Raising a 2 month old miniature schnauzer puppy
To ensure that you don’t have problems with an adult dog in the future, it needs to be trained as a puppy. When should you start training with your little friend? It will be better if the dog is trained from the first days in a new home, that is, at about 2-2.5 months.
First of all, decide on the baby’s place. The kitchen immediately disappears, the puppy will be too excited due to the constant delicious smells. The corridor is not the best place for a pet to rest. Constant drafts will do their job, the dog will often get sick. Moreover, during the first few months, bearded men taste everything, and close cohabitation of a dog with a shoe is undesirable for you in the first place. The most suitable option is the living room (if you have one), place the puppy away from the ventilated balcony and the hot radiator.
It is important that the baby has his own secluded corner. If he has done something wrong, the pet can hide from prying eyes in his nest. And they won’t bother him there and punish him.
How to toilet train a Miniature Schnauser? As you know, small breeds of dogs can go to the toilet and litter box, but in the case of a miniature dog, it won’t work! Even though he is small, remember, this is not a toy dog like a Spitz or Yorkshire Terrier. The dwarf bearded man goes to the toilet only outside. To prevent the dog from peeing in the apartment, during a walk, if he has recovered, reward him with a treat. He will quickly remember this and in the future he will ask for it himself.
Learning to walk on a leash. At 2 months, the puppy can already be trained to walk in a collar and on a leash. The pet will feel discomfort at first; your task is to distract him from the unpleasant accessory. Do not jerk the baby; you cannot force the animal to walk next to you. Play with him with something so that he forgets about the existence of a collar and leash. Over time, he will get used to it and stop pulling you in different directions. If your relationship is good-natured and based on mutual trust, you will not have problems raising a miniature schnauzer.
Puppy socialization . Walk with him in crowded places so that he gets used to extraneous noise and is not afraid to travel in public transport. The park is a wonderful place for walking together and meeting other dogs. It is very important to teach discipline to your miniature schnauzer at a young age so that you don’t feel ashamed of him!
Miniature Schnauzer: description of the breed, character of the dog and price for puppies
Miniature Schnauzer puppies are wonderful creatures of nature, beautiful and, in addition, smart.
If you decide to purchase a miniature schnauzer, it is better to take a puppy from a specialized nursery where experienced specialists breed the breed. Try to attend dog shows to interact with owners of similar dogs. When purchasing a puppy, it is recommended to decide on the gender of the future pet and the purpose of purchasing the breed: a pet or a handsome show dog. If you find it difficult to choose due to lack of experience, it is better to contact an expert in these matters.
When the puppies are released from the enclosure, you will see how similar creatures differ in temperament. The first will become interested in the newcomer and run up to meet him, the second will continue to mind their own business. It is often advised to choose an active and active puppy, without signs of aggression.
Miniature Schnauzers are square puppies, the puppy's head is not too narrow, the eyes and claws are pigmented black. The puppy's paws are parallel to each other, this is noticeable when moving. Check the presence and cleanliness of teeth.
The Miniature Schnauzer dog is endowed with a vigilant gaze and unshakable confidence in its own abilities - a very popular breed today. They rank 6-9 in the world in terms of purchases. The popularity is explained by the fact: it is possible to keep a miniature dog in a small apartment; the dog eats little.
The Miniature Schnauzer's height is 32 - 37 cm, weight 5 - 9 kg, the dogs are considered the smallest service dogs. Miniature Schnauzers have proven themselves to be excellent in searching for drugs and explosives. Dogs are often seen at customs.
The name of the breed comes from the word “zverg”, which means baby, and “schnauzer” - a mustachioed muzzle. The dog was created by crossing a schnauzer, a spitz and a poodle. The first dog was officially registered in 1898.
The Miniature Schnauzer dog breed is a full-fledged dog, capable of using all canine functions. The miniature schnauzer will become a reliable guard, watchman and good friend. Dogs love small children, love to play, and are active.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the seventh most popular breed in the world, and deservedly so. Over the years, he has proven himself not only as a wonderful companion, but also as a real service dog - and his small size does not bother him at all.
The Miniature Schnauzer breed was developed in Germany in the 19th century. It was assumed that these dogs would guard livestock and hunt rats.
- By the end of the 19th century, the breed began to gain popularity all over the world, by the middle of the 20th century it became one of the most popular in the world, and in the mid-70s it was imported into the USSR.
Breed Features
These are strong, despite their diminutive size, and proportionally built dogs. They almost exactly correspond to the model of large schnauzers, as can be seen in any photo of a miniature schnauzer.
The description of the Miniature Schnauzer according to international standards suggests the following characteristics of the breed:
- Height no more than 35 cm at the withers.
- Weight no more than 7 kg and no less than 4.5.
- The fur is long everywhere except the forehead and ears, on the limbs it is softer than on the rest of the body, and there is a “beard” at the bottom of the muzzle.
- The head is large, with a gradual narrowing and scissor-shaped jaws.
- The tail is set high.
- The shape of the paws is round, they themselves are short, with dark claws.
Acceptable colors of Miniature Schnauzer dogs:
- black;
- white;
- black with silver;
- pepper and salt;
- chocolate and tan (exists only in Russia, not yet recognized by FCI standards).
Chocolate and tan miniature schnauzers are allowed for breeding and some international exhibitions.
Character
A miniature schnauzer is by no means a lap dog! This is a very smart, brave and active dog that will regularly test its owner’s strength.
