mr.mister Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I also suggest looking into an older dog (that has been appropriately matched to you and your situation). Young dogs are exuberant, and it takes constant training and attention to keep undesirable excitement-related behaviour under control. Getting a smaller dog won't solve your problem. It would probably be a bit easier for you if you waited until your kids were a bit older, maybe around 5 or 6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuzzycuddles Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Ill add my voice to the supporters of older dog adoptions they really are hidden gems but with children that age I'd look for a breeder who already has kids when looking for an older dog. I'd Also suggest going to a club and talking to owners with the breed they'll give the ins and outs of owning that breed and what it's like to work and train with them. If you've already let one puppy down I'd be hesitant to get another so soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiesha09 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 We did try to train him out of it. We went to puppy school, intermediate classes, tried and tried everything. He is now rehomed with a retired couple who have ten acres and can spend the time with him he needs. A mini schnauzer might be a lot easier to train out of jumping as I doubt it would be able to knock our kids over like the other dog did!! I hate to say this but from my experience I've found smaller dogs are much more jumpy that bigger dogs. I have two maltese x's who were both incredibly jumpy. I've trained them out of this mostly but they're still not perfect. I'm just saying that expect to do alot of training even with a smaller dog. Also, my two could easily push my nieces over when they were 3 so a 1 and 2 year old would easily be pushed over by a schnauzer. I'm not trying to put you off at all, just don't want you to have unrealistic expectations just because the dog is smaller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ludwig09 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I have two mini schnauzers who are not good with children at all even though we socialised them with kids as puppies. Fantastic with adults but its something about kids that drives them crazy. General opinion from trainers/obedience teachers that we have seen is that minis are very hard to train - too smart for their own good, always one step ahead. I have seen the toughest of trainers be ruffled by my two. All that said. We love our two and wouldnt trade them for the world. Minis are fantastic dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I think there are probably other breeds that may be more suitable for you. Are you prepared for a high energy, highly intelligent dog? If you have had issues with jumping/excessive energy- perhaps you could consider a lower energy dog, such as a Cavalier, Bichon or Dachshund Having said that I think that given the right training a mini schnauzer could be very suitable for a family with kids. They are great, fun little dogs but could take advantage if you struggle with basic training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I think there are probably other breeds that may be more suitable for you. Are you prepared for a high energy, highly intelligent dog? If you have had issues with jumping/excessive energy- perhaps you could consider a lower energy dog, such as a Cavalier, Bichon or Dachshund Having said that I think that given the right training a mini schnauzer could be very suitable for a family with kids. They are great, fun little dogs but could take advantage if you struggle with basic training. I was absolutely thinking Cavalier for a young family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Minis SHOULD not be fiesty they are very much people dogs & should be very social & laid back I'm saddened to hear they mellow out. The 6 month old we have is feisty as hell and I LOVE IT!! Makes for a fun obedience/agility companion. And yes, she loves to jump and jump high! Edited to add, that I encourage cheeky, boisterous behaviour (as it's what I personally want as a mellow dog to train in sports is harder work!) and she bounces off my Labs like she's on crack. Minis should be fiesty (OK not as much as a terrier) they were bred to be a companion and also work in the farm yards to kill the rats and mice - they do have a working dog heritage so shouldn't be a laid back lap dog. Don't worry about them mellowing out, my old girl didn't until she got to 15! Minis are great dogs for agility and enjoy it (as you can see from my avatar!) there are also some doing flyball and I know one has just been selected to represent ireland in the team obedience for crufts! I have two mini schnauzers who are not good with children at all even though we socialised them with kids as puppies. Fantastic with adults but its something about kids that drives them crazy. General opinion from trainers/obedience teachers that we have seen is that minis are very hard to train - too smart for their own good, always one step ahead. I have seen the toughest of trainers be ruffled by my two. All that said. We love our two and wouldnt trade them for the world. Minis are fantastic dogs. I would suggest finding a better trainer, these dogs are very easy to train if you use the right techniques, they love clicker training, learning tricks etc they just don't like repetition, keep it fun and a little unpredictable and they will work well for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumof4girls Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 This is just my personal thought, I think children 1 and 2 are too young for a puppy or even a dog.. Why are you getting a dog, for the kids? They will be too young to really appreciate him, help train him etc etc. I have wanted a dog for many years but on careful consideration decided it would be best for all to wait till my family was old enough to actually have a posative relationship with the