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Mini Schnauzer - Great With Kids?


LamborghiniMurphy
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Our eldest could take a bone or toy from him!! He'd have one in his mouth, our eldest would approach him and he'd drop it between his paws and let them take it!!

This is a dangerous thing to do. So many children get bitten on the face by the family dog because their parents allowed them to get close to a dog that is eating a bone.

I'm not sure why you are here? You ignore what dog experts are advising and tell us you know better, even though you can't even train a dog not to jump.

So you seem destined to repeat all the mistakes you made the first time, but with a dog that may be snappier and even more energetic. I feel sorry for the dog and your kids. You don't need to ask us what crate to buy, go ask at the crate shop where at least they are paid to deal with people like you.

:thumbsup:

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My mini schnauzer pup is almost 7 months old and is pretty big on jumping...on people, chairs, whatever. He was a bit mouthy for a few months (as all pups are) but we've got that pretty well sorted. The Jumping is more of a challenge. He's okay most of the time but when he gets excited - whenever anyone arrives to my house, be it me or visitors. Or we meet people out and about, he still has very little self control. I've got to be super careful around little kids with him...he's plenty big enough to knock them over just with excitment and he's just over the 7kg mark...anything younger than primary school age, I'm sure he could knock over. He's lovely with them once he's calmed down though. I'd be seconding looking for an adult dog. A mini schnauzer would probably suit, chat to some breeders locally, but a pup may prove to be a bit mch with little kids at home.

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If he was such a perfect dog and you got rid of him for jumping. I really thnk its best you wait until your family is older before getting another dog.....

No dogs are perfect, one small bad habit and you will re-home....

Such a shame, he sounds like a perfect dog to have.

What a lovely post :)

You're not going to make me feel bad for putting my children's safety first, so don't waste your time :)

Look, it is probably better that the OP rehomed the dog- its not like they dumped it at the pound or euthanased it. Its probably much better off where it can be understood and properly trained by people who are in a better situation for the dog, rather than remain in an unsuitable home that couldn't really deal with it.

I don't think its right to judge people rehoming dogs without knowing the full story.

I just hope the OP takes on board the advice of other knowledgeable posters here.

What especially appeals to you about the mini schnauzer? Although they are lovely dogs for the right people, they would not be my first choice for an inexperienced owner with young kids.

Are you actually getting the dog for your kids or for yourself? if it is the former- i also think they are a little young to really appreciate or be involved with the care of the dog.

It might also help if you told us the breed of the previous dog so that you can avoid similar temperament traits and energy levels in your new dog.

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Another thing to remember with mini schnauzers is they need regular grooming (not just brushing their back but beard, belly, paws etc) and clipping every 6 - 8 weeks. I find my girl needs it every 6 weeks to stay looking nice. This costs me $55 per visit, but I'm told that this is a good rate and you could pay $70+ depending on where you live.

ETA: Just calculated that it costs about $1000 per year to get my two groomed! I could learn to do it myself, but I'm hopeless at that kind of thing and time poor (as I'd imagine a mum with young kids would be).

ETA ETA: I have bruises on my abdoman from my boy - a mini schnauzer cross - jumping on me when I get home. He is well trained (does agility, clicker training, great with kids etc etc) but he is sooo excited when I get home from work he is like a jack-in-the-box.

Edited by megan_
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Our eldest could take a bone or toy from him!! He'd have one in his mouth, our eldest would approach him and he'd drop it between his paws and let them take it!!

This is a dangerous thing to do. So many children get bitten on the face by the family dog because their parents allowed them to get close to a dog that is eating a bone.

I'm not sure why you are here? You ignore what dog experts are advising and tell us you know better, even though you can't even train a dog not to jump.

So you seem destined to repeat all the mistakes you made the first time, but with a dog that may be snappier and even more energetic. I feel sorry for the dog and your kids. You don't need to ask us what crate to buy, go ask at the crate shop where at least they are paid to deal with people like you.

Totally agree, you don't come on a public forum and pick and choose the comments you get, sorry but it doesn't work that way. You came on asking for advice, you got it, if you don't want to take it fine, but if you know so much, why ask in the first place?

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I'm just flabbergasted that someone who had an apparently perfectly trained dog that they supposedly loved would rehome it because of one small issue. Maybe I need to look closely at the one of mine who growls at other dogs when she's onlead, or the one who tries to herd me so I walk faster to his play area. Or the one who barks when anyone comes to the door. Then there's the one who regularly jumps the 170cm gate and hightails it off down the road.

I love them with all my heart and soul and despite their shortcomings and their little issues, I can't for the life of me imagine sending them somewhere else to live.

They aren't disposable items, to be replaced by a better model because the last one wasn't quite suited to the task.

