed for Active Breeds
GSP puppies burn energy quickly and need proper nutrition to support:
- Muscle development
- Joint health
- Brain growth
Choose a puppy formula from a reputable brand, not boutique marketing food. Consistency matters more than trends. Purina Pro Plan puppy is a great food for active puppies.
Primary pick:
Purina Pro Plan Sport Puppy – Chicken & Rice
Alternate:
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy
8. Puppy Training Dummy or Fetch Toy
Retrieving comes naturally to many GSPs, but structure matters.
A lightweight puppy dummy helps:
- Channel prey drive productively
- Build early retrieve habits
- Encourage play with purpose
Avoid oversized or heavy dummies early.
Primary pick:
SportDOG Brand Canvas Puppy Dummy (Small)
- Lightweight
- Encourages retrieving
- Easy to throw
Alternate:
Dokken Puppy Training Dummy (Small)
9. Basic Grooming Tools
Even short-haired dogs need grooming.
At minimum, include:
- Nail trimmers or grinder
- Soft brush or grooming mitt
- Puppy-safe shampoo
Handling paws and nails early prevents issues later.
Primary pick (nails):
gonicc Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Primary pick (brushing):
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
10. First Aid Basics (Prepared, Not Paranoid)
You don’t need a full trauma kit — but basics matter.
Starter items:
- Tick remover
- Antiseptic wipes
- Styptic powder (for nails)
- Bandage material
GSP puppies explore aggressively. Being prepared saves stress.
Primary pick:
Adventure Medical Kits – Dog Series Trail Kit
Alternate:
Vet’s Best Dog First Aid Kit
Optional (But Highly Recommended)
- Puppy clicker for marker training
- Car seat cover or travel crate
- Long-lasting chew for downtime
- Lightweight training whistle (later transition)
Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Start Right
You don’t need everything on day one — but starting with the right essentials makes raising a German Shorthaired Pointer smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
This starter kit focuses on:
- Training support
- Safety
- Long-term usefulness
- Avoiding wasted money on gimmicks
As your puppy grows, your gear will evolve — but these basics create the foundation. Hunting with your puppy? Check out Start here: your first season hunting with your GSP.
We publish field-tested gear reviews, training guidance, and safety resources specifically for German Shorthaired Pointer owners who hunt, train, and live with their dogs year-round.