- Therefore, you need to pay great attention to his training - without this, miniature schnauzers behave poorly.
- But a well-trained dog will flawlessly perform any service entrusted to him, guard the house, warning of strangers by barking.
- Many of them are used to fight drug couriers at airports.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a dog that requires a lot of activity. He needs an active owner who has the opportunity to walk with him several hours a day, run and play.
It’s even better if you have the opportunity to take him to nature. There the miniature schnauzer feels great and usually settles into the surrounding area with interest.
Among the advantages of owning such a dog:
- Small size, allowing it to be kept in an apartment.
- It's easy to care for.
- It does not require special nutrition.
- She is in good health.
- She learns quickly and is very smart and loyal to her owner.
- During shedding, the miniature schnauzer does not fill the apartment with wool.
There are also a number of disadvantages to consider:
- A lot of activity is required.
- Miniature Schnauzers regularly test their owners' ability to remain in charge.
- Very jealous.
- They hunt small rodents, including domestic rats and hamsters.
- Trimming is required 2 times a year and regular grooming of the miniature schnauzer.
Based on this, you can decide whether you are ready to get this dog.
When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to:
- the color of not only the coat, but also the skin (if it is whitish, the undercoat may develop a color that does not meet the standards);
- body and head shape (without signs of dwarfism);
- behavior should be active, cheerful, without aggression or cowardice
We suggest you read: Raising and training a miniature schnauzer
You also need to monitor the general conditions of the breeder.
Grooming
The Miniature Schnauzer needs to regularly:
- Comb out (at least once every 2 days).
- Rub with a towel (after walking in the rain).
- Wash with shampoo (2-3 times a year).
- Wipe his beard (after eating).
- Pluck dead fur after shedding.
- Cut.
This will allow you to maintain the most beautiful and standard-compliant appearance.
Nutrition
The food is quite standard - dry food in quantities corresponding to the size of the dog.
You should not give her fatty foods or overfeed her - this is very harmful.
Training
- Training is very important when dealing with a Miniature Schnauzer! The most important period is the first six months of a puppy’s life.
- During this period, he remembers most of the commands and prohibitions, as well as all the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
- You should not allow your Miniature Schnauzer puppy to bark in vain or be aggressive towards people.
- You cannot beat a dog or intimidate it - you can communicate with it only under the condition of mutual respect and authority of the owner.
- After strengthening the primary skills, you can gradually socialize the dog.
- The optimal solution here is a trip to a dog handler.
These dogs are less prone to diseases. They may have problems with
- allergies;
- melanoma formation;
- thyroid function;
- eye diseases.
You should also pay attention to the diet - obesity is common in this breed.
Lifespan
Miniature Schnauzers live no less than other dogs - up to 17 years on average. And with optimal care, another 5-6 years can be added to this period.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a miniature, strong and loyal friend. This is a cheerful, active dog with an excellent temperament and a stable nervous system. It perfectly combines decorative dimensions and service qualities.
The Miniature Schnauzer translates from German as “barbel gnome,” or “whiskered face,” and the dog lives up to its name, being the smallest working breed in the world.
As a service dog, miniatures are used mainly by drug and explosives search services, in which the dogs are helped by their outstanding sense of smell and excellent intuition. In addition to its service qualities, the Miniature Schnauzer has well-developed hunting and guarding skills.
The miniature himself, despite his miniature size, is ready to loyally protect his family with all the seriousness of a large service dog. Or herd sheep - he can do that too.
The Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent companion, he loves children and will be a wonderful play partner for them. They are suitable for both apartment living and living in your own home.
Miniature Schnauzers are very active dogs and show good results in sports.
Like any dog, especially a service dog, a miniature dog must be trained, socialized and educated.
Miniature Schnauzers are very healthy dogs; usually, diseases begin to appear only in old age. But in terms of care, this breed is quite labor-intensive. If you want to see your pet beautiful, you will have to regularly cut it, trim it or contact a professional groomer, especially if you have a show dog.
Miniatures have only four generally recognized colors: black, pepper and salt, black and silver and white. In some countries, dogs of unrecognized colors are bred.
The breed is one of the ten most popular in the world because of its easy-going, cheerful character even in old age, its willingness to keep company and take part in any adventures of its owner.
The breed originated in Southern Germany. These dogs were used on the continent for the same purposes for which terriers were used in Great Britain - for home guarding and hunting rodents.
Presumably, at that time they were pinschers, smooth-haired and wire-haired. In the middle of the 19th century, wire-haired dogs began to be separated into a separate branch.
At that time there was no division into miniature, miniature and giant schnauzers; wire-haired individuals of all sizes were simply called rattlers, and later - schnauzers.
The record of the first schnauzer dates back to 1888. At an exhibition called “Wirehaired Pinscher”, it was first presented a year later by a male named “Schnauzer”, from where the breed took its name.
Josef Bertha, chairman and founder of the Pinscher Club in 1895 in Saxony, made a great contribution to the development of miniatures.
He began breeding work on breeding dwarf schnauzers and worked closely with the Saxon nursery Chemnitz-Plauen.
The goal was to breed a small companion who could live in small apartments and at the same time have all the working and personal qualities of a Schnauzer.
The theory about the selection of the smallest schnauzer puppies for breeding miniatures has not been confirmed - most likely, the blood of Affenpinschers, poodles, and Spitzes was used to produce a miniature schnauzer.
Despite this, there is still a rich variety of unrecognized colors among miniatures. In 1902, 14 representatives of the breed were already registered in the stud book of the Pincher Schnauzer Club.
