I have just acquired a 3 month old miniature schnauzer, can anyone give me some advice/information on this breed and any tips for looking after him. I already have a 10 year old jack russell, who at the moment is extremely jealous!

Any help much appreciated.

Sue B

I don't mean to state the obvious, but it would have been better to have had all this information before you got the puppy. This is a long lived breed, and 15 years is a long time to regret geting the wrong breed if you find that you do not suit owning a Schnauzer.

Phone the KC and ask for the details of breed clubs. I would join your nearest, or the national club. Try to get to some shows where the breed islikely to be, and get to talk to some owners. If you contact the secretary they may well have books to recomend, or even a club guide to owning the breed, for new owners.

Just remeber that they may be small, but they can be quite wilful and feisty. They aren't in the terrier Group in some countries for nothing.

I feel that it is very important to get him to training classes as soon as possible. He will be able to learn how to behave nicely around other dogs, and you will learn how to train him. Well trained he will make a very nice lively cheeky companion, but this will take 18 months or so of concerted effort on your part.

Have fun! :D :D :D

......will take 18 months or so of concerted effort on your part."
and very dedicated reinforcement of said training for the rest of his/her life. It's the nature of the dog. Do some searches on this website for various anecdotes.
good luck,
toodles

Hi,

I think I must be lucky with my Zak, he isn't trained to obedience standards by any stretch of the imagination but it hasn't been awful.

He does all the expected things for a nice family member, sits, lays down, stays, waits for permission to eat, keeps off the furniture, comes back when called, rolls over (very useful), smiles (even more useful)doesn't bite the children (or me) ha ha.

House training wasn't quite as easy as the books would have you believe, one even said that the miniature schnauzer house trains itself. HA HA HA HA HA HA etc. It has taken nearly a year to feel that I don't have to check a room after he leaves for any puddles!!!!!!

Still, I had boxers previously, at least he cant reach my face if he does jump up and I don't skid in drool whenever I cut up chicken, or anything else for that matter. And I can eat a meal without him sliming the side of my plate. And he dosen't suffer from the terrible flatulance that the boxers that I have owned have. All that aside the cheeky characters are very similar.

A lovely little dog altogether. I would go for another one tomorrow (and probably live to regret it as I have got the only perfect mini in history).

Sarah and Zak.

Hi Sue,

I have a 1 year old mini, he is a lovely dog but I agree with the other replies you've had, training-training-training.

They have a tendency to be a bit territorial, mine barks incessantly at the neighbours spaniel, and anyone who shouldn't be on my boundary. He is never happier than when by my side, he is a very gregarious little dog, loves other dogs and will do anything to play with them. In my (limited) experience they tend to bond with one person especially well and like everybody else equally.

Daily grooming is a must, zak hates being brushed but isn't too bad for the clipping (I can do this myself, but didn't fancy stripping, he isn't shown as I don't have the time or enthusiasm with 2 young children) Don't let the fluffy coat on the legs or belly mat up or else you will end up clipping it all off, this will make him look like a cross between a barrell on legs and skippy the kangaroo (feet)!!!!!

Any specific queries I would love to help, or put you in touch with someone who can.

What part of the country are you and where did you get him/her from. They are so hard to get hold of at the moment, judging by the amount of wanted postings there are.????????

Sarah and Zak

Hi, here are some book suggestions, I strongly advise you invest in these, even if you have bought other books: The Doglopedia by Kay White and Jim Evans and The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey, I think that both are under £10 and available on-line. Also any puppy behaviour/training book by Ian Dunbar . Once he has had his vaccinations it is great fun to go to training classes and essential for him to meet other dogs and people at a very early age. If you go to www.apdt.co.uk you will find classes in your area. Good luck and do post again if you have any problems/queries.