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I'm just flabbergasted that someone who had an apparently perfectly trained dog that they supposedly loved would rehome it because of one small issue. Maybe I need to look closely at the one of mine who growls at other dogs when she's onlead, or the one who tries to herd me so I walk faster to his play area. Or the one who barks when anyone comes to the door. Then there's the one who regularly jumps the 170cm gate and hightails it off down the road.

I love them with all my heart and soul and despite their shortcomings and their little issues, I can't for the life of me imagine sending them somewhere else to live.

They aren't disposable items, to be replaced by a better model because the last one wasn't quite suited to the task.

x2

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Rehoming can be the best thing for a dog sometimes? I've heard plenty of breeders say they'd rehome a dog that they didn't bond with. I've seen people on this forum being advised to rehome for smaller things.

Maybe the dog was constantly, constantly pushing the kids over?

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I'm just flabbergasted that someone who had an apparently perfectly trained dog that they supposedly loved would rehome it because of one small issue. Maybe I need to look closely at the one of mine who growls at other dogs when she's onlead, or the one who tries to herd me so I walk faster to his play area. Or the one who barks when anyone comes to the door. Then there's the one who regularly jumps the 170cm gate and hightails it off down the road.

I love them with all my heart and soul and despite their shortcomings and their little issues, I can't for the life of me imagine sending them somewhere else to live.

They aren't disposable items, to be replaced by a better model because the last one wasn't quite suited to the task.

What may be a minor problem for you, may be a major problem for someone else.

If they couldn't deal with the problem and it was overwhelming to them then i don't see the problem in rehoming to a better situation where the new owner is happy and confident in dealing with the problem (or maybe doesn't even see it as a problem).

I've seen threads here where people are supported and encouraged to rehome or PTS a problem dog. If it becomes so stressful and possibly dangerous (especially where children are involved), then surely the best solution would be to rehome if possible.

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But why get another dog? If they can't cope with a certain behaviour why bring another dog into the same situation?

Maybe get one with a more suitable temperament (eg not highly excitable and likely to jump)?

Although I have to agree that 1) a puppy and 2) an energetic breed like a schnauzer perhaps wouldn't be optimal for this situation.

Maybe the OP could look into getting an adult dog through a breeder or rescue, that has been tested with kids and already has some basic training.

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I think it depends on your definition of feisty. RS the black ones tend to be more feisty than the other collude. I have met a fair few dog aggressive minis (in fAct, most minis I have met have this issue) - they need to be properly socialized as pups.

My two are very easy to train but I don't use traditional techniques. We use tug, clicker training with free shaping etc. Training sessions are a few mins max.

My parent's one is black and yes, she's feisty but I don't have another colour of the same age to compare her to. The only MS I've met was a local lady at the dog park with her pepper and salt one. It was older so obviously calmer, and she wouldn't be promoting boisterous behaviour like I am :laugh:

I do a bit of training with her and she's very smart. Lots of shaping and even my mum who has never trained a dog before has taught her some tricks thumbsup1.gif

She is very well socialised with dogs of all breeds, and generally has no fear of other dogs, big or small (and is heavily supervised during interactions as she's so little!) We say she is a Labrador at heart in the body of a mini schnauzer (she's around my two so often she emulates them). She thinks everyone is her friend (human or dog), and loooooooooves her food.

Warning: minis love to snack on small children.

303981_10150279440953036_585378035_8087520_5109399_n.jpg

On a serious note to the OP, minis are lovely dogs, but very very boisterous as pups and would definitely jump and nip at your kids - one swift jump with no effort at all and they can easily reach their faces. My nephews didn't like her doing this as a real young pup but she is getting better at it and they adore her. Her name is Pippa but they call her Pooper :laugh:

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As the mother of 2 young children myself I would seriously listen to the advice being offered and wait until your children are older. Mine are now 4 and 3 and we have only just this year brought a staffy into our home. As both my girls are older it frees up time for me to train him, they can also help in training and caring (brushing/feeding/washing) him.

My sister has a 1yo and a 7 yo and they in the last month brought a mini schnauzer. I have to say it is insane. It is seriously hyper and won't stop jumping. My dog gets annoyed after 1 hr and will actually sit on him to make him stop! He is really quite smart and cheeky. My sister is struggling to train him, she doesn't have the time that he requires. Another thing is their teeth are also like needles and being a pup he likes to mouth. Both my daughters won't go near him and call him "naughty dog" because he nips at their ankles, both my daughters adore dogs and if allowed will spend hours brushing, patting, cuddling and talking to them.

