Miniature schnauzers are so good-looking, it's hard to realize how serious they are about their job. That job being to work side by side with - you. This quality is not well understood in the Miniature schnauzer, and it is well worth looking into if you think a mini schnauzer is the way to go for your next dog.

It's important to remember the wolf ancestry when understanding your mini schnauzer. Because they are strong-muscled and energetic dogs, the subordination to the family is critical for your schnauzer to realize. It should never be confusing and it should not change. Establish dominance in the family line and try to remember how your dog has learned its place. How the schnauzer perceives the line of dominance will dictate its behavior throughout its life. Schnauzers will roll over on their backs to let you know that they see you as alpha. They do well as the sole dog member of the family, not wanting to give up any of their rank to another dog.

Miniature schnauzers do test the line of submission over time, and will swing their heads and give a false nip to see if they can go up a step in the family. When they do this, it is important to reinforce their spot as submissive to family members.

Your schnauzer might not display any of this behavior at training class, because they are in an unfamiliar environment and consider it to be neutral territory. It is at home that you will see more of this behavior.

Look for mini schnauzer pups between the ages of eight and twelve weeks. You will have a much easier time of establishing dominance with your dog if you begin that training as a small puppy. Schnauzers appreciate having a special spot in the house, and putting them in an appropriate crate as part of their daily routine will help immensely in keeping them calm and attentive to your commands.

Balls are fun for schnauzers to play with, but be sure that the ball you choose is not too small. There have been cases of balls lodging in the back of the schnauzer's mouth, and for this reason, you shouldn't throw a ball toward your schnauzer while you are playing. Avoid anything that splinters, they are tremendous chewers.

Look for a healthy schnauzer with shiny fur and no scratching. She should look radiant when you go to examine her.

Enjoy the companionship of this loyal and intelligent breed. Your mini schnauzer should be a prized family pet for many years.