Temperament
Is a Portuguese Pointer a good family dog?
The Portuguese Pointer is deeply attached to his family. Do not be surprised if he frequently seeks attention and asks for head pats.
His extremely affectionate nature also has its downsides. This makes the Portuguese Pointer prone to developing separation anxiety. Thus, make sure at least one family member stays with him throughout the day.
When it comes to meeting strangers, the Portuguese Pointer dog can be quite shy at first. Once he becomes comfortable being around new faces, his friendly and playful self will shine through.
Due to his friendly nature towards strangers, he is not the best choice for a guard dog. However, if the Portuguese Pointer senses an intruder, he will let out a bark to deter the threat and alert his family. With training, he can easily identify a threat.
To ensure that he behaves properly in different situations, introduce him to proper socialisation during puppyhood. Expose him to different environments, scents, smells, and people. This will mould him into a well-behaved dog with a keen eye.
The Portuguese Pointer’s gentleness makes him a great companion for children. Whilst he is a non-aggressive dog, adult supervision is still a must. This is to prevent accidents such as your dog unintentionally knocking down children due to high excitement.
Children should also learn the importance of gently handling pets. Teach them not to pull their dog’s tail and ears or pet them roughly.
The Portuguese Pointer can get along with other pets as well. Proper socialisation and introduction of both pets will help them become accustomed to each other. Their interaction needs supervision, especially if the other pet is a small animal.
The Portuguese Pointer dog tends to chase and nip at the heels of anything that moves. This trait can be curbed through consistent training.
Intelligence
Is a Portuguese Pointer easy to train?
When it comes to training, the Portuguese Pointer is eager to please his owner. This makes him a quick learner and very easy to train. Firm and consistent training help in motivating him to do his best.
Never apply harsh methods and punishment as it can lead him to lose his trust in you. Use positive reinforcement instead. Rewarding him with tasty treats, encouraging praises, and fun games will boost his motivation to learn new commands.