Birgitbee Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Hi we have a miniature schnauzer Abby, she is almost 10 months old and we have had her for about 6 weeks. We adopted her from a breeder who was going to breed from her but decided against it. Abby has a lovely placid personality and has settled into our household beautifully. My husband and I have recently retired so we have a lot of time to spend with her. We were hoping we should respond more enthusiastically to our 4 grandchildren however Abby tends to ignore anyone echo visits us. She will give a little warning bark when people arrive but then totally ignore them and go to either my husband or myself as if to say protect me. Her favourite place when we have family visit is on my husbands lap. I shouldn't complain because she is the most loveable little thing but I would like her to be a bit more social, especially as if we go away occasionally she will stay with our extended family. Does anyone have any ideas as to how we might accomplish this, before she came to us she lived with other dogs and her owner in country NSW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandiandwe Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I can't say because I'm just not experienced enough, whether its age, socialisation, or personality. I can say that of my three greys, Brandi is completely non-discriminating when it comes to people. Everyone of all ages must be greeted enthusiastically, given a thorough sniffing and give her a cuddle. But having had a cuddle, she moves away from them unless it is me or my husband. Hermon is also non-discriminant, but will instead lean heavily on whoever the poor sucker is who greeted him, and will need to be dragged away. He is worse with children and open car doors - then treats, bribery and some sweat is required to get him moving. Paige, frankly, gives off vibes that say 'don't touch the fur'. She ignores everyone else, and tolerates being touched. The only people she really lights up with are me, first, and DH. People she's getting to know, who have stayed with us or who visit regularly, she will approach for a brief pat and sniff before she goes about her houndish business. Which does not include affection or attention from strangers. Its only been six weeks. I'd give Abby some time to settle a little more. Are your grandchildren a little too noisy for her? Has she ever been exposed to these peculiar human beings before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosetta Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 (edited) It may just be her personality. I have a little poodle who is strongly bonded to me and will tolerate petting by other people but will not seek it. She may still be in the settling in period and if she came from a breeder she may be more accustomed to doggy company rather than people company. If you want her to bond with your grandchildren than perhaps they need to be involved in feeding and play - very gently - to gradually build her trust. I would get her used to other people around very slowly by taking her out and about - not too much at first so as not to stress her. Edited January 21, 2014 by Rosetta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodoggies2001 Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I wouldn't worry too much at this stage. Just like humans, they all have different personalities. I now have two minis ans they love interaction with people and dogs alike but several years ago, we had a mini who kept to himself entirely. He would greet visitors at the door and then take off to be by himself. He was never brought up or treated any differently to our other canine resident at the time. Your girl may still be feeling her way in her new surroundings. Maybe in her case it would be an idea if the grandchildren or any other visitors were to coax her with treats. I know this succeeded with my boy when my first granddaughter was born. He totally ignored her and whenever she came for me to babysit her, I would feed both dogs just a little of what the baby was getting to eat. My other boy absolutely adored the baby, but Benson, the boy in question kept his distance. He soon learned that when baby came over, it was good for him as he got to share, and when she started to crawl he began to play with her. It took a while but not long after that he did bond with her and would stay by her side and protect her. I would just impress on the children that they be gentle and respectful with Abby as I am sure they will be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SchnauzerMax Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Birgitbee, schnauzers are a bit like the mafia, you're in da family or you're not. In Abby's case, this is you and especially your husband. The more your grandchildren visit, the more accepting Abby will be, but she may never be really enthusiastic about visitors, even regular ones. We like to think that because they are so attached when we are around, that they won't cope with other people when we are not there. Its usually not so. They usually cope fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birgitbee Posted January 21, 2014 Author Share Posted January 21, 2014 Thanks for all of your good advice it's good to know I can ask such silly questions and receive these wonderful responses. Bring a mini schnauzer owner is very new to my husband and I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 Visitors tend to gush over cute dogs too, which can be very off putting for the dog in question! I crate my Springer when guests arrive so they can't harass her. When everyone has settled, I tell them to ignore her, let her out and she is soon having snuggles with everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonwoman Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Hi we have a miniature schnauzer Abby, she is almost 10 months old and we have had her for about 6 weeks. We adopted her