The Best Tips for a Schnauzer Puppy

Schnauzer puppies are typically energetic dogs that love people. The three schnauzer breeds are standard, miniature and giant. Though the breeds vary in size from 10 lbs. to 70 lbs., the basic needs for all schnauzers are similar. Schnauzers have specific needs that are distinct from other breeds when it comes to housing, exercise, training and socializing.

  1. Accommodations

    • Schnauzers can be happy as indoor dogs, but most benefit from lots of time outside. A medium-sized yard with a fence gives schnauzers enough room to explore and run. However, schnauzers are curious and are prone to digging. If you have a garden, keep it separated from your schnauzer to avoid having your plants dug up and destroyed. A tall fence should be enough to protect gardens or other areas of the yard.

    Exercise

    • The amount of exercise your schnauzer needs depends on the breed of your dog. Giant and standard schnauzers need three brisk walks of at least 20 minutes per day. Miniature schnauzers need less frequent walking and can get most of their exercise from being allowed to run in the backyard. While walking, keep the leash loose to get your schnauzer used to not pulling; full-grown schnauzers can be strong enough to pull on a leash with great force.

    Training

    • Schnauzers are quick learners. Training sessions for basic commands should be simple and short. Extensive, repetitive training sessions can bore schnauzers and cause them to misbehave. Schnauzers best respond to positive reinforcement training techniques and will quickly learn behaviors when a treat or reward is involved. Schnauzers can be house trained as puppies because of their intelligence. Schnauzers are also known to be chewers; enforcing no-chewing rules early on should prevent schnauzers from developing chewing habits.

    Socializtion

    • Schnauzers quickly grow attached to their owners and can be very protective. Socializing your schnauzer by introducing him to other humans and dogs can prevent him from developing defensive aggression. Even socialized schnauzers can be used as watch dogs because of their protective nature.

    Health

    • Generally, schnauzers are healthy compared to other breeds of dog. However, schnauzers are prone to heart murmurs, kidney stones and fatty tumors. Schnauzer comedo syndrome is a breed-specific disorder that affects the dog's skin, causing small, uncomfortable bumps. There is no cure for the disorder, but it is not considered serious.