In the first half of the 20th century, schnauzers spread throughout the world.
They came to the USSR only in 1974: these were three dogs imported by Grossman from the USA, but the main stock originates from service Czechoslovakian miniature dogs, donated by Czechoslovak servicemen to their colleagues in Lvov.
Miniature Schnauzer training and education
Dog training is similar to people speaking different languages and learning it together. There are several ways to communicate and train a dog:
- Teaching through gesture;
- Voice commands;
- Touching the body;
To obtain successful results in training dogs, you need to praise them. Dogs love to be stroked and caressed, they consider such signs of attention as praise. This is the main tool in raising an animal, especially if training a miniature schnauzer puppy at home is carried out without a professional dog handler.
Basic Rules
- Before training your miniature schnauzer puppy, make sure you understand everything correctly and don't make any mistakes;
- Do not feed your dog before training, on an empty stomach using treats, the chances of success will increase;
- If the puppy is tired, take a break for 5 minutes. The entire workout should last up to 40 minutes, no more! But for the first two or three classes, 20 minutes is enough;
- Choose a quieter place to train. After achieving some results, take him out into the public, train with other dogs;
- Each lesson should begin with active games, the puppy will love to play with you and you should take advantage of this;
- Sometimes pets may refuse to learn a new technique. In such cases, it is worth returning to easier exercises that he knows well. Praise him for his work with a treat and continue to learn the new technique;
- If you are not in the mood, do not start the lesson. Dogs sense human emotions and mood changes and absorb them well. As a result, you will not achieve anything, the dog will not follow commands;
Basic methods on how to train a miniature schnauzer at home
Gaming - the use of interesting games in training the dog. Most often, dogs like to run after a stick on the command “Fetch!”
Food reward is an effective method, used by almost all dog trainers. Using this method, it is easy to teach, for example, the command to sit. You just need to put a treat behind the dog’s head and in order to get it, the dog will need to sit down.
Mechanical method - used mainly when training on a leash. Most often used for the command “Near!”.
Imitative - carried out mainly in general classes. Dogs try to repeat the commands of other dogs. For example, the team - Voice!
To develop aggression - used in training to protect the owner or attack the enemy on command - Fas!
Basic commands that every dog should know:
“Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Nearby!”, “Place!”, “Walk!”, “Come to me!”, “Wait!”
After all the commands have been learned, the next phase of training should begin - grinding. At this time, all basic commands become automatic and the pet must understand them instantly. At this point, training a miniature schnauzer at home is considered complete; do not forget to repeat the exercises during daily walks. Below this text, watch the video on how to train a miniature schnauzer.
Miniature Schnauzer (Zwerg) training
The smallest dog from the Schnauzer family is no different in appearance from the Giant Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer. The same bearded muzzle with thick long eyebrows (schnauzer in German - mustachioed muzzle), a square body on strong paws, only in a reduced size (30-35 cm at the withers). But don't be fooled by his small stature. This “gnome” (this is how the word zwerg is translated) is a real service dog that will guard your family and guard your property.
Miniature Schnauzer: description of the breed, character of the dog and puppy, photo, price
The breed was developed in Germany by crossing small representatives of the Miniature Schnauzer breed. This happened in 1888. Miniatures were bred to hunt rats in stables and barns, for which they received the name “stable pinscher” at that time.
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Dogs of this breed are small and very active and agile. From German, the name of the breed is literally translated as “baby (gnome) with a mustachioed muzzle.” It is believed that the roots of this breed go back to the Middle Ages; I consider it young.
There are several versions of where the breed came from, but history agrees on only one thing: the ancestors of miniature schnauzers were miniature schnauzers.
In the form we are used to, the breed appeared in the 19th and 20th centuries in Germany. Breeders spent a lot of effort and time to achieve ideal appearance, temperament and performance qualities. Crossing was carried out with forensic, Affenpinschers, and syringes. In 1890, the breed was first presented at an exhibition. The new breed created a sensation among dog breeders and in the same year the breed standard was recognized.
Appearance of the breed
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, stocky dog with a square build, but very graceful. Very similar in appearance to the Miniature Schnauzer, only in a mini version. You may get the impression that the dog is disproportionate, but it is deceptive, everything about it is graceful. There are five acceptable colors by breeders' standards:
- Black.
- Black with silver.
- "Pepper and salt."
- Chocolate and tan.
- White.
The main characteristics of the breed are the following information:
- The weight of an adult is from 4 to 8 kg.
- Height at the withers is up to 35 cm, the size of a female and a male may differ within 5 cm.
- The body is strong, rounded from the croup, muscular, the belly is tucked.
- Cropped or folded ears (fit tightly to the head).
- The muzzle is wedge-shaped, with a rectangular beard at the end.
- The eyes are covered with thick eyebrows that require careful care.
- The paws are small in size with closed toes; the hind paws have extra toes that are removed at the age of several days from birth.
- According to the standard, the tail is docked at two or three vertebrae.
- The coat is very hard, this is a genetically bred trait; due to the similarity of the coat to wire, the Miniature Schnauzer requires minimal input in the field.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a compact and muscular dog with a very coarse coat. Everything about their appearance is designed for maximum functionality. The high front body is a feature of the dog's body.
It is thanks to this build that the dog can develop high speed and even gallop. The lifespan of this breed ranges from 12-16 years.
The animal's muzzle should slightly resemble a wedge, the muzzle is slightly elongated and blunt.
