About Schnauzers
A Schnauzer puppy is a pure-breed dog known for its distinctive appearance and energetic personality. It was bred in Germany in the late 19th century from Standard Schnauzers and smaller breeds like the Affenpinscher.
A Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed, typically weighing between 5 and 9 kg and standing 30 to 35 cm tall.
They have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
They are hypoallergenic (non-shedding) and require regular grooming and clipping.
Due to their protective nature, they are generally good with children and make excellent family pets. However, they can be territorial and may exhibit guarding behaviours. At MiriCol Paws we help mitigate potential aggressive tendencies towards strangers or other animals by adopting early socialization practices.
Their playful nature means they enjoy interactive play, which can be a bonding experience. They often bring toys to their owners as a way to initiate play and share their enthusiasm.
Regular exercise sessions, such as walks and playtime, allow Schnauzers to spend quality time with their owners and strengthen their bond.
Schnauzers are attentive and often respond well to their owner’s moods and commands. Their alertness makes them eager to please and interact positively with their families. This makes them great therapy dogs.
Schnauzers are affectionate and friendly. They tend to form close attachments to their family members and are very loyal and protective, often following their owners around the house.
Well-socialized Schnauzers tend to be more affectionate and well-adjusted. Early and consistent socialization helps them develop trust and positive interactions with their human family.
Using positive reinforcement techniques in training can foster a strong, affectionate relationship, as Schnauzers respond well to praise and rewards.
They enjoy being part of family activities and can be quite affectionate, seeking out attention and cuddles.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please also contribute to their affectionate behaviour, as they are generally responsive to training and enjoy spending time with their owners. Regular playtime walks and positive interactions can further strengthen the bond between a Schnauzer and its family.
At MiriCol Paws we start early socialization with ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) or Super Dog Training as we call it to help them be well adjusted fur companions all their lives. Watch our YouTubs video here.
It’s important to note that individual dogs may have varying temperaments, even within the same breed or mix. Early socialization, proper training, and consistent positive reinforcement are key factors in ensuring a Schnauzer puppy develops into a well-behaved and affectionate companion.
MiriCol Paws start their training from the get-go. at three weeks, they start potty training; at four weeks, we start crate conditioning, familiarising them with a variety of different crates and bedding. At six weeks, they start to learn to sit, come, collar grab and lead conditioning.
This ensures they come to you with some skills, are ready to learn and love to please you.
Here are some key points about Schnauzers:
Diet
The Schnauzer, like any dog, requires a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health. The specific dietary needs of a Schnauzer may vary depending on factors such as age, size, activity level, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines for a Schnauzer’s diet:
- High-Quality Dog Food:
- Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for the dog’s size (small breed or toy breed) and life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
- Look for dog food that lists a quality source of protein, such as meat or fish, as the primary ingredient.
- We make our food for our puppies using a raw food diet. We supplement with homemade pet food supplements.
- Protein:
- Protein is essential for a Schnauzer’s muscle development and overall health. Look for a dog food that provides a moderate to high protein content.
- Sources of protein can include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or other meat sources.
- We use kangaroo meat in our Schnauzer puppies’ diet it’s a lean meat and we use chicken mince with chopped-up bones. As they get older and able to munch on bones, we chop up chicken wings and then progress them to drumsticks and other bones.
- Healthy Fats:
- Fats are important for energy and the health of the skin and coat. Look for dog food that includes healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements can be beneficial for promoting a healthy coat.
- We feed our Schnauzer puppies’ sardines once a week to supplement their diet.
- Carbohydrates:
- Carbohydrates provide energy. Look for dog foods that contain whole grains like brown rice or oats.
- Some Schnauzer’s may have dietary sensitivities, so it’s essential to monitor for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.
- Our homemade food includes brown rice, sweet potato, pumpkin, and greens from the garden.
- Avoid Fillers:
- Avoid dog foods that contain excessive fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives.
- Portion Control:
- Monitor your Schnauzer’s weight and adjust the portion sizes accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can have adverse effects on their health.
- A Schnauzer puppy needs about 400 grams of food a day. This includes treats you may use for training too.
- Fresh Water:
- Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times to keep your Schnauzer well-hydrated.
- We add a little colloidal silver to their water and use filtered water if their white fur gets discoloured.