from a breeder who was going to breed from her but decided against it. Abby has a lovely placid personality and has settled into our household beautifully. My husband and I have recently retired so we have a lot of time to spend with her. We were hoping we should respond more enthusiastically to our 4 grandchildren however Abby tends to ignore anyone echo visits us. She will give a little warning bark when people arrive but then totally ignore them and go to either my husband or myself as if to say protect me. Her favourite place when we have family visit is on my husbands lap. I shouldn't complain because she is the most loveable little thing but I would like her to be a bit more social, especially as if we go away occasionally she will stay with our extended family. Does anyone have any ideas as to how we might accomplish this, before she came to us she lived with other dogs and her owner in country NSW. Don't rush things and stop visitors from overwhelming her, train the kids as well as the dog...............they can learn valuable life lessons that way..................eventually she will come around as far as she wants to ..............she is also in what can be a critical stage in her emotional development that all dogs go through around that age...............a formerly outgoing puppy can suddenly become wary of everyday things, let alone new ones...............don't sook her but don't force her..............she will be all you want soon, according to her nature..............they all have different personalities just like us...............and I hate a whole lot of strangers in my face!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I thought schnauzers bonded well with their owners, but were stand offish with strangers and others? If this is the case, this is normal behaviour + more so because of being an older pup and needing to settle into the new home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 give her time and space. She may tolerate but never really like those she percieves as outsiders. I have one like that, he tolerates others affections but prefers to be on me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodoggies2001 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I thought schnauzers bonded well with their owners, but were stand offish with strangers and others? If this is the case, this is normal behaviour + more so because of being an older pup and needing to settle into the new home. Depends on the individual dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 How did she live at the breeder's place - do you know? She might have lived in a run without too much contact and now she's discovered a loving home so she's lapping it up. I personally think it's too much and too early to expect a dog to immediately bond with everyone she meets and want to spend time with them instead of you, when you are around. 4 grandchildren would be pretty overwhelming for many dogs. When she goes to stay with anyone, leave a piece of your clothing with her and take a familiar bed etc. Most dogs are far more adaptable than we give them credit for. I've rescued a lot of dogs - even very elderly ones - and it takes a few days and they begin to relax and settle. People especially cannot believe how bonded my dogs are with me when I tell them that they have lived in another home for the majority of their lives! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) I thought schnauzers bonded well with their owners, but were stand offish with strangers and others? If this is the case, this is normal behaviour + more so because of being an older pup and needing to settle into the new home. Not a Mini ,a Std & Giant yes . Minis are generally social butterflies I think your expecting to much to soon ,older dog doesn't mean instant assistance & we make this very clear when we place out older Minis .We also suggest no visitors for a set period so the dog can settle as generally people invite everyone over they all gush over the dog & it feels like a stampede & they aren't sure what is going on She has a had a big change & would just be getting to now you & your house & any new rules,Chances are she hasn't been around children so again its another new thing to add to her new world . You need to be more patient & if the kids are over they need to take a step back & ignore her & let her meet these new people in her way . You can let the grankids feed her if there over ,chances are just sitting on the floor calmly will allow her to figure it out . But in the end the breeder should have explained her nature to you & what she was use to ,Some Minis are very gentle dogs that prefer a quiet lifestyle others are out there players & enjoy everything . This applies with puppies & why breeders select the pup to match the home as they can see which pups will suit & which wouldn't She doesn't sound overly attached just more looking for reassurance from those she knows or when the family come over they may be to pushy & she doesn't like it Edited January 23, 2014 by showdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birgitbee Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. We are all still learning and I am sure there will be other glitches as time goes on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 (edited) Yep, as others have said: take it slowly. Abby sounds adorable and just perfect for you and your husband. Don't forget, either, that one moment she was living with her family of other dogs and owner and suddenly plucked from that and into your home. I always think that dogs are remarkable that they can adapt to this sort of event as well as they do. I think if I was suddenly faced with 4 grandchildren, I would be hiding under the bed :laugh: :laugh: ETA: Don't ever think your questions might be silly. :) :) Edited January 23, 2014 by Danny's Darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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