Picture taken from www.dailypuppy.com
Hello and welcome!
This is Sharda again with another wonderful Miniature Schnauzer Dog newsletter!
Is The Miniature Schnauzer Right For You And Your Family?
If you are looking for a small breed of dog that has all the characteristics of a larger breed, enjoys being with people and gets along great with children, has a natural keen intelligence and is relatively low maintenance, a Miniature Schnauzer may be just the breed for you.
Of course with every breed of dog, there are some considerations that should be made before deciding if that particular breed is right for you, and the Miniature Schnauzer is no different.
Many of the behaviours that make it popular and appealing to some people may make it less desirable to others.
By knowing as much as possible about the breed, you will be better able to make the decision of the match of a Miniature Schnauzer and your family.
TEMPERAMENT
The Miniature Schnauzer is shown in the United States and Canada in the terrier group, but it tends to not have a typical terrier temperament.
A Miniature Schnauzer should be obedient and friendly, without being timid or overly aggressive. If not socialized properly and from an early age a Miniature Schnauzer can become a very aggressive dog towards other animals.
They are known to have no idea that they are a small or miniature dog, and will growl and show aggressive behaviours to much larger dogs, which can sometimes lead to problems.
Taking the puppy to obedience training and socializing your dog with other animals can keep this problem from occurring.
Some lines of Miniature Schnauzers are more aggressive than others, so it is important to pick a puppy from a line that has the temperament you would like your dog to have.
Reputable breeders can help you with this decision, and can provide information or access to the parents to help you with your choice. Rescue shelters for Miniature Schnauzers will be able to talk with you about the dog’s temperament and how they interact with children, other animals and people.
TRAINING
The Miniature Schnauzer ranks in the top twenty most intelligent breeds of dogs, and this is reflected in their quick learning in new situations. This keen intelligence also makes this breed capable of learning who and what they have to pay attention to rather quickly.
They do love to please people, but they will learn whom they can ignore if not trained consistently.
A Miniature Schnauzer is very sensitive to any punishment or owner displeasure, and should never be disciplined harshly or yelled at. Generally a few minutes of being ignored will be all that is needed to alert the Miniature Schnauzer to your displeasure. They are best trained using rewards for good behaviour, and may become timid or cowed if trained using other methods.
BARKING
Many Miniature Schnauzers are more vocal than other dogs. They tend to almost “talk” which can be a very entertaining and positive behaviour, but can also be troublesome if you live in an apartment or in other close quarters. The bark of the Miniature Schnauzer is not a high-pitched sharp bark; rather it is more of a low rumbling bark.
If the dog is trained at a young age to stop barking on command this is rarely a problem. This training is easily accomplished by distracting the dog from barking and then rewarding him or her when they stop.
EXERCISE
The Miniature Schnauzer doesn’t require a great deal of exercise, but they do require daily walks or a yard to run in. They will do well in an apartment if walks are provided, and they have time to romp and run and get rid of their energy on a consistent basis.
As with all intelligent animals if they become bored they will find ways to entertain themselves, and these ways often involve activities like chewing or digging, activities that people don’t usually appreciate. Providing exercise, toys and attention to the dog as much as possible will prevent boredom and destructive behaviour when you are gone.
ATTENTION
A Miniature Schnauzer is a breed that does require human attention, and will actively seek it out. A Miniature Schnauzer is a very loving breed, and likes to sit on your lap or on the couch beside you where they can be petted and attended to. They are not a dog that likes to spend time by alone, and does best when only left alone for short periods of time.
A Miniature Schnauzer will often sit and gaze at their owners until they get to go out for a walk, romp, or get the ball tossed for them. They are not passive about needing some TLC, but give back just as much as they get.
A Miniature Schnauzer is a great breed for an individual or a family. The dogs love to be with humans, and enjoy learning new tricks and commands and pleasing their owners. By spending time with your puppy both when it is young and when it matures you will have a loyal and playful companion for many years.
Socialization and obedience training will help ensure that the dog is well behaved both at home and in other environments, and will prevent the Miniature Schnauzer from becoming overly aggressive or possessive of its home and family. An excellent watchdog, the barking behaviour can be controlled with consistent training and positive rewards.
The natural intelligence of the Miniature Schnauzer makes it easy to train and with all people interacting with the dog using the same commands and having the same expectations a great relationship can begin.
I Hope I have assisted you enough in today’s Miniature Schnauzer newsletter.
Thanks,
Sharda Baker