Training and Exercise
Training a Schnauzer puppy involves patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some essential training requirements and tips for your Schnauzer puppy:
- Basic Obedience Training:
- Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to reward good behaviour.
- Keep training sessions short and fun, as puppies have shorter attention spans. Start with three to five minutes at a time, increasing as the puppy can focus for longer.
- At MiriCol Paws, we start training our Schnauzer puppies from 6 weeks of age so they come to you excited to please, learn and listen.
- Socialization:
- Introduce your Schnauzer puppy to various people, places, and situations from an early age. This helps them develop into well-adjusted and confident adults.
- Socialization also involves exposing them to different sounds, surfaces, and experiences.
- Our Schnauzer puppies are exposed to sounds when their ears open using a puppy sound app. It exposes them to many different sounds from an early age.
- MiriCol Paws Schnauzer puppies have various play equipment in their puppy pen to stimulate them and expose them to different movements and surfaces.
- We take our Schnauzer puppies to places like Bunnings in a sling to get them used to real-life experiences out of the home.
- Potty Training:
- Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and walks. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
- Use positive reinforcement when your puppy goes to the bathroom outside. Clean up accidents indoors without scolding.
- Our Schnauzer puppies come to you potty trained as we use their instincts and work with them to teach them where to potty from 4 weeks of age. If you continue these principles, you will be amazed at how readily your Schnauzer puppy will adapt to where to potty.
- Crate Training:
- Introduce your Schnauzer to a crate as a safe and comfortable space. Crate training helps with housebreaking and provides a secure environment for your puppy.
- Gradually increase your puppy’s time in the crate, using positive associations like treats and toys.
- Our Schnauzer puppies are crate-conditioned from three weeks of age. At three weeks of age, they sleep in their crate. At 4 weeks, they spend an afternoon nap in a crate by themselves. They are used to being in their crate when they come to you. There will be some adjusting time to being alone as they miss their siblings for the first few days. Very quickly, though, they will be loving and looking for you as their forever friend and family!
- Chew Toy Training:
- Like many other breeds, Schnauzer puppies may have a natural inclination to chew. Provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy this instinct and prevent destructive chewing.
- We send our Schnauzer puppies home with a Kong toy to help with chewing and proper teeth development and a puppy pen toy they loved and played with in the puppy pen.
- Leash Training:
- Teach your puppy to walk on a leash without pulling. Use positive reinforcement and reward them for walking calmly by your side.
- Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
- Our Schnauzer puppies have been collar and lead-conditioned from 6 weeks of age.
- Basic Manners:
- Teach your Schnauzer basic manners, such as not jumping on people or furniture. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to reinforcing these behaviours.
- Training Classes:
- Consider enrolling your Schnauzer in puppy training classes or working with a professional dog trainer. This can provide structured learning and socialization opportunities.
- MiriCol Paws partners with Relaxed Obedience and sends our Schnauzer puppies’ home with 6 weeks of FREE training either from 8-12 weeks or from 16-20 weeks of age. You choose which period of your Schnauzer puppies stage you would like to participate in.
- Patience and Consistency:
- Training takes time, and puppies may not learn instantly. Be patient and consistent in your approach and avoid using punishment as a primary training method.
- Regular Exercise:
- Schnauzer’s are generally an energetic and intelligent breed. Provide regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, which can contribute to better behaviour.
Remember that positive reinforcement, consistency, and early training are crucial for a well-behaved Schnauzer puppy. It’s also essential to tailor your training approach to your puppy’s individual personality and needs. If you encounter specific challenges, seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer can be beneficial.
We are thrilled with our experience at MiriCol Paws! Miriam and Col made the entire process special and effortless. Our Miniature Schnauzer is not only beautiful but has a delightful temperament. The fact that she came already accustomed to crate and toilet training facilitated a smooth transition. She’s become the perfect lap dog for our family and loves playing with our children. MiriCol Paws truly delivers top-notch service with kin dness and approachability. Thank you for providing us with such a wonderful addition to our family.
We had a wonderful experience with Miricol Paws when adopting our first mini schnauzer puppy. Miriam provided so much helpful advice (a literal book of it!) and was so lovely to deal with. We could not be happier with our gorgeous little puppy.
Amazing breeder, I cannot recommend them enough. They will make you feel part of the family during the whole experience. Miriam made the process so easy that I will be definitely coming back for more Schnauzers.