Our Picks for our puppies

Puppy-proof your home. Your new miniature schnauzer puppy will start to explore the moment you bring him home. To make sure he doesn’t hurt himself, you need to remove anything that could possibly be harmful. Any plants, especially toxic ones, should be removed from within reach of your puppy, as well as any chemicals, medicines, or other potential hazards. Also, be sure to move any food that he could easily access.

- Be sure no exposed electrical cords are accessible by your new miniature schnauzer.

- Clutter is appealing to puppies, particularly for chewing. Pick up any shoes, books, or other items that could easily be reached by your puppy.

When bathing your puppy, be sure to use a quality shampoo. Giving your puppy too many baths can strip his skin and natural oils in the coat. Therefore, bathe your puppy only when he needs it. It is safe to bathe your puppy once they are 6 weeks old. You can bathe your puppy in a tub or sink. It is important that they do not get cold or chill.

On my puppies I use the Wahl White Pear Shampoo for all the light areas. On the rest of the areas I use All Natural Lavender & Geranium Shampoo for Dogs.  Geranium and Lavender are gentle and also keeps them free from fleas, mosquitoes etc.

We currently feed our babies  Whole-Hearted puppy food.   We prefer grain-free.  They also have an adult food selection.   We have found that our schnauzer babies do not get tired of this food and we also use it as training treats.  

Regular grooming is essential for most dogs. It is important to keep their coats clean from dirt and free of any parasites that may rest in their coats. You can take him to your local pet shop or grooming shop to have this done. Brush your puppy two or three times a week. Your miniature schnauzer has a double coat: a soft undercoat and a wiry top coat. He will need to be brushed often with a soft-bristled brush to prevent matting.  We like to also use a slicker brush and a comb.  The longer the coat on the dog, the more upkeep there is to maintain. Proper brushing is essential for many breeds and it is important to get your puppy used to this at a young age. 

Start obedience training early. Miniature schnauzers are smart and highly trainable, but they can also be independent and stubborn. To effectively train your puppy, start soon after he comes home. Be calm and assertive, as well as consistent. Training your miniature schnauzer puppy to sit is a good skill to start with since it will be the basis for many of your commands.

- Miniature schnauzers are motivated by positive reinforcement (like praise) and treats (you can use their own food).

- They get bored easily, so keep your training lessons short. 5-10 mins in the morning before breakfast and 5-10 min in the evening before dinner.

Join us on Facebook or Instagram @islaschnauzers.  Post as many pictures/videos of your fur baby/s.  Feel free to ask any questions.