The eyes are medium in size, oval in shape and directed forward. The eyes are dark in color, the eyelids fit well, the look is always curious and lively. The ears stand high and are not erect. According to the standard, the front edge of the ear should be slightly adjacent to the cheek. Strong neck with well-developed muscles, convex scruff. The skin on the throat should be tight-fitting, without sagging folds.
The outer body of the Miniature Schnauzer has a sloping line. The back is short, but large and muscular. In cross-section, the animal's chest should be oval and wide. The belly forms a beautiful curved line and is toned. The hind and forelimbs vary in length and are set wide and parallel.
The miniature schnauzer has powerful and developed paws. As mentioned earlier, the fur of miniatures is hard and rough, but at the same time very thick. The presence of a thick undercoat and coarse coat will save the animal from the lowest temperatures in winter. The fur on the legs is short and soft. The hair on the ears and forehead is also short.
The most striking external feature of the miniature is his long eyebrows and beard.
There are a number of disadvantages that do not meet breeding standards, these include:
- Massive round skull.
- The presence of folds on any part of the body.
- Short and pointed muzzle.
- Long back.
- Ears that are too short or long and set low on the head.
- Soft, long and wavy coat.
- Brown undercoat or black stripes and spots on the back.
- Cowardice, nervousness, aggression and suspicion.
- Malocclusion.
Diseases of the Miniature Schnauzer are related to its activity. Therefore, as a rule, these are injuries to the limbs, poisoning or parasites.
Miniature Schnauzers have a weak liver, so they cannot tolerate fatty foods. During puppyhood, they can suffer from viral infections and intestinal infections.
Puppies are susceptible to many diseases, so do not neglect routine puppy vaccinations.
Owners of this breed may also encounter waterborne diseases and tumors, clogged hair follicles and the formation of cysts.
To avoid and prevent all these ailments, you need to have timely examinations and vaccinations with a veterinarian.
Nutrition and care
The coat of mini-schnauzers requires careful grooming, as it is long and hard, and is prone to matting. Miniature Schnauzer haircut is a necessary procedure for a pet. The animal should be combed at least 1-2 times a week. The procedure should be carried out using a brush with stiff bristles.
There is no need to bathe the dog; frequent bathing can lead to illness in the animal; it will be enough to bathe before grooming and as needed. Be sure to check the condition of the animal’s ears, nose and eyes; everything should be clean and dry, without discharge or redness.
It is necessary to trim the animal's nails and eyebrows.
A dog's healthy appearance depends on proper care. In general, the breed is not whimsical and clean; it can live in a small apartment, but you need to walk the dog twice a day, for at least an hour. Proper nutrition will be the key to the health and longevity of your pet.
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Miniatures cannot be fed from a common table; dry, balanced food is perfect. You can cook lean meat and fish, give cottage cheese, eggs and kefir. Since miniatures have a weak liver, they should absolutely not be given fatty, sweet or salty foods.
Do not overfeed the animal under any circumstances, since overeating will turn the pet into an inactive, lazy creature and not close to the cheerful and active mini-schnauzer.
Education begins from the very moment the puppy comes into your home. You must make it clear who is boss to avoid further problems. Raising a miniature schnauzer puppy requires strictness and attention.
Training will begin in a few months; you need to be strict but fair with the puppy; there is no point in shouting or offending the dog. But it is necessary to show who is in charge and what is required of the pet.
You can start with simple commands to bring small objects, this will be perceived by the animal as a game, and he will easily make contact.
The puppy may start biting or gnawing everything; such attempts must be stopped immediately, otherwise such behavior will bring a lot of trouble and resentment. At the slightest manifestation of aggression, you should immediately distract the puppy, shake him or spank him a little. The breed is very smart and cunning, so you should not promise and not keep promises.
Our favorite pet and family member is a miniature schnauzer dog, we recommend this dog to all our friends, because this breed is not short of loyalty and friendliness, but it will never hurt our family.
Katerina
Owners note good social skills and care for children and owners, activity and protective qualities of their pets.
We took our Zhulya with us to the dacha for the first time, she was then one year and two months old, so she brought us a mouse from the basement and boasted about what a successful hunter she was.
Victor
No matter how much we searched, no negative reviews were found from people into whose lives a mini-schnauzer appeared.
We got a miniature schnauzer a year before the baby was born and were very worried how such a compact dog would accept competition from the baby, but our Rich became the baby’s main nanny and still protects him to this day, and the child is already 8 years old.
Sergey
Miniature Schnauzer dog breed
Schnauzers are an ancient breed of dog bred in Germany. It includes several varieties that differ from each other in size. The smallest of them is the Miniature Schnauzer, which is one of the most popular small dogs.
The first mentions of miniature schnauzers date back to the beginning of the 18th century. At that time, middle-sized schnauzers were popular in Germany and beyond its borders. To get a smaller variety that had the same skills, appearance, and character, breeders mixed them with poodles, spitzes, and some other dwarf breeds.
The breeders managed to achieve the desired result. The first puppies appeared, which are a smaller copy of the Schnauzer. A problem was immediately discovered: the change in size affected the color of the quadrupeds. Therefore, it took more years to regulate the shades of wool.
The result exceeded all expectations. In 1888, the presentation of the dwarf schnauzer took place. Since that time, an official description of the breed has been recorded, which breeders still adhere to. The Miniature Schnauzer was brought to Russia about 40 years ago. Representatives of the breed immediately fell in love with local residents. Dog kennels began officially breeding the breed in 1980.
