Bringing home a miniature schnauzer puppy is an exciting adventure! After raising schnauzers for over 15 years, I’ve learned that while every puppy has their own personality, our breed comes with some predictable behaviors that can catch new families off guard. Let me share what we’ve learned about these spirited little personalities and how to set your puppy up for success.
I hope you all find this information helpful as you bring a new puppy into your home.
-Erica
Miniature schnauzers were originally bred as farm dogs and ratters in Germany. They’re terriers through and through – intelligent, alert, and independent. These traits that made them excellent working dogs can sometimes translate into behaviors that need guidance in a family home. The good news? With understanding and consistency, these same traits make them wonderful, entertaining companions.
If there’s one thing I tell every new Fernweh family, it’s this: your schnauzer puppy will have opinions, and they’ll want to share them!
What to expect:
Why it happens: Schnauzers are natural watchdogs. That adorable puppy barking at their reflection isn’t being naughty – they’re doing what generations of breeding tells them to do: alert you to everything!
Solutions that work:
Consider teaching “speak” first – it’s easier to teach “quiet” when they know “speak”
Start teaching “quiet” from day one using positive reinforcement
Acknowledge what they’re alerting you to (“Thank you, I see it”), then redirect
Never yell – it just sounds like you’re barking along!
Reward calm, quiet behavior more than you correct barking
One thing I love about schnauzers is their intelligence – they’re problem solvers. The challenge? Sometimes they solve problems we didn’t want solved!
What to expect:
Why it happens: Your schnauzer isn’t being defiant – they’re thinking! They want to know if rules are consistent, if you really mean it, and what’s in it for them.
Solutions that work:
Celebrate small wins – schnauzers thrive on success
Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun
Use high-value treats and lots of praise
Be consistent – if it’s not okay on Tuesday, it’s not okay on Saturday
Make training a game rather than a chore
Schnauzer puppies are like little energizer bunnies with teeth!
What to expect:
Why it happens: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and schnauzers have that terrier drive that needs an outlet.
Solutions that work:
Mental stimulation is as important as physical (puzzle toys, training, sniff games)
Always have appropriate chew toys within reach
When teeth touch skin, say “ouch!” and stop play briefly
Redirect to a toy immediately after correcting
Ensure adequate exercise – a tired puppy is a good puppy
Remember those ratter roots? They show up in interesting ways!
What to expect:
Why it happens: These are hardwired terrier behaviors. Your schnauzer’s ancestors were bred to hunt vermin and dig them out of hiding spots.
Solutions that work:
Channel the behavior into games like “find it” with hidden treats
Provide a designated digging spot (sandbox) if you have a digger
Rotate toys to maintain novelty
Use puzzle feeders to satisfy the hunting instinct
Supervised outdoor time until you know their habits
I often joke that schnauzers don’t have owners, they have people. The bond is real!
What to expect:
Why it happens: Schnauzers are incredibly people-oriented. While this makes them wonderful companions, it can lead to anxiety when alone.
Solutions that work:
Build independence through place training and settling exercises
Start crate training immediately – make it their happy place
Practice very short departures (30 seconds) and gradually increase
Don’t make a big deal about leaving or returning
Leave puzzle toys or frozen Kongs for alone time
Consider calming music or white noise
Let’s be honest – small dogs can be trickier to housetrain. But it’s absolutely achievable!
What to expect:
Why it happens: Small bladders need more frequent emptying, and schnauzers can be particular about weather conditions!
Solutions that work:
Have a covered potty area for bad weather
Set a timer – every 2 hours for young puppies
Take them out immediately after meals, naps, and play
Reward outdoor success enthusiastically
Clean accidents thoroughly with enzyme cleaner
Consider bell training for communication
Be patient – consistency pays off
While these behaviors are normal, sometimes professional help is beneficial:
Every Fernweh puppy goes home with:
This foundation makes your job easier, but remember – training is ongoing!
I always tell my puppy families that the first year is an investment. Yes, your schnauzer puppy will test you. They’ll have accidents, they’ll bark at inappropriate times, and they’ll probably redesign a few of your belongings. But with patience, consistency, and understanding, you’ll end up with an incredible companion.
Those same traits that make puppyhood challenging – the intelligence, the alertness, the strong bond with their people – these become the qualities you’ll love most about your adult schnauzer. They’re worth every bit of effort!
We are currently accepting deposits to join our waiting list for future miniature schnauzer puppies of many different colors. If you are interested in adding a Fernweh Schnauzer to your family we would encourage you to reach out to us via an email or phone conversation. Please be advised that we are known through the country as one of the best miniature schnauzer breeders of high quality miniature schnauzer puppies and are in high demand. Be sure to reach out and plan in advance when considering a future Fernweh addition. Adopters who plan ahead and join our waiting list are preferred and treated as such during the adoption process. Click Here to see our puppies!
