How to Care for a Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

Last Updated: November 12, 2022 References

With their compact stature and furry eyebrows and beard, miniature schnauzer puppies are adorable. These affectionate, intelligent, and extroverted puppies are high energy and require some special care. They need a lot of exercise and are prone to excessive barking if bored. In addition to being intelligent, they can also be stubborn, so it is important to begin training them early. Preparing for a miniature schnauzer puppy before you bring one home is essential for ensuring a great relationship for you and your puppy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing for Your Puppy

1
Select a veterinarian. You will need to take your puppy to see a veterinarian soon after you come home, so it is important to contact one before that time. Your puppy should have a full examination to alert you to any potential health problems, as well as receive his vaccinations in a timely manner.^{[1]
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2
Puppy-proof your home. Your new miniature schnauzer puppy will start to explore the moment you bring him home. To make sure he doesn’t hurt himself, you need to remove anything that could possibly be harmful. Any plants, especially toxic ones, should be removed from within reach of your puppy, as well as any chemicals, medicines, or other potential hazards. Also, be sure to move any food that he could easily access.^{[2]
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- Be sure no exposed electrical cords are accessible by your new miniature schnauzer.
- Clutter is appealing to puppies, particularly for chewing. Pick up any shoes, books, or other items that could easily be reached by your puppy.
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3
Buy a gate and/or a crate. A baby gate is useful for confining your puppy to certain areas of your home, at least initially. Crates are good for sleeping and keeping your puppy safe while you leave the home for brief periods.^{[3]
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- Pet owners commonly keep puppies in the kitchen at first and place gates there. Kitchen floors are usually easier to clean than other areas.
4
Purchase a dog bed. You can either choose a pillow-type one that will accommodate your puppy while he is small, or you could choose a larger one that will fit him when fully grown as well (between 13 and 15 inches).
- Providing your miniature schnauzer puppy with his own bed will help you train him that this is his space for sleeping (instead of in your bed or on other furniture).
- It will be reassuring to your puppy for him to have a space that is exclusively for him.
5
Stock up on cleaning supplies. You will need to accept the fact that your puppy will have accidents. Urine stain and odor remover, puppy wipes, poop pick-up bags, and housebreaking pee pads are some essential items to have in your home when you are with a new puppy.^{[4]
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6
Purchase grooming and feeding essentials and some toys. You want to be as prepared as possible when you bring your miniature schnauzer puppy home, so get all of the basics ahead of time. For grooming, you will need puppy shampoo, a toothbrush, a nail file and clippers, and a brush. You will also need to get food and food bowls or dishes. Finally, dog toys and chews are essential because they will keep your puppy occupied and give him less time to chew on your furniture or other items.^{[5]
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- Your food bowls or dishes should be shallow since miniature schnauzer puppies won’t be able to reach the bottom of deep ones.
- A variety of toys, like rope toys, squeakers, and teething chews, will keep your puppy busy.
7
Remember to get a leash, collar, and an ID tag. In many areas, it is required by law that your dog be leashed and collared while outside, so it is essential that you have these on hand when you bring your puppy home. Additionally, your collar gives you a place to affix an ID tag, so that your dog can be returned to you if you ever are separated.^{[6]
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Research source} A harness collar can be useful for your miniature schnauzer puppy, since it will give you a bit more control over him while out and about, and flexible leashes are convenient as you both learn to walk together.
- An adjustable collar will grow with your puppy.
- If you plan to take a lot of walks in the evening, you may want a harness with reflectors or one that is illuminated.^{[7]
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8
Install a fence. Miniature Schnauzers love to run and chase animals outside, so a strong fence is imperative for keeping them safe.

Method 2

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Feeding and Exercising Your New Puppy

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Purchase the same kibble used by your breeder or shelter. Your puppy will be happy to be offered the same type of food he is already accustomed to eating. You can slowly introduce a new type over a few weeks.^{[8]
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- Your veterinarian will be able to offer suggestions regarding appropriate food options for your puppy.
2
Feed your puppy the proper amount. Miniature schnauzer puppies need to consume approximately 400 calories each day. Check the packaging to see how much this would be of the kibble you are using and measure the appropriate amount. Additionally, keep a steady supply of fresh drinking water available for your puppy.^{[9]
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- Feed your puppy two or three times a day at the same time.
- Let your puppy eat for about 10–15 minutes at a time and then discard the uneaten portion. You don’t want to leave it out or your puppy can overeat.
- Your veterinarian will be able to check your puppy’s growth at visits and let you know whether you are over- or underfeeding him.
3
Exercise your puppy daily. Miniature schnauzer puppies are high energy and can gain weight quickly if they are not exercised enough.^{[10]
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Research source} They love walks and also enjoy agility courses. A 15 to 25-minute walk or a game of catch for the same amount of time is typically enough exercise for a miniature schnauzer puppy.^{[11]
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- Miniature schnauzers can develop behavior problems, such as barking or being temperamental, if they do not receive enough exercise.
- Since miniature schnauzers are prone to developing diabetes, regular exercise is essential for their long-term health.
- Don't walk your puppy in public places until he has gotten the vaccinations necessary to keep him protected.

