Getting a German Shorthaired Pointer was always on the cards for me. I grew up with two of them, and while both stories ended sadly, my memories of them are nothing but happy. They were loyal, intelligent, and full of character, the kind of dogs you never forget.
So when Steph and I talked about getting a dog, I was adamant it had to be a GSP. We’re active and outdoorsy, and I knew one would slot right into our lives. In 2019, we brought home Dexter. He was all long legs, floppy ears, and boundless energy. From the first day, he felt like part of the family.
Of course, at that point, we had no idea just how much our family would grow, or how our lives would change, when our daughter Darcey arrived in February 2022.
Preparing Dexter for Darcey
As soon as we found out we were expecting, I started thinking about how Dexter would react to a baby. He’s clever but excitable, and I didn’t want him to feel unsettled.
We did a few things to prepare him. The most amusing one was probably leaving little dolls around the house for him to get used to. Looking back, it feels a bit daft, but it worked in its own way.
Dexter didn’t need much convincing, though. From early on in Steph’s pregnancy, he would rest his chin or paws on her bump, as if he already knew something special was happening. Those quiet moments made me think he’d be a natural big brother.
The First Meeting
The day we brought Darcey home, Dexter was beside himself. He was wailing to be allowed over, tail wagging so hard his whole body moved.
We let him have a quick sniff and gave him a cuddle, but we kept a bit of distance in those early weeks. It wasn’t about not trusting him, it was about giving him time to adjust and keeping Darcey safe while she was so tiny.
Toddler Energy Meets Pointer Energy
As Darcey grew into a toddler, her fascination with Dexter went through the roof. She wanted to pull his ears, grab his tail, and crawl after him.
Dexter loved being near her, but he wasn’t a fan of being handled like that. He’d often choose to lie nearby and watch her rather than get involved. If she pushed her luck, he’d quietly leave the room.
We had to set boundaries early. Darcey learned that pulling or poking wasn’t kind, and Dexter got his own safe spots to retreat to.
Helping Them Bond
Things started to shift when we found ways for them to interact on Dexter’s terms. One of the best games was hide-and-seek with his treats. Darcey would place them somewhere obvious, and Dexter would “find” them while she squealed with laughter.
Feeding time became another bonding moment. Darcey would pour his biscuits into the bowl, call him over, and beam with pride when he came running.
It wasn’t instant, but over time Dexter started to actively approach her for attention. Every so often he’d give her what we call a “Dexy kiss”, a gentle nose nudge that always got a cheer from both of us.
My Favourite Moment
There’s one image that’s stuck in my head. Darcey was still quite small, sitting on the sofa, and Dexter climbed up next to her. He rested his head on her lap, she put her hand on his back, and they just stayed there.
No chaos. No noise. Just the two of them, completely at ease. That’s when I knew they’d figured each other out.
What I’ve Learned About Dogs and Kids
If you’re about to mix a toddler and a big dog, I can tell you this, it’s not always smooth sailing, but it’s worth the effort. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
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Start early — make small changes before the baby arrives so the dog has time to adjust.
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Give them safe spaces — somewhere the dog can go to switch off without being followed.
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Supervise everything — even if your dog is the gentlest in the world.
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Involve the child — let them help with feeding or games so they become part of the dog’s world.
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Celebrate progress — every positive interaction builds trust.
Why I Wouldn’t Change It
Dexter is more than just a pet, he’s part of our family story. Watching him go from a bouncy, slightly unsure dog to a protective, gentle companion for Darcey has been amazing.
Yes, there are challenges. Yes, we’ve had to keep a close eye on things. But seeing them together now, playing, laughing, and finding their own rhythm, makes all the effort worth it.
If you want to read more about creating a safe, happy home for little ones, you might enjoy our guide on Everyday Eco-Friendly Baby Care or our post on Creating an Eco-Friendly Nursery. They’re full of practical tips for building a home where everyone, humans and animals, can thrive.
