Schnauzer Thoughts
Here is where we like to express our selves and share our numerous experiences with our dogs. Read and enjoy.
We would also love to hear from you with your experiences. Who knows, maybe we will post it here to share with folks that stop by.
Guard dog
Most home safety experts agree that a small noisy dog will deter more house burglars than a big mean looking dog that usually is a teddy bear at heart. Burglars do not like anything that will draw attention so they will go to another house that is more quiet.
I have driven truck for many years and having my truck broke into was all too common. I found a salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer puppy that I fell in love with and she became my traveling companion. Her job is to bark and raise cane whenever anyone comes around my truck. She is the perfect example of an over achiever. Due to her dedication to her job I have not had a break-in in over 11 years. Arthritis is slowing her down some but she still enjoys her job very much. She is always glad to get home after being on the road for about four weeks, but after a day or two at home she would be ready to go again. Every time I go out the door she is afraid I am going to leave without her. I usually stay out for 4 weeks and take a week at home. She was 3 months old when she started riding with me and that is where she is the happiest.
Miniature Schnauzers make a wonderful travel dog. As long as they are combed out at least once a week there is no shedding. If there is anything unusual going on around their vehicle they will let you know. They are small enough they can move around in the vehicle without causing a safety hazard. They are easily toilet trained and easily trained to stay out of the driver area and not get under the drivers feet.
As you can tell I am a miniature Schnauzer fan. They
are so intelligent, after they are around you for a while it seems they
can read your mind and know what you want them to do without you even
giving a command. However they do have a mind of their own and it is better
to make them want to do something rather than forcing them to do it. I
really believe that once you have a Miniature Schnauzer you are hooked
for the rest of your life.
I sincerely hope all of you have the opportunity to learn to know one.
Vern Miller
P.S When people make fun of my little but noisy guard dog I tell them that she doesn't eat much but stay clear because she does eat ! !
Which is best for my family...male or female?
Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Most calls for
pet dogs have people wanting a “sweet little girl.” They don’t
think females display alpha behaviors like ‘marking’ and/or
‘humping’. They believe that they are more docile and attentive
and do not participate in fighting over dominance.
This could not be farther from the truth!
In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who competes to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as ‘humping’.
Most fights will usually break out between 2 females. Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food (go figure!!!) and praise and are so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training because of their playful nature. no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as ‘humping’, or ‘marking’ and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. some will never even learn to hike their leg to pee and will pee just like a girl!!! Boys who were neutered early (by 5 months of age) usually don’t ever raise their leg to urinate. And while the female will usually come to you for attention, when she’s had enough, she will move away. While boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females are usually less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate-the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy. The female also has periods of being ‘in heat’ unless she is spayed.
Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare not just for the female, but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. Did we mention that the seasonal heats happen TWICE a year?
If you are not breeding, it is best to have her spayed since during this time she can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes. She will be particularly moody and emotional during this time. A walk outside during this period can become hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity, and she will leave a ‘scent’ for wandering intact males to follow right to your yard, where they will hang out, and ‘wait’ for days.
Research has also proven that a female NOT bred during a heat cycle stays in a flux of estrogen levels which may give us the reason as to why females are more moody than males.
Males generally cost ½ the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed.
So, before you decide on that age old dilemma of male
or female, there are many things to think about.
talk to your breeder about what you are looking for in a pet for your
family. your breeder knows the puppies better than anyone and can help
you decide which pup’s personality and gender is best for your family.
Amy Nichols
Nicholhaus Schnauzers
Men Beware of Toy Schnausers!
This young man was not in favor of getting a toy Schnauser because they already had a beagle. Well he begrudgingly
gave in to the wishes of his wife and step daughter and you can see how this turned out, so beware!!
Two are Better than One
We bought Amos for my 7 year-old daughter and myself as a gift last Valentine's Day. We already owned a larger-sized beagle named Jack. Jack is a very loving, typical beagle. We were not afraid to introduce him to another male dog. Like we had thought, Jack was very patient with Amos' domineering attitude. It didn't take long for Amos to fit right into our little family. Soon enough, Jack and Amos were happy brothers. Amos loves for our beagle, Jack, to chase him all day long. Our beagle and toy schnauzer are only a few months apart in age. The two breeds have become great friends to our daughter, and wonderful watch dogs for our home. The toy schnauzer was a wonderful addition to our family, and a great companion for our first dog, Jack.
I highly recommend at least two dogs for a dog-loving family. When we're away we know that they keep each other happy and safe.