Description of the breed
The miniature size of the pet is complemented by a confident posture and graceful figure. Considering the exterior of the animal, experts determine it is attractive. Miniatures are among the twenty most popular dogs, which is partly explained by their beautiful appearance.
The breed standard is:
- height – 30-35 cm;
- weight – 4-7 kg (usually no more than 5);
- elongated muzzle;
- wide bridge of nose;
- strong jaws, white teeth, correct bite;
- the lower jaw is covered with a beard - one of the hairiest parts of the body;
- ears are triangular, pointed forward;
- round eyes of medium size, dark color;
- black nose;
- the body is elongated, the back is straight;
- paws are even, the front ones are slightly longer than the hind ones;
- The coat is hard and the undercoat is thick.
Miniature Schnauzer: character traits, training, care
This breed is not suitable for owners with a sedentary lifestyle. An energetic, cheerful, playful miniature schnauzer should be in the center of all events and actively participate in them. During a walk, the dog turns into an “energizer” and is ready to run, jump, chase pigeons, and play ball for hours.
He gets along with pets, but can be jealous of his owner. Don't let children "get" the dog, because the response may be aggressive. But the miniature bravely rushes to the defense of those he loves.
During training and education, he can be stubborn and cunning. But with the right approach, he is easy to train. He takes part in the process with pleasure.
Zverg leaves nothing unattended. Interest is expressed by loud barking and an attempt to sniff and catch up. Congenital restlessness leads to some difficulties in training, so it is advisable to take an obedience course with an instructor.
The peculiarity of the dog is the absence of odor and shedding, but the coat requires special care:
- Since schnauzers have a slower process of hair renewal, dead hairs do not fall out on their own and must be plucked manually. If this is not done, the growing fur changes its structure - from hard and shiny, it becomes soft and dull. Haircut is not an alternative to trimming. You can only cut the hair on the ears and temples, beautifully shape your eyebrows, beard, and trim your “skirt.” The first trimming is at 3.5-4.5 months, the puppy’s hair is removed, then, after changing teeth, at 6-8 months, then every 6 months;
- at first, comb your pet every day, getting used to the procedure;
- after each feeding, wipe or wash your beard with warm water, otherwise this beauty will turn into a greasy tangle;
- Once every month and a half, trim the overgrown patches of hair between the pads, in the genital area.
Attention! During the change of teeth, after ear cropping and each trimming, the need for vitamins and microelements increases. This must be taken into account when preparing your own diet.
Raising a miniature schnauzer puppy
From the first minutes of a small schnauzer's appearance in your home, forget about its size. Remember the rule: this is a service dog with the same temperament, character, and abilities as its large relative, the Risen. The special feature of the miniature is its developed intelligence. He quickly catches all the owner’s weaknesses, takes advantage of them and begins to “command the parade.”
To properly train Miniature Schnauzer dogs, you need firmness, just like in service training. The dog must understand who is in charge and who needs to be obeyed. A prerequisite is no force or physical punishment! Show leadership with intelligence and persistence. If the owner does not have experience in self-training, it is better to invite a professional trainer to the lessons.
As soon as the puppy adapts to the new place, start teaching him simple commands - “lie down”, “stay”, “fetch”, “fu”. There is no need to put pressure on the miniature, as with the German, or be delicate, as with the York. Choose the golden mean of behavior, praise more and express positive emotions. Algorithm of classes:
- They gave the command.
- They showed how to make it (they pulled up the leash, took it by the paw, and sat it down);
- Praised.
- They gave me a treat.
Repeat this several times until your pet begins to do it on its own.
Classes should be carried out at home, on the street, in the park and other places. The dog must understand that commands must be followed the first time and under any conditions.
To make it easier to raise a miniature schnauzer at home, he needs to clearly master the basic command - “stand”. This is training endurance and a useful skill for an overly active dog.
Training is carried out slowly, they begin to teach new things only after the previous skills have been well mastered. For a puppy, the duration of the lesson is no more than 10-15 minutes. The load must correspond to the age of the student.
Recommended courses for miniature:
- general training course;
- tricks;
- agility, freestyle, flyball;
- security;
- search skills.
We invite you to our canine center in Moscow for classes with an instructor, assistance in care and advice on independent training and education.
Choosing a puppy
It is recommended to start purchasing a puppy by examining its parents. As a rule, more attention is paid to the bitch rather than the dog. Before purchasing, experts recommend visiting an exhibition and observing the dog you like. Pay attention to her habits. Look how she acts
and how well it works with the owner.
Having chosen a representative of the breed, talk to its owner. You should pay attention to the conditions of detention: is this a kennel or does the owner keep only one dog? Where do animals live and what do they eat? All these factors directly affect the health of your future pet.
Miniature Schnauzer puppies begin to be weaned from their mother at two months. By this age, they are already able to demonstrate the rudiments of temperament. After visiting the nursery, ask the owner to open the enclosure. Let the cubs prove themselves.
Despite their external similarity, all puppies will be completely different. Choose an active and mobile one. The little miniature should show interest in a stranger. Under no circumstances should there be unreasonable aggression, as well as manifestations of cowardice.
Competent breeders, as a rule, select the most promising puppies from the litter. With proper training, such dogs grow up to be real champions. They cost more than others, so it is advisable to buy them only with a clear purpose
achieve success at exhibitions or competitions.
You need to select your puppy no less carefully if you plan to become a breeder in the future. Only first-class representatives of the breed are allowed to breed. Their ability to produce high-quality offspring is also influenced by previous generations, so you should definitely familiarize yourself with the puppy’s pedigree.
