Trainability

This beautifully big breed needs training. Due to their size and intelligence the Giant Schnauzer needs a firm and patient leader who thrives on consistency. Like with all breeds, positive reinforcement training alongside variety will keep your pup enthusiastic and willing to learn new things. Training is paramount is starving off boredom, as with such a large dog, becoming bored and destructive could not only see the end of your shoes but possibly your couch too! The breed needs a good dose of daily exercise on on-lead training is important as too a strong ‘recall’ command. Socialisation from a young age (think plenty of loud noises, sights, smells and people) will grow a well-rounded and tolerant dog. They excel in dog sports and simply love a good daily jog beside their owners. Consider a puppy-preschool followed by a group obedience school, to get the very best out of your highly intelligent dog.

Grooming

Your Schnauzer’s double coat will need some attention. A good stiff brush will do the job to prevent tangles, at least three to four times per week. Ensure you take extra care of the underbelly that is prone to mats. They will also require a hand strip of the outer wiry dense coat every six months. Some prefer to hand strip or clip, depending on your dog and if you intend to show. Call in the experts to give you some handy tips on how to best achieve the look you require. Ensure you clip your pup’s nails from an early age, it will make this monthly task much easier when they are a fully-grown dog. Also take the time to desensitize your pup to being touched on their feet, face, mouth and ears. This will make your vet check-ups much less stressful for all involved.

Exercise Requirements

This breed loves to run and will require a good amount of vigorous activity daily. A brisk run or walk in the morning followed by a good off-leash romp in the afternoons. If you do not provide your Giant Schnauzer with the correct amount of exercise they can become destructive. This breed loves to have a job to do and can be taught an array of wonderful tricks. This not only stimulates their mind but also their muscles. They are high energy dogs (and big ones at that) so are not suited to life in an apartment. This dog needs room to move and run.

Intelligence

Being an intelligent breed, they are masters at making up their own entertainment. Plus; they love to dig, and chew. So, if you do not have an enriching environment they may take to digging a nice big hole to play in. In saying this, as long as you correctly exercise and train your Schnauzer they are much less likely to become a nuisance when left alone. Consider giving your dog a job to do when you are not at home, and utilise clever boredom busting ideas to keep your pup happy and entertained. A good weekly dose of dog sports can also aid in keeping your playful pup happy.

Family Friendly

The Giant Schnauzer is more suited to a family with older children, however if trained correctly they can easily adjust to life with little ones. Like with all breeds all interactions should be supervised by an adult. It is also important to teach your children how to correctly interact with a dog, and also train your dog how to correctly play with your children. They can learn to tolerate other pets in the home if correctly socialised from a young age. However due to their sheer size care does need to be taken as a playful chase could end in disaster for a small cat.

Indoor/ Outdoor

This breed does well outside during the day and will need a large well-fenced area to keep him/her happy. Check weekly for any fresh digging zones or possible escape routes. However, once their favourite companion returns (AKA you), they will only want to be your best indoor company and should not be locked outside all of the time. Teaching manners is paramount as being such a large dog, understanding where their bed is, and when they need to be on it, is important. As too, not pushing past you through doorways or running in the home. Like all dogs they need ample shade and water in the summer and a nice warm area during the winter to protect against the weather.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.