Hi all - long time hiker, about to become a first time puppy owner. We have narrowed our choices down to either a German Shorthaired Pointer or English Springer Spaniel (leaning towards the pointer). Before anyone offers better hiking companions, i thought i would also mention my son is pre-disposed to asthma and my wife wants a relative non-shedding dog. As for me, I'd rather not get a puppy that looks like a hairy hors-douvre or a walking mop...just my 2 cents!

I would like to hear some advice (what TO do, what NOT TO do) w.r.t. training a new puppy to be a good hiking/camping companion. Thanks!