The external similarity of all puppies in the litter indicates competent breeding work and careful selection of pairs for mating. If half of the babies are related to marriage, then there is a possibility of transmission of low-quality genes from the bitch to the offspring.
If you are not sure about your choice, seek advice from a specialist. He will help you choose a puppy in accordance with your wishes and future goals.
Which gender is preferable?
Bitches and males have different temperaments, so when choosing the gender of your future pet, consider the following features:
- Males are more independent. Their appearance is impressive, but their character is cold and indifferent. Males do not like affection; they cannot be carried in arms. Males are characterized by independence and efficiency. It often happens that the call of nature is placed above the interests of the owner, so it is not always clear who is walking whom;
- Bitches are more disposed towards the owner. They prefer to spend time next to their owner, sleep on the couch and play with children. Girls are softer and more flexible. They get along well with other animals. Estrus occurs twice a year and is tolerated calmly.
Baby's appearance
When choosing a puppy, you should pay special attention to its appearance. Its appearance should contain a number of characteristic features
.
In addition to the requirements of the standard, be sure to pay attention to the puppy’s health condition. The animal must be active, have a good appetite and an attractive coat. The glossy coat and average body condition are an advantage. In no case should there be a bloated abdomen, malocclusion, or pallor of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Raising a miniature schnauzer is based on mutual work. The dog must learn to work in a team, but at the same time clearly understand who is the “leader” in the pack. The owner takes leadership and commands the process in any business.
The puppy should grow up with a clear understanding of who his owner is and with a willingness to protect that owner. To strengthen the dog’s persistence, it is necessary to periodically play along with it, giving in to training. Let the dog win one
and five stick battles. But don't do this too often. Your pet may think that you are weaker or more cowardly than him. When you lose on purpose, remain a leader.
The issue of leadership in raising a little miniature dog should be raised from the very first days. Any inappropriate actions, such as biting, must be stopped immediately. If the puppy has crossed the line, try to distract him. If this does not work, use an impromptu punishment: lightly slap the puppy on the back or snap your fingers in front of his nose. It is highly undesirable to use force, but you simply have to demonstrate your power.
If inappropriate behavior is not stopped, the puppy can grow up to be a “dictator”, and his outbursts of aggression can be directed at the household and the owner, which in itself will be dangerous.
The first training of the little miniature should be carried out in quiet, deserted places. In such an environment, the animal will be able to concentrate, and conditioned reflexes will be developed faster and more reliably established. Once the initial commands are mastered, they can be worked on in a more dynamic environment.
The main training course begins at the age of 8-10 months. Before this period begins, the owner’s task is to develop conditioned reflexes to basic commands (“fu”, “sit”, “place”, knowing his nickname). The puppy must obey without fail
requirement and in any situation.
Despite its miniature size, the miniature schnauzer
- not a decorative breed and requires thorough
training
. His ancestors specialized in protecting rural barns from rodents and did their job brilliantly. The miniature may be the smallest in the world, but it is a real service dog and will only obey you if you demonstrate to him your seriousness and consistency.
Raising and training a miniature schnauzer puppy
Raising a miniature schnauzer puppy is a most interesting activity for its owner. This is an opportunity to remember your dog breeding skills while training your dog, and also to be in a good mood all the time, since the Miniature Schnauzer puppy seems to consider everyone's fun to be the purpose of his existence. Whatever he does, he enjoys life and tries to cheer up the owner.
Training a miniature schnauzer at home begins with mastering such important skills as wearing a leash and collar, bathing, washing paws after walks and feeding. Puppies take a collar for granted; moreover, each of them usually arrives from the breeder in his own puppy collar, which he receives at the age of three weeks. While the baby is in quarantine due to vaccinations (and this usually lasts up to 2.5-3 months), a leash is attached to his collar at home and the dog runs around the apartment with a “tail”, getting used to the fact that something is attached to the collar. At the same time, it is convenient to catch the puppy by the leash and take him to eat. This way he gets used to treating the leash calmly and in the future going outside will not pose a problem for him.
Miniature Schnauzer: description of the breed, character, maintenance, care, photo
Most owners simply trim their dogs, leaving only a soft undercoat. Your Miniature Schnauzer needs to be brushed daily. The action will remove dead hair on the body, stimulate blood circulation and growth for new hair. Don't forget that your dog needs to be bathed periodically using special shampoos.
Raising a miniature schnauzer puppy will not be easy for inexperienced owners. It is useful for your dog to undergo a training course. The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed for experienced dog owners who can predict behavior and deal with stubbornness.
Experts don't expect any difficulties with training, but the dog's difficult temperament can complicate the situation. A restless temperament combined with disobedience sometimes leads to bad consequences - running away from home, damaging household property.
To prevent damage to the interior, show the dog your dominance and gain authority. They achieve their plans not with the help of brute force or punishment, but with intelligence and endless perseverance.
Where to begin?
From the moment a puppy appears in your home! A baby is much more trainable and will obey more willingly than an adult dog that is being retrained. At the first stage, training is closely related to education. To get started you need:
- train a small miniature schnauzer to use the toilet at home - he cannot be walked until the end of the vaccination quarantine;
- teach him to respond to a call and let him get used to the nickname;
- teach simple commands.
