Hi, Can I just start buy saying what a great site this is.  I have used it loads for reference over the last few months to help with my decision on which breed would suit our family the best.

We decided on a  miniture Schnauzer which will be picked up next Friday and will start it's new life with us then.  We're all really excited but to be honest I'm now starting to get a bit anxious about it.  I have absolutely no second thoughts about it but I am worried that I won't know what to do!?!?  I have had 2 children and I know there isn't an instruction manual for them but a mothers instict takes over.  I know it sounds ridiculous but will the same thing happen with the puppy?  Will i automatically know what to do?? 

I am assuming that the breeder will give me some details on how she's progressed and which stage she's at ie when she's eating, if she's stated toilet training?

She has already told me what food she is giving and this is "Natural Lifestage Puppy".  It appears hard to come by, i can order it on the internet or shall I try and get her to eat something that I can pick up easier?

Exciting times ahead, I know!  Any advice or help greatly appreciated

Many thanks :rolleyes:

Sarah x

First of all, congrats on your new puppy :)

If you want to change the food please don't do it for the first week. Give the puppy time to get used to its new surroundings. Then start by giving it a little of its new food mixed in with the old. Gradually change it over a few days until you are on the new food. Personally, though, I prefer to keep the pup on the original food unless it is very difficult to get, or the pups own digestive system doesn't quite agree with it.

As to not knowing what to do, if you have managed a couple of kids then it should all come quite easy for you, so long as your kids are well behaved ;) Any problems just ask on here, there will be someone around to help. Good luck. :D

Two good books to read if you haven't already had a look at them are; 'Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey and 'Before and After you get your Puppy' buy Dr Ian Dunbar. I suggest those to my new puppy owners of the largest variety of your breed! Good Luck and enjoy!

Congratulations on your new puppy.

I'll second the recommendation for these two books. Remember to reward the behaviour you want and ignore the behaviour you don't. Be consistent and make sure your puppy knows it can trust you and is safe with you. You'll be fine. :)

I like your user name, :)

What breed do you keep.

I should have said your user name Mud Mops. What breed do you keep. :)

How exciting for you. There's lots of new puppy owners on here who will asking the same question, so follow the forum if you need to know anything or ask different opinions of, but whatever, I'm sure you'll be fine as they are wonderfull little dogs, so enjoy.

Congratulations.
I do love mini schnauzers, so cute in their little PJs. Have you asked the breeder about coat care? Some years ago I thought about getting a Mini but I had no-one near by to ask about the coat and as I wanted to show it, coat presentation was important. Your breeder should be able to prepare you for maintenance and if local could perhaps trim it for you.
Good luck and take loads of photos to look back on, they're not babies for long, just like kids!

go to   www.schnauzerclub.co.uk great site for schnauzers and a great chat forum too

>"Natural Lifestage Puppy". 

Is that the one by Forthglade? If it is your local pet supermarket should have it. If not then I'd order it online or you may be able to buy it direct which would be cheaper still. Whatever you do, remember not to change the food too soon as others have said.

Good luck! :)

I think that "perfect puppy" by Gwen Bailey says it all really, get a copy and swot up before picking up your new addition. I was the same when we were due to get our boy but it is a bit like motherhood it does come together, as long as you give it plenty of love and affection and allow it to have time out from the children then it will be fine. Agree with everyone else on the food front, order yourself a large load in then when thats nearing the end if its too hard to get hold of then slowly change over to a new food. Enjoy

  Lucky you !....would love one ....not yet!

  Still getting over the loss of my Barney...
 
  Lots of practical common sense and patience is what's needed .

  Your a mother ! your be fine
 
  All the best Jill

I've got two Miniature Schnauzers and they're great little dogs - mine were easily house trained, brilliant at sleeping through the night and are not yappy - in fact they rarely bark when somebody comes to the door, unless its night time

I forgot to mention they are stubborn - mine are now aged 5 and 3.5 years, and can still be wilfull at times.

I have Giant Schnauzers hence the Mud Mops, and a very clean, no muddy beards, lurcher.