dog, be involved from the start with training and just basic care. Just my personal thought good luck in whatever breed you choose :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LamborghiniMurphy Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 I don't know why everyone thinks we struggle with basic training because our other dog jumped all the time?! He was well trained with everything. Jumping was the one bad thing he did. So because he did that we must be terrible owners/trainers? He wasn't a Labrador either as someone thought. He was amazing on leash walking, walked next to us the whole time, never went infront. If someone would greet us on the street or in a park, he would jump. He could do an amazing number of tricks with around a 95% success rate. He was toilet trained and never had an accident in the house from 4 months old! He was perfectly crate trained. He would wait up to five minutes infront of his food bowl filled with food until we said 'eat'. 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!! He wouldn't come inside unless he was asked to. The only bad thing he did was jump. And believe me, we love that dog so much. And yes we spent $350 on getting a one on one trainer/behaviouralist come into our house for three one hour sessions, and even he suggested that we should get a much smaller dog. There was an improvement in his jumping, but the trainer said it may take a few years to perfect it, and we just couldn't wait that long. But yes, we got in touch with his breeder and they recommended a couple to rehome him with. And we get regular updates and photos, and visits So to those who think we should never get another dog as we struggle with basic training, please don't comment again. For those with helpful advice re schnauzers temperements, thank you so very much, I really appreciate it!! But one question I still need the answer for, what size crate would be best for one?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitkatswing Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LamborghiniMurphy Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LamborghiniMurphy Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnauzer Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 (edited) Mini Schnauzers are a very active breed and will jump if you allow it. Highly intelligent - they need mental stimulation and daily walking - mine are walked twice a day. The problem being that you will have two toddlers and a little baby puppy - a great deal of work! Minis are very trainable IF you put in daily obedience/toilet training etc. They want to be with their famiy and are not suitable for being locked in a backyard or in a crate for hours on end. Locking them away from their family can cause behavioural issues like barking. I rehome a lot of dogs that have had issues because of being isolated. Easily retrainable though if you know the breed. They excel at obedience and agility. Personally I don't crate my dogs - they are trained house dogs and have a dog door so can come and go as they please. Some breeders will not rehome to families with toddlers. Our rescue does not rehome to people with very young children as I think it is too hard to supervise little kids and dogs 24/7. Good luck with your decision. PS they are a terrific family dog and generally great with kids, socialisation as with training is a must. Edited December 22, 2011 by schnauzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 My dogs were adults when I had the kids, and while some of my dogs may jump on adults at times they don't jump on the kids (they can reach the fun parts without jumping lol). I think it would be easier with an adult dog than a puppy - I envision jumping on the kids will be more of an issue when I at some point get another puppy than it was with my current adults dogs as puppies are more exuberant and are smaller and easily aroused, and kids can be exciting for puppies. I would suggest not getting a breed that is really small or fragile/delicate as they could be easily and unintentionally injured or scared by children who don't always understand how to be gentle with animals (they don't understand their own strength). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LamborghiniMurphy Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 Thank you for the last few posts We will only use the crate for night sleeping (in our room) and if we have to go out somewhere without the dog. We'd never leave it outside!! Is it also possible to learn how to groom them properly yourself? I don't mind buying all the equipment as I enjoy grooming animals!! I'm guessing the breeder may be able to help there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitkatswing Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 If its your childrens safety your concerned about, please wait until they are older and understand what dogs are and how they react to certain things... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnauzer Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Thank you for the last few posts We will only use the crate for night sleeping (in our room) and if we have to go out somewhere without the dog. We'd never leave it outside!! Is it also possible to learn how to groom them properly yourself? I don't mind buying all the equipment as I enjoy grooming animals!! I'm guessing the breeder may be able to help there? Yes it is possbible to learn how to groom - as long as your breeder is willing to teach you. It is harder than it actually looks at first. Good clippers and scissors and essential. I like Andis AGC Professional. I would recommend having a dog door so that your puppy is easily toilet trained and can have yard access (with very secure fencing of course). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LamborghiniMurphy Posted December 22, 2011 Author Share Posted December 22, 2011 Schnauzer - thank you I really appreciate your advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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