Method 3

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Grooming Your Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

1
Brush your puppy two or three times a week. Your miniature schnauzer has a double coat: a soft undercoat and a wiry top coat. He will need to be brushed often with a soft-bristled brush to prevent matting.^{[12]
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2
Clip or trim your puppy’s fur every few months. You have a few options for giving your miniature schnauzer puppy a haircut. You, or a professional, can either shave him with an electric clipper, or your puppy can be plucked (which involves hand stripping the outer coat).^{[13]
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- Typically, hand stripping is done only for show dogs, as it is expensive and time-consuming.
- If you choose to clip your dog, the wiry topcoat will eventually soften. So, if you prefer the harder texture, you will need to hand strip the fur.
3
Take care of your puppy’s dental health. To prevent bad breath and to protect your puppy’s teeth and gums, you will need to brush his teeth at least several times a week. You can also offer dental chews to your puppy. These help remove tartar and plague through the chewing motion. You also will need to schedule regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian.^{[14]
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4
Trim your puppy’s nails one or two times each month. Miniature schnauzer puppies’ nails grow quickly, and you need to avoid overgrowth and cracking by attending to them regularly with a nail clipper or grinder. By starting nail grooming early with your puppy, you will acclimate him to the process and make it easier for both of you.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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- You can use nail clippers shaped like a scissors or ones that work like a guillotine to snip off the sharp nail tips. Regardless of which style you choose, choose one designed for small dogs, particularly when working on your puppy.
- Avoid cutting the quick, which contains blood vessels and can cause pain and bleeding if injured. A black circle in the center of your puppy’s nail indicates the quick is nearby.
5
Check your puppy’s ears regularly. Miniature schnauzers grow inner ear hair, and wax and debris can build up leading to possible infection. Look for signs such as constant tilting of the head to one side, pawing at the ears, or redness or bleeding. Visit your veterinarian promptly if you notice any of these symptoms.^{[16]
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- Other signs of problems with your miniature schnauzer’s ears include a bad smell or discharge of earwax, rubbing the ears across carpet or grass, or constant scratching at the ears.
6
Bathe your miniature schnauzer puppy periodically. Your puppy can be bathed weekly or monthly, as often as you deem necessary. Be sure to use dog shampoo and lukewarm water, followed by a thorough rinse. After a bath, a towel dry and brush will leave your puppy refreshed.
- Between baths, it is a good idea to rinse your miniature schnauzer puppy’s beard after eating.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Training and Socializing Your Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

1
Be patient with your puppy. Until he comes home with you, odds are your miniature schnauzer puppy has only known life with his mother and siblings. Give lots of love and attention in your first few days together and let him gradually adapt to his new home.
2
Start obedience training early. Miniature schnauzers are smart and highly trainable, but they can also be independent and stubborn. To effectively train your puppy, start soon after he comes home. Be calm and assertive, as well as consistent. Training your miniature schnauzer puppy to sit is a good skill to start with since it will be the basis for many of your commands.
- Miniature schnauzers are motivated by positive reinforcement (like praise) and treats.
- They get bored easily, so keep your training lessons short.
3
Curb his barking. Barking can be a hobby for your miniature schnauzer puppy, so you need to work with him early to avoid problems with this. When guests enter your home, for example, command your puppy to stay and sit so that he doesn’t jump and bark at your visitors. Then reward him with a treat when he complies.
- Miniature schnauzers tend to bark when bored. When the dog starts to bark continuously, distract him with your voice or hand gesture. When the dog stops and looks at you, offer a toy or a walk. If you offer the toy while the schnauzer is still barking, the puppy may learn to bark for a reward.
4
Use a crate to help train your puppy. Introducing a crate while your miniature schnauzer is still a puppy helps your dog get comfortable with being confined. This is useful if he ever needs to be hospitalized or boarded in the future. Additionally, if you put his bed in the crate at first, he will have a sense of security in that confined area that may help him sleep.^{[17]
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- Be sure to leave the door of the crate open so your dog doesn’t feel trapped while inside.
5
Potty train your puppy. To housebreak your miniature schnauzer puppy, you will need to be consistent and firm in your commands. Choose a potty spot and command that you will use every day. Also, since puppies have small bladders, take your puppy outside each hour for a potty break.
- Praise your puppy each time he goes in your designated potty spot.
- Take your puppy out for a break within 30 minutes of eating.
- If you need to leave your puppy for 3 or more hours at a time, use pee pads to offer a spot for your puppy to relieve himself.