Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty
Crazydays,
Some info on owning a standard would be great. Here is what I know off the top of my head.
1. Working dog - medium size - 40 to 50 pounds.
2. Originally bred as a ratter, to hunt and destroy vermin in Germany
3. Coat colours are Pepper and Salt, and solid black
4. Needs plenty of exercise, atleast an hour a day, or will become destructive.
5. Tends to bark quite a bit
6. Head strong dog that requires a dominant owner - although I have no idea of what it means to be a "dominant owner".
These are fact I suppose anyone would know with a five minute google search. What I really want to know is stuff like:
1. Are they affectionate?
2. Are they good off leash, or do you have to leash them at all times?
3. If socialized properly, could they get along with other household pets? I.E. Trustworty with them when I'm not at home?
4. For such a strong willed breed, how do I assert my dominance without becoming too forceful or down right abusive?
5. Could it be trusted around my Brother's kids? Of course, I would do my best to socialize him around them.
There's so much more I need to find out, as well. Anything you could tell me, however trivial you might think it, would be appreciated.
By the way, how do you feel about ear cropping? At the dog park today I spoke to a woman who described it in frightening detail. I was thinking if I did get a Schnauzer, I would for sure have his ears cropped. However after talking to that lady I'm having some real doubts about the whole thing.
Cheers,
Matty.
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I have a neighbor that has a male standard with a natural tail and ears. I had to ask what breed it was - it didn't look anything like a schnauzer. It wasn't so much the ears - more that longer, curly tail.
Whether the dog will be affectionate will depend on the breeder and the individual dog.
They are only as good off leash as YOU train them to be. IMHO - basic obedience training is a must.
Yes - if you socialize your puppy, it should be fine with other household pets. As for totally trustworthy when you are not home - my dogs are 2 and 3 and they are crated when I am not home.
You enforce your dominance by being consistant and fair. Don't allow a puppy to do cute things that won't be so cute in a grown dog. You will find that most members here use some form of NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free). This is simply a matter of making your dog do something to get something. Sit before getting dinner - things like that. Nothing major, nor difficult but it is something that the WHOLE family must do.
If properly socialized - your dog should be trustworthy not only with your brother's children but children on the street (provided they behave!), strange dogs, old ladies with walkers, etc.