The Miniature Schnauzer is an active and intelligent breed, but they are jealous and willful, and should not be given any slack when raising . Try to develop the qualities necessary for your pet to respect you. The dog will listen if you are calm, fair and persistent. You can’t punish your child for not understanding you right away - gently achieve what you want over and over again. It is better to train a puppy in a playful way - it will be understandable to him and pleasant to you.
Character of the miniature
The Miniature Schnauzer combines two extremes: a funny appearance and a sense of self-esteem. This is a proud dog with high self-esteem. The power of his temperament can be seen in everything: his manner of movement, habits and barking. This is not a soft terrier or an indoor Spitz.
At first glance, it may seem that this is a cute couch dog whose purpose ends with wearing pink overalls. But when you meet him, you will be amazed at how different the appearance of the breed is from the powerful inner core of this dog. This is an ardent defender of his family, ready to rush at the offender if necessary.
This does not mean that the main character trait of the Miniature Schnauzer is aggression. This is a very smart breed, therefore a well-mannered dog will not get into a fight unless clearly necessary. The whole meaning of its existence is focused on the owner. This is the embodiment of loyalty and devotion. You won't find a more attentive pet.
Zwerg perfectly understands voice intonations, senses a person’s mood and instantly adapts to it. He will accompany the owner in any activity: be it relaxing on the couch or a morning jog.
In games, he does not refuse the company of other dogs. The miniature dog has a remarkable feature that is more typical of large breeds: he is not afraid of large dogs and treats small ones with respect.
The desire to act as a protector is observed in the breed from a very early age. But this quality requires careful cutting. In order to eliminate uncontrollable attacks of aggression in the future, the upbringing of the Miniature Schnauzer must be strict. Such dogs know how to obey, but they willingly do this only with those who are stronger than them. The owner must be an authority and leader in the “pack”.
The Miniature Schnauzer needs a lot of attention. This is a dog with enormous dedication, which requires reciprocity from the owner. Without proper attention and love, a pet can turn into a disobedient and aggressive dog. For peace of mind, the miniature needs constant satisfaction of the inner fighter and guard. Let him be your friend and accompany you.
Raising a miniature schnauzer is based on mutual work. The dog must learn to work in a team, but at the same time clearly understand who is the “leader” in the pack. The owner takes leadership and commands the process in any business.
The puppy should grow up with a clear understanding of who his owner is and with a willingness to protect that owner. To strengthen the dog’s persistence, it is necessary to periodically play along with it, giving in to training. Let the dog win one and five stick battles. But don't do this too often. Your pet may think that you are weaker or more cowardly than him. When you lose on purpose, remain a leader.
The issue of leadership in raising a little miniature dog should be raised from the very first days. Any inappropriate actions, such as biting, must be stopped immediately. If the puppy has crossed the line, try to distract him. If this does not work, use an impromptu punishment: lightly slap the puppy on the back or snap your fingers in front of his nose. It is highly undesirable to use force, but you simply have to demonstrate your power.
If inappropriate behavior is not stopped, the puppy can grow up to be a “dictator”, and his outbursts of aggression can be directed at the household and the owner, which in itself will be dangerous.
The first training of the little miniature should be carried out in quiet, deserted places. In such an environment, the animal will be able to concentrate, and conditioned reflexes will be developed faster and more reliably established. Once the initial commands are mastered, they can be worked on in a more dynamic environment.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with: Dogo Argentino character appearance education
The main training course begins at the age of 8-10 months. Before this period begins, the owner’s task is to develop conditioned reflexes to basic commands (“fu”, “sit”, “place”, knowing his nickname). The puppy must obey the request without fail in any situation.
Reviews from owners of the breed indicate that the breed is easy to train and does not require frequent repetition of a new command. It is advisable to consolidate the skill over several training sessions, gradually complicating the conditions in which it is performed.
The “disease” in raising a Zweig puppy is the dog’s habit of picking up various objects from the ground. The history of the breed is closely connected with survival and the preparation of food for future use, so the animal instinctively shows interest in edible finds.
Until the age of 3-4 months, the puppy should be treated gently. Even when trying to stop a certain action, physical influence should not go beyond light slaps or pressure on the body. You should not resort to such measures too often, as this may disrupt the contact between the owner and the dog.
Successful training of a miniature schnauzer at the initial stage requires training with the same person. Later, the dog will learn to respond to illogical commands from other family members, but only the “leader” will obey unconditionally. The owner must also take care of it.
Basic principles
Reward is an important tool for training a Miniature Schnauzer . When teaching your dog commands, have a treat ready and reward your dog every time he performs them correctly. Speak kindly - he understands intonation perfectly and wants to please you; this works to your advantage when learning. There are recommendations that must be followed from the first day of living with a puppy.
- There are probably places in the house that he is not allowed to go (like your bed). There should be no exceptions to this rule. If you are inconsistent in your prohibitions, the dog will notice this and conclude that the rules you have established can be ignored.
- You need to praise and scold at the right time - that is, immediately after the action has been performed (for example, following a command or, conversely, disobedience), before the dog’s attention switches. Otherwise, an associative connection between the action and your reaction will not be created.
- A miniature schnauzer , even brought up strictly, can be jealous or aggressive towards children and other animals. While he is small, this can be funny, but such behavior cannot be positively reinforced. If you show your puppy right away that you are unhappy with his impulsiveness, you will avoid many behavior problems in the future.
- Kids respond happily to affection, love to play and trust everyone who takes the initiative to communicate. This should not be encouraged. The main people for a dog are the owner and his family; It is important that she listens to you. It is better to instill useful habits in your miniature: for example, he will be happy to guard your bag.
