Are your children losing interest in your beloved Miniature Schnauzer because they are scared he will bite them? A Miniature Schnauzer's biting or nipping soon becomes a major problem if not checked early.
It is not uncommon for friends and relatives to stop visiting due to a puppy's biting and this is something you certainly don't want to have happen.
The pleasure you expected to have by bringing your new Miniature Schnauzer puppy into your home is soon dispelled by the loss of visitors and to become isolated from your friends will not benefit you or your Miniature Schnauzer.
After all, how can you show off your lovely puppy and how well behaved he has become when people have been frightened away by what they perceive as poor behaviour at first meeting.
Even if the biting is only in play it's not easy for others, particularly those who are not true dog lovers, to believe that your Miniature Schnauzer will out-grow his biting tendency.
To ease your pain from negative comments you may receive about your darling Miniature Schnauzer, the best and most important action you can take is to start training soon after bringing him into your home.
Admittedly it is essential to let your puppy settle in over the first few days and be comfortable in his surroundings but be aware that you can't delay too long as your Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent member of your household who quickly learns to get the better of you if you allow him to take control.
As soon as you see he is reasonably settled it is time to deal with his biting or nipping and to let him know that this is not acceptable behaviour.
There may be reasons other than play that are causing your Miniature Schnauzer to bite; such as: Cutting teeth: Although we can't remember cutting our first teeth, most of us have experienced seeing babies going through some agony when their first teeth are coming through.
So, is it any different for puppies? I doubt it.
Therefore we need to be patient with our puppies and yelling, screaming or hitting will not do the slightest good; it will only cause anxiety and nervousness to your puppy and make the situation worse.
Your puppy needs to be quietened by placing him, immediately he is biting, into his crate or a space that he is familiar with and can be on his own for a period of time.
Ignoring him is the most effective discipline to use at this time.
Don't even look at him.
Let him know that he will not be rewarded for biting whatever the cause.
Meeting Strangers or being in a strange environment: Puppies can feel threatened by strangers or when being taken into an area they are not familiar with.
You need to be extra vigilant when allowing your Miniature Schnauzer around strangers or strange areas.
It is good practice to have something such as a metal container with marbles or small pebbles or even coins in it so that you can startle your puppy by shaking the container immediately he shows signs of biting or nipping.
Keep him on his leash and ignore him.
Don't yell at him or hit him; and above all do not pet him.
Your Miniature Schnauzer's role in protecting you: Bonding of Miniature Schnauzers with their owner is a delight to see.
Their faithfulness and loyalty to you as their owner are outstanding traits that bring true pleasure.
On the other hand these traits can cause concern when someone unknown to your Miniature Schnauzer approaches you; it is likely that he will see this person as a threat to you and therefore use his biting technique to ward this stranger off.
With training, in time your Miniature Schnauzer will learn that every stranger is not a threat to you or him but until you are certain that he has learnt to cope with strangers, be sure to keep alert to the possibility of your Miniature Schnauzer biting in defence of you.
Whatever you do, please remember that kindness and caring in training your Miniature Schnauzer is of utmost importance.
Be firm with him and show him that you are the controller of all situations; not him.
Show him your disapproval of bad behaviour by ignoring him completely and refusing rewards or any form of petting him until such time as he has quietened down.
He is sure to give you his best and irresistible doggy look, pleading to you with his appealing eyes, head on one side looking for your love and attention.
Of course you will respond - how could you not do so? But don't respond too quickly.
Keep him waiting for a few minutes.
Remember that you are the one who will make or break him; in other words your influence and training will make him the lovable and much loved pet that you dreamed of having.
Love him; adore him; but most of all, do not spoil him.
Do him justice by giving him the best training that you are aware of.
That way you will both have many years of happiness together.
Valerie Joy Smith Copyright © 2010 - 2011 Valerie Joy Smith & training mini schnauzer All Rights Reserved