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Oh and those who have been recommending different breeds, we have visited a few breeders, mainly maltese, mini daschund, jack russells and a mini schnauzer breeder. We have also been in contact with a shih Tzu breeder and a whippet breeder. So please don't think we have just rushed in with no thought. It will be six months at least before we get a pup. The kids will be 18 months and nearly 3 by then! And hopefully I've learnt more on training :)

Hi there,

I see you mention whippets. I have two of them. They are not small dogs and they jump. Preferring to do zoomies and launching at your crotch with their feet when you get home of an evening. I don't feel they are a breed suited to your small family. They are jumpers, have their zoomies around the yard or house and I have been knocked out and copped quite the black eye from a launching whippets head (see the whippet thread in the sub forums for pics).

Jack russells are high energy dogs. Mini dachie or a cavalier would be brilliant for your kids, so would Maltese or shih tzu... It's the grooming of the latter that might be costly.

I hope you do find the perfect dog for your family... But whippet puppy wouldn't be it! Even though they are so relaxed when snoozing the day away, they very independently minded and very, very fast! What about rescuing an older whippet who's zoomies would be a little less and they snooze the day away? We have a 5yr old who smashed me in the face... Just an FYI.

Cheers,

MnDM

Edited by Monet n Diva's Mum
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He is really quite smart and cheeky.

That is how I would sum them up, too, in my very limited exposure to them! They come complete with a cheeky grin.

What colour is your sister's dog?

Needle puppy teeth are a shocker. Glad we don't have that anymore!

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He is really quite smart and cheeky.

That is how I would sum them up, too, in my very limited exposure to them! They come complete with a cheeky grin.

What colour is your sister's dog?

Needle puppy teeth are a shocker. Glad we don't have that anymore!

My sisters is a salt and pepper. He tries to play with my staffy but a 20+kg boof against a few kg lunatic, well needless to say he must like getting squashed as he always comes back for more!

My SBT is both cheeky and smart but I think the over exuberance of her MS puts him into a completely different kind of category. She has hinted that I'll be dog sitting if they go on holidays but honestly I think I would go mad after having him for even a few hours!

Edited by ironbutterfly
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Oh yes size doesn't matter I've found :laugh: Right from baby puppy all of a couple of kilos, she was taking on 2 adult Labs and coming back for more laugh.gif They are so incredibly patient with her. They will play with her heaps, but when they don't want to play and she's being annoying, they sit and look at me pleadingly while she nips at them. This look on their faces like "annoying child" but they tolerate it. When they are trying to sleep and she gets annoying, they tell her off and she gets the message, but then comes back for more when they are awake laugh.gif They appear to be a big dog in a small dog's body!

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My experience with MS (not owning one but a friend does and several are regulars at our dog park), they definitely fiesty and headstrong. I think they are great little dogs and super cute but they seem to me like you would have to figure out what will motivate them to do what you want them to, rather than them being keen to please you and willing to try and figure out what you want them to do just to make you happy. Fun for training and interesting to learn from I imagine but not easy!

I also think you would need to be firm and very consistent or they would take advantage. A few of the ones I've met, including my friend's, are quite resource-guardy and will growl and snap at another dog trying to get close the "their" whatever - owner, ball etc - even with dogs they know, who aren't actually trying to challenge them.

Both my Poodle x Maltese and Sheltie are much "softer" than the MSs I've met, as in less like to challenge the authority of their owner or other dogs, more interested in

pleasing people.

I've found it hard to teach my little dogs not to jump up on people -

1. Because they're light, if I'm distracted I don't always notice that they're jumping up around my knees/legs so find it hard to be consistent

2. They do get excited to see me and jump around like idiots but if I'm carrying stuff it's easier to avoid them and keep walking than to actually try stop them (I know not everyone is as lazy as me but you'd have to be much more disciplined with yourself than if you had a bigger dog

because an adult human can actually ignore a little dog jumping).

3. Other people don't turn away, push them off or ignore them when they jump up like they do with bigger dogs, they laugh and pat etc etc so even if you are super consistent with your own training chances are that they will be getting rewarded with attention from at least some people when they jump. And/or you'd have to be right on top of stopping them before they jump whenever other people are around.

None of that stuff particularly bothers me, which is why I'm a bit lazy with it, but I don't have little kids to worry about :)

Oh just thought of something else to mention, an upset child pushing pup off/squealing/running away OR a happy child laughing and patting is a reward for any pup and a smart one will quickly learn to take advantage of that pretty quickly.

Edited by Saxonpup
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My experience with MS (not owning one but a friend does and several are regulars at our dog park), they definitely fiesty and headstrong. I think they are great little dogs and super cute but they seem to me like you would have to figure out what will motivate them to do what you want them to, rather than them being keen to please you and willing to try and figure out what you want them to do just to make you happy. Fun for training and interesting to learn from I imagine but not easy!

One word: food.

:)

Get the clicker and treats out and Pippa is jumping around offering behaviours for a treat. We call her a Mini-Lab :p

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