IS A MINI FOR YOU?

 

There are good, reputable breeders in each state of Australia, who belong to their respective State Canine Associations and are bound to abide by those associations Rules and Regulations and Code of Ethics.  When speaking with breeders ask them for their Membership Number so you can confirm their membership with the relevant State Canine Associations.  A good breeder never has to advertise their puppies as people are willing to wait  for them to become available.   Those dogs offered through the newspaper (and now even the Internet) generally might not be the quality animal you might want and could be from people who don't know anything about breeding dogs or placing them in the proper homes.   There are many proposed changes being considered by the 

                                                             in South Australia which will impact on these unregistered breeders and puppies sold in pet shops.

 

Visit the breeders in your area (if you can), and when you find one that you feel comfortable with ask to be put on their waiting list.    Be prepared to wait for your perfect little puppy; a puppy is rarely available when you are wanting one.  Determine before you proceed just how much the breeder is willing to work with you if you should have any questions or problems with your puppy.  Answering questions is all  part of being a breeder - and be prepared to answer the breeders questions - we want to find the right homes for our pups.

 

Try not to rush into a purchase just because you have found a puppy that can go home today.   Thats what the Pet Shops expect - an impulse emotional decision - how could you walk away leaving that puppy in that glass enclosure!!   Did you talk to the breeder - NO !  Did the shop assistant know about any health problems that could develop - NO!   Could you ring them after purchasing the puppy about any problems you were experiencing - NO!  

 

Use your waiting time wisely by reading up on the breed and finding out how to properly care for and train your new puppy.   Once the expected litter is on the ground and old enough for visitors, most breeders would love to have you come over and  visit with the puppies.   Expect the puppy to be at least 8 weeks old before it can come home, this is the minimum age that registered breeders are permitted to place puppies.  The puppies should have started their vaccination protocols and be microchipped.  You should be encouraged to take your new puppy to your vet after bringing it home--within 2-4 days is fairly common. This is for your own protection, as well as the breeder's.   The breeder should also supply you with a recommended Diet/feeding guide, together with articles to help you house train, groom, and general care for your pup.   Official registration paperwork from the State Canine Associations should be made available to you.  Some breeders will hold onto to these until they receive the sterlization certificates and then transfer the ownership to you.

 

Puppies need lots of supervision, with good quality time from you. When he can't be watched, he should be confined to a limited area free from shoes, books with just him and his toys. Try crate training - this is his personal safety zone, but never put him in the crate as a punishment - he needs to feel secure and safe.

 

The puppy should have been well-socialized by its breeder, and you should continue this when you can. Try puppy socialization classes run by the Vet Clinics.   Learn how to properly communicate with your dog so that he will grow up into a happy, obedient dog that is a joy to be around. A dog must have a pack leader in his life; it should be you. Never forget that he is above all a dog first and foremost--not a cute little person in a fur coat.   It is essential to have all human members of the family on the same page when it comes to what the puppy is allowed to do and not allowed to do.  It's no good for one member to allow the pup to tug at their socks and another to say NO!!  It also applies for commands - puppy is just a puppy and just like a baby needs to learn what you are saying and the action you want to achieve with that command.  

 

Grooming should be done every 6-8 weeks, and the first grooming may already have been done by the breeder. This is something you may want to try learning yourself, the breeder might be willing to show you - be prepared to visit a couple of times but the end result is well worth it.  Grooming time is a bonding time - you are focused solely on the puppy and he knows it.  

 

Schnauzers are territorial they were bred to be watchdogs and watchdogs they are.  If they see it or hear it they will bark - but are intelligent to learn "be quiet" .  Don't allow him to bark senselessly - but allow him to tell you when something unusual is happening.

 

His capacity to learn commands and vocabulary will amaze you - he wants to please you and be part of the family activities.  No matter what your family dynamics are your choice of having a mini schnauzer as your family pet is the right choice!

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of all things Schnauzer !

 

REMEMBER THAT A PUPPY ISN'T JUST FOR CHRISTMAS;
IT IS FOR A LIFETIME!