When training a miniature schnauzer, consistency is required from you. Daily gentle exercise will give much better results than a one-time, but excessive load. “Repetition of what has been covered” is the key to successful memorization. If the dog has become inattentive and lost enthusiasm, most likely he is just tired, and you need to give him a rest before the next lesson.
Sit next to me, give me your paw
A basic set of commands can be taught to a puppy from a very early age (3-4 months). Miniatures are receptive and smart, so it takes a little repetition for the baby to understand what they want from him. Just a few daily lessons and he already understands:
First, you will need physical pressure to ensure that the dog performs the desired actions: when saying “lie down,” you will have to press on the back with your palm, and when asking for a paw, you will lift it yourself. But soon the puppy will learn to obey words, and your intervention will no longer be required. At first (until the process is brought to automaticity), after a successfully executed command, you need to reward him with a treat.
Important: the dog does not understand speech, but remembers a set of sounds. All commands must be pronounced in the same form - do not say “sit” or “sit down”, this will cause confusion.
Be careful with the “fu” command - do not use it unless you are sure that you can physically influence the dog and stop the unwanted behavior. He will not obey without the confidence that your “fu” is backed up by action. But “fetch” is a command that suits an active miniature like no other: he will be happy to bring you balls and frisbees.
Gradually complicate the training : if you started it at home , start going outside - first to a deserted place, then to a public one; As a rule, miniature schnauzers quickly adapt to new environments. But it is important to be sure that the dog will obey you not only in usual, but also in unexpected situations.
Miniature Schnauzers with good conformation successfully participate in exhibitions; if you plan to show, train your dog to stand . The pet must be ready to be examined by experts, without resisting showing its teeth and allowing itself to be touched. It is convenient to accustom your dog to stand with the help of a locking trainer, not forgetting to praise him for calmness and obedience and reward him with treats.
Description of the breed
The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed with the smallest build in the entire Schnauzer group. Apart from its size, the dog is no different from its large counterparts, for example, from the miniature schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer is smart, hardy and active. This is a very active breed, so owners must understand that such a puppy will not lie down on the couch and rest for days. He will need daily training and attention. With proper upbringing and proper training, a baby of this breed will become a faithful and brave companion.
An adult miniature schnauzer is a small dog with a strong, stocky build and a “square” shape. His appearance lacks the tenderness inherent in decorative breeds. This is a brave guard and intellectual of the dog world, a small but serious breed. If you're looking for the character of a big dog in a small body, go for the Miniature Schnauzer.
Breed characteristics:
- An adult animal grows up to 30-35 cm and weighs about 6-7 kilograms.
- The head is large, proportional to the body. The muzzle is well expressed, there is a massive and wide forehead. The facial hair is dense: eyebrows, beard and antennae.
- The nose is black, the nostrils are large.
- The eyes are mobile, with a dark iris. The expression of the muzzle is smart.
- The ears are set high. The breed undergoes docking, as a result of which the ears acquire an erect position.
- A strong, compact body with a slightly sloping back and a convex loin.
- The tail is set high. At an early age the tail is docked, leaving three vertebrae.
- The limbs are short, “cat-type”: compact, with round paws and strong claws.
- The breed's coat consists of two layers: hard guard hair and soft undercoat. The fur on the paws is thicker and longer. The decorative tufts of hair are somewhat stiffer than the main coat.
Regardless of the color of the coat, the miniature should have a mask on its face that is several tones darker than the main color. Acceptable colors of a mini-schnauzer:
- Pepper and salt. Uneven color in silver-gray tones. The back, tail and sides are dark in color. Lighter areas are observed on the inside of the paws, chest and abdomen. The muzzle is decorated with light tufts of silver-colored hair on the whiskers and eyebrows.
- Rich solid color. Black color at all coat levels. A deep color without any admixture of gray hair is required. It can be chocolate or black.
- Dark with scorch marks. The black body has symmetrical silver and tan markings. Markings are located on the cheeks, brow ridges, neck, inside of the paws and under the tail.
- Fawn tones with light undercoat. The color is uneven, with symmetrical markings on a brown background.
- Miniature Schnauzer is white. Pure white coat without markings. Let's assume a gray shade of the undercoat. There are spots on the skin.
Voice!
Miniature Schnauzers love to bark . This can be useful when the pet acts as a guard or warns of danger. If you think that the dog is too unrestrained, you can teach him to voice only in special cases using methods that are already familiar to you. Stop barking when it is undesirable (for example, on the street when your Miniature Schnauzer meets another dog), and during training, give the “voice” command, encouraging its execution with a piece of food.
...or just a click
Buy a clicker - this simple device will make your life much easier. The technique is based on positive reinforcement and was originally created for training dolphins. The clicker makes a clicking sound when pressed - your task during the training process is to strengthen the connection between the click and the treat. This way you will teach your dog:
- approach you on command;
- do not pull on the leash;
- bring things;
- carry out any commands and even tricks.
Since miniature schnauzers have keen hearing, to train using a clicker. The sound produced is quiet and short, does not mix with street noise and helps to develop a quick response to commands.
So what is next?
A miniature schnauzer , like any service dog, is suitable not only for home training ; you can safely enroll him in school . The school will not only improve obedience skills, but also correct behavior if you missed something, or the dog came to you as an adult and has gaps in education. Even if it is not possible to regularly visit a canine center, you can get advice from professional trainers - this will help you achieve mutual understanding with your little friend.