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Miniature schnauzers love people and activity. They are great walking companions, they are fun to play with, and they are very willing to curl up on the couch next to you while you watch TV. It’s best to understand as much as you can about the breed as you train your miniature schnauzer puppy. That way, you can end up with a happy friend.
Since miniature schnauzers were bred to chase and hunt, they respond best to the praise of their master. They were designed to run ahead, catch mice, then run back and get praise. So they don’t respond well to physical punishment or yelling while training. For example, if you were training your dog to sit, use the treat-reward method. Give him a treat only when he does exactly what you want him to do. Say “sit” only when his butt is on the floor. And try to say “sit” only once. Saying “sit sit sit sit” only confuses the dog, and he’ll just stand there and look at you, wondering what he’s supposed to do.
Forcing the dog’s butt down with your hand may work, but another less forceful way is just as effective. Hold the treat in your hand and slowly move your hand above the dog’s head. As he follows your hand with his nose, he will naturally end up sitting. Then you say “sit,” give him the treat, and get really excited. Miniature schnauzers love it when you get excited, so go overboard with the cheering and praise. After several tries at this they’ll do what they’re supposed to just to please you. The main idea is to gradually stop using the treats, then only a treat every few times, then no treats at all.
Most dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom in the same area where they live, sleep, and play. Also, since miniature schnauzers like to be included in everything, it can be a mistake to keep parts of the house dog-free zones. This is negative enforcement to him and doesn’t typically work for this breed. When he does manage to escape into the living room, the first thing he’ll do is pee on something. To dog logic, this makes sense because it isn’t his space. It’s better to let him be in the same room with you and he will be happy and willing to please you.
The main thing with housebreaking a puppy is constant vigilance. If he disappears from your sight for one second, you’ll probably find him behind the chair pooping. If this happens, carry him outside quickly and use a command for bathroom—hurry up, go potty, or whatever won’t make the neighbors look at you weird. Keep it positive here too. Most dogs really don’t respond well to having their nose rubbed in it, and miniature schnauzers are especially this way.
Here is a preventive measure that works well for this breed. Every single time after his nap, after he eats, or after a good play session, take him outside. Even if it’s every half-hour. He will probably go to the bathroom right away after going outside after nap. Say the command word for bathroom while he’s going. When he’s done, get all excited and praise him and cheer excessively. Maybe even give him a treat. Pretty soon, he will understand that this behavior pleases you. It takes patience and diligence to teach this to puppies. You will have to work hard at it for at least a couple of weeks. But then it will pay off.
Miniature schnauzers are spirited and rambunctious. As puppies, they need to chew a lot and get plenty of exercise. When teaching him what is acceptable to chew on, keep it positive. Puppies’ teeth don’t hurt very much, but don’t encourage biting your skin. He needs to learn early on that this is not ok. If he goes after your hand or your shoe or the table leg, grab one of his toys and gently replace the thing he’s not supposed to have with the toy. Again, cheer when he takes the toy—oh, you got your ball!—so he learns what is ok to chew on. Work hard to teach your puppy to chew on his own things. But also realize that chances are very good that he will destroy something of yours at some time while he is learning.
Use the miniature schnauzer’s energy in a positive way. Treat balls are perfect for this. He chases the ball and gets rewarded with food or treats. These food balls can be the way they eat their meals. Miniature schnauzers are bred to work for their food. It really makes them happy to earn their food. This is not cruel; it makes him feel good about pleasing you.
A spirited dog like the miniature schnauzer needs to keep busy. Dogs that misbehave usually do so because they are bored. Think of your miniature schnauzer as a hyperactive child who needs to always have something to do in order to stay out of trouble. The treat ball certainly accomplishes that for the schnauzer. But give him lots of other exercise too. Long walks, running free in a safe area, playing ball, anything to keep him busy and get him tired!
Any dog can be taught to walk on a leash without pulling, but it’s a special challenge for the miniature schnauzer. The breed is notoriously stubborn. They were bred to go under growth and in holes to get their prey, so it is a naturally determined breed. They are easily distracted by the smell of a squirrel or other critter. A gentle lead collar works to help keep him focused while he learns to walk on a leash.
It may take a while to teach him not to chase that interesting scent. If you want your miniature schnauzer to walk with you without a leash or to respond consistently to your voice, practice in a safe area, such as a fenced-in yard.
A miniature schnauzer’s physical characteristics are a result of their breeding in history. The breed standard calls for cropping the ears. This is being done less and less. But the purpose was to help them run under bushes and growth without getting their ears caught. The distinctive schnauzer beard helps them pick up scents. The skirt, or long fur on their bellies, protected their skin in those rough brushy areas. While the historical reasons for these features are no longer really needed, they do give schnauzers a sophisticated, intelligent look. Incidentally, many more schnauzer breeders and veterinarians prefer the floppy ears now.
Miniature schnauzers don’t shed, so they are great for people who have allergies or who simply do not want dog hair all over the furniture. But that means you’ll have to have him groomed. In between groomings, you should brush his fur to keep the tangles and matts out. The same positive reinforcement works for teaching him to be brushed. The schnauzer’s beard is one of his proudest features. You can brush one side of his beard once, then give him a treat. Do it again, and again until you can do several brush strokes without a treat. Soon, he will come to love this beard brushing time.
Miniature schnauzers are loyal family dogs. They love to please everyone in the family. They want to be included, so involve the kids in training. Miniature schnauzers love kids and are pretty patient with the inevitable ear pulling and fur tugging.
A puppy socializing class works great for this breed. Any other way you can get your puppy together with other dogs and puppies will also work well. This socializing provides him with some great exercise, and it teaches him to behave well with other dogs you might meet on a walk.
Like many other breeds, miniature schnauzers like rules and boundaries as long as they feel they are pleasing their owners. They absolutely love attention. The work in the beginning will pay off. You’ll spend a few months of diligent training and be rewarded with years of a loyal companion and loving friend in your family.
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