- We have helped many of our puppies settle into their new homes across New Zealand
- Whether you’re a first time dog owner or familiar with dogs we have plenty of tips and techniques
- From feeding to grooming, behaviour to exercise, we can recommend an approach that works for you and your puppy
Caring for your Miniature Schnauzer
With the right care your Miniature Schnauzer will bring you years of love and companionship. I'll provide plenty of support for when you bring your Miniature Schnauzer puppy home including information on feeding, grooming and training.
Below is some basic information for you to get started.
If you have any questions before you embark on the process of getting a puppy, then please get in touch.
Before you bring your new puppy home
I will provide you with a list of items you require - the most important being a dog crate either plastic or wire collapsible. Where possible I strongly recommend arranging for your crate to be delivered to us at least a week before you bring your puppy home. Your puppy will find the transition easier if you can also include some items, such as bedding or toys with scent from your home.
Let me know if your puppy is flying home as you will require a plastic airline approved crate.
Feeding your Miniature Schnauzer
While in my care, pups (and mum) are fed a careful balanced diet to ensure they get the best start in life. If practical I will supply a few days of the puppy mix to ensure an easy transition and avoid any tummy upsets. Your puppies diet can easily be modified to suit your ongoing preference but is based on the raw diet of meat/fish/egg, fresh vegetables, powder & fish oil supplements combined with puppy biscuits and canned puppy food.
You can buy, or make some high-quality low fat dog treats for fun rewards during training sessions! You may need to adjust your puppies diet if you are using a lot of treats.
Grooming your Miniature Schnauzer
While Miniature Schnauzers don't shed, you'll still need to look after their coat, beard and furnishings with a regular brush and bathings. A daily teeth cleaning routine is a must for teeth hygiene. I provide your pup with its first cute puppy trim to help them get use to the grooming process. You can assist your pups acceptance of grooming with daily brushing and handling of feet, ears and tail.
I have always groomed my own dogs and have learnt many special tips and tricks from my breed show days. To date I have taught quite a few owners to groom and some have gone on to now professionally groom dogs. For anyone keen to learn to groom I can arrange one on one grooming sessions and advise on the best equipment required.
You'll need the basics:
- Slicker brush
- Metal comb
- General shampoo and whitening shampoo (for pepper & salt or black & silver)
- Nail clippers
- Soft toothbrush/ finger brush
- Enzymatic toothpaste
Your Miniature Schnauzer's health
To ensure your puppy is in good health when they arrive at your home, they are vet checked and given their initial vaccinations and worming/flea treatments. You will need to book your puppy at your local vet for further vaccinations and carry out ongoing worming/flea treatments over the first few months as outlined in your pups Health Check booklet provided.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, you need to be careful about what dogs they meet and where you take them so that you don't expose them to risks of illness.
Training your Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent dogs and easy to train with a little bit of patience (and some tasty treats). I recommend working on crate training, toilet training and socialisation as a priority so that you and your new dog can enjoy a peaceful home life and fun adventures together. Games are an important way to build a strong bond with your pup.
Decide on your house rules early on, for example, whether you will allow your puppy on the furniture, and make sure your household agrees and are consistent.
Below is a brief overview of training. When you get your puppy, I'll provide you with more detailed information to have on hand at home.
Toilet Training
Ideally, you will want to toilet train your puppy before you allow them to have free run of your house. My puppy house allows the pups the opportunity of indoor & outdoor living and they very quickly learn to keep the indoors area clean.
Put your puppy outside after meals , when they wake up in the morning and after naps to get them familiar with going outside to the toilet. You will also learn to recognise their signs when they need to go and make sure to praise them when they get it right. Consistency and a watchful eye are key.
This is why I use a crate overnight to help with the toilet training process. Most puppies are dry at night when they come to you but will need your help to adjust to their new surroundings.
Socialisation
Miniature Schnauzers are social animals and love spending time with you and your family. It is important to introduce people and other animals slowly to begin with. I will include some examples of situations for you to work through. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated it is vulnerable to nasty viruses from the environment and other dogs. Before your puppies vaccinations are complete you may like to help them experience their surroundings by keeping their paws off the ground in a front pack.
You can train them to walk on a lead in your backyard so they are ready to go when fully vaccinated. Miniature Schnauzers can be quite easily distracted so it's best to keep them on a lead when you are walking on the street.
General Issues
In the early days, you might come across a few issues like digging, chewing or jumping. I can provide some guidance and support to work through these issues if needed. You might also like to think about booking your puppy into puppy school or some obedience classes.
If you would like to find out whether a Miniature Schnauzer puppy is right for you, please get in touch and I'll be happy to talk with you.
