Miniature schnauzers are adorable, both when they are puppies and once they become adults. However, like all dog breeds, they do come with a few small challenges. It's wise to prepare for these challenges before you bring home your miniature schnauzer puppy. This way, you can give your puppy the best chance possible at a loving home and a happy life with your family. Here's how to address some of the key challenges associated with mini schnauzer puppy ownership.
Challenge #1: They're easy to step on.
These tiny little dogs are too easy to step on, especially when they are young and growing. Their affectionate nature means they are often underfoot, too. Some ways to avoid stepping on your mini schnauzer puppy include:
- Always check where the puppy is before stepping off furniture or getting out of a chair.
- Never wear shoes in the house.
- Put your puppy in a separate room, enclosed by a puppy gate, when you're carrying heavy items or rushing around.
Challenge #2: They don't always socialize well with other dogs.
Miniature schnauzers love their human families, but they are not always the best at socializing with other dogs. Part of this may be because of their size; they can feel intimidated by other dogs that are larger than them. The best way to ensure your mini schnauzer grows up to socialize well with other dogs is to start introducing them to other dogs early on. As soon as they have their shots and the vet gives you the go-ahead, start inviting other friends' calmer, quieter dogs over to visit. Keep visits short at first, and only introduce one dog at a time. After a few months of this, you can start inviting multiple calm dogs over to visit your puppy at the same time.
Challenge #3: They don't always sit still for grooming.
With their long, tangle-prone coats and tendency towards irritated eyes, mini schnauzers do require regular grooming. But they don't always love sitting still for this grooming. The best way to teach them to sit still is to start when they are puppies, and only groom them for a few minutes at a time. Brush them for a minute, give them a treat, and then do something else. Later in the day, do the same thing again. Gradually make your grooming sessions longer and longer as your puppy's patience grows.
Owning a mini schnauzer puppy, like owning any puppy, comes with a few small challenges. Fortunately, those challenges are easy to address as this is an excellent breed for families.
