Miniature Schnauzer Training: A Simple 2-Step Plan For Proper Housetraining

December 2, 2006 on 11:15 pm | In Miniature Schnauzer Articles |

Step 1: The first step is to feed a balanced, complete diet in accordance with veterinary guidance. Quantity and schedule must be adjusted so the pup produces firm, formed stools at every bowel movement. The number of feedings per day should equal the number of bowel movements. If stools are loose, the feed quantity should be decreased 10%. This assumes that the stools are not loose because of internal parasites or another medical problems.

The amount fed is continually reduced in ten percent steps until a firm stool is produced. If the stools are chalky and very dry, the quantity fed should be increased until a firm stool is achieved. A Miniature Schnauzer suffering from either constipation or overly loose stools cannot be expected
to control its bowel movements on a schedule.

When a Miniature Schnauzer feels the urge to urinate or defecate, it is not readily susceptible to conditioning (learning). Even so, once a puppy forms a habit of eliminating in one particular place, it usually seeks that spot when the urge to eliminate is felt. Therefore, it makes sense to teach the pup that the toilet area is a positively rewarding location. The location of the toilet area should be selected for easy accessibility, especially after mealtimes. For this reason, doggy doors are a boon to simplified housetraining.

The puppy should be urged toward this location after meals, following every drink of water observed, upon awakening (even from a nap), after excitement and after any prolonged chewing on its toys. These are all times at which the pup usually gets the urge to urinate or defecate. Most pups learn their proper toilet area in 36-48 hours. Once they begin using that spot, whether it is on newspaper in an apartment or in the backyard of a house, you are then ready for Step 2.

Step 2: Learning when and where not to urinate or defecate is the step that completes total housetraining of any dog, young or old. Sphincter control can only be taught by keeping the dog inside the house and distracting it from urinating or defecating. During the hours when the pup is to be prevented from eliminating, it may be helpful to take up its water bowl; in problem cases, the veterinarian should be consulted to see it is possible to give water only at mealtimes. This avoids triggering the reflex urge to eliminate during confinement. Water should always be available at meals.

Punishment, such as putting the dog’s nose into its urine or feces, or swatting it with newspapers is ineffective and can actually make the problem worse. A more natural approach when finding an “accident” is to wait until the pup notices it too, then growl at the mess and shoo the puppy out to its proper area. Afterwards, when the Miniature Schnauzer puppy can’t witness the chore, the mess should be cleaned up.

If this 2-Step plan for housetraining is followed by all family members, most pups and older dogs become reliably fastidious in their homes within a week, though some animals take longer.