Housebreaking - Let your miniature schnauzer out of the crate

Let your miniature schnauzer out of the crate for longer periods of time as she grows accustomed to going outside to do her business. If she has an accident, pick her up and take her outside to the same spot you always go to.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Take your dog outside to her favorite spot before crating her

Take your dog outside to her favorite spot before crating her and praise her when she urinates or defecates.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Purchase a crate

Purchase a crate just large enough for your dog to lie down in. Place a comfortable bed and a chew toy, but no food or water, in the crate.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Housebreaking a miniature schnauzer will take diligence

Like most dogs, housebreaking a miniature schnauzer will take diligence and persistence. Because of their small size they may need to be taken outside more often, but miniature schnauzers are intelligent dogs and usually catch on quickly. Crate training and paper training, two of the most popular training methods are designed to teach your dog that going outside is the best place to do his business. A watchful eye and a positive attitude will go a long way in teaching your dog what is expected of him.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Check out potential breeders very carefully

Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions

Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions such as kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and diabetes.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Look at a miniature schnauzer's features

Look at a miniature schnauzer's features when choosing yours. The face is long with thick eyebrows, a long beard and a mustache. The expression should be bright with eyes that are dark and oval-shaped. The wiry outer coat is colored either salt and pepper, black and silver, or black.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes

Note that miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes. They're able to get enough exercise inside and don't require a backyard.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover