Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Training & Breed Information

Miniature schnauzer puppies are a sensational and most adaptable all round package. They possess a rare blend of energenic playful character, have a beautiful affectionate nature and an intelligence which makes them quick learners. Plus they have those distinctively rugged good looks and they don't shed!

When properly raised, socialized and trained a miniature schnauzer puppy is a pleasure to have in any household.

Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Appearance & Size

The miniature schnauzer puppy features a thick double coat with a wiry top coat which comes in the three accepted colors - salt & pepper, solid black and black & silver. The coat requires grooming approximately every 6 weeks and a good weekly brushing to keep the coat in top shape. A bath is also advisable whenever needed. As I mentioned earlier, the miniature schnauzer coat does not shed - which is great if you suffer from allergies.

When fully grown a miniature schnauzer puppy stands at between 12-14 inches at the shoulder - they are a beautiful sight.

Mini Schnauzer Puppy - The All Important Temperament

It needs to be said that the breeder of your miniature schnauzer puppy plays the most important role in determining the health, stability and temperament of your dog. A reputable and responsible breeder has the wellbeing of the breed at the forefront of every decision they make - they are not motivated by money. They breed from quality stock, carefully plan each mating and screen all dogs for hereditary disease. Your miniature schnauzer puppy breeder also has the crucial task of beginning your puppy's early socialization. If possible, always buy your puppy from a reputable mini schnauzer breeder - it may save you and your family much heartache in the future.

A well bred, well raised, socialized and trained miniature schnauzer puppy is a delightful animal. They are playful, feisty, protective, confident, stable, obedient, sensible and affectionate. It's little wonder that owners of mini schnauzers become so attached, devoted and loyal to this great little dog breed.

The miniature schnauzer features a long list of attractive qualities:

• Miniature Schnauzers make excellent watchdogs. They are ever alert, protective of their family and home and they possess a deep rumbling bark.

• Mini Schnauzer puppies display many terrier like instincts and abilities. They have lots of energy and courage and they love to chase after small game. Fetching a ball is one of a miniature schnauzers favorite pastimes (your arm will become tired well before your mini does!).

• Miniature Schnauzers certainly are a breed that crave and thrive on human companionship. They love to be involved in all family outings and activities (the beach is a favorite!) and do not cope well when left alone and separated for extended periods.

• Early puppy socialization is critical for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is to ensure they will get along well with other dogs. Miniature schnauzers can become dog aggressive if not properly socialized. Puppy kindergarten is a good place for this type of socialization, as is meeting other dogs on walks and on outings.

• Any shyness or viciousness is considered a major fault in a miniature schnauzer puppy. Avoid such a puppy if possible (and the breeder). If you've already got a puppy displaying such behaviors seek professional help from a canine behaviorist.

• Miniature schnauzers are generally good with children. Once again socialization plays a crucial role in this, plus the children always need to show respect towards the dog. Small children should never be left unsupervised with any breed of dog.

Miniature Schnauzer Health Concerns

Your breeder and Veterinarian are the best people to provide you with specific miniature schnauzer health care advice. Just so you are aware, I have listed some of the more common health problems that are known to affect miniature schnauzers (some of these can be screened for).

• Mycobacterium Avium Infection, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cushings Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Pancreatitis, Liver Shunts, Epilepsy, Skin Problems and Allergies. Plus there's more.

• One of the biggest health problems is largely controlled by you. Obesity can be a real concern with miniature schnauzers, if you are not careful they will put weight on very quickly. An overweight mini is susceptible to many health problems so please ensure that you feed a good quality diet and provide plenty of exercise.

Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Training

It's important to begin your training sessions as soon as your puppy arrives home - you can't start too early (it's never too late though either!). Miniature Schnauzer puppies respond best to non violent reward based dog training methods which rely on repetition, consistency and positive reinforcement. When you start your training early you help to establish good behavior habits in your puppy and at the same time will prevent many problem behaviors from ever arising.

I've listed a few training issues below that are specifically relevant to the owners of miniature schnauzer puppies - remember to keep your training sessions short, intense and fun!

• Miniature schnauzer house training is one of the first training issues you will need to negotiate. Most puppies are quick to catch on to the housebreaking process - as long as you clearly show them what you want from them. Pick out a good puppy house training schedule and apply it with consistency and you should get some great results with your miniature schnauzer puppy.

• Another training skill for you and your mini to focus on is learning how to walk nicely on a loose leash. If you don't teach this one early a miniature schnauzer puppy can develop a bad leash pulling problem - they are strong little characters!

• All of the basic obedience training commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel etc. are well within the capabilities of a miniature schnauzer puppy. They love to learn new behaviors and tricks. Give them proper guidance, and reward desired behavior and you will fly through your obedience training.

• Mini Schnauzers also excel at formal obedience, agility and dog sports such as flyball.

• Other behavior that you may be confronted with as a miniature schnauzer owner are chewing, digging and excessive barking. These can all be managed effectively using the correct behavior shaping methods.

If you plan to raise and train your miniature schnauzer puppy yourself at home I recommend you study and follow this comprehensive dog ownership package - Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Care & Training.