How to Housebreak a Miniature Schnauzer

Like most dogs, housebreaking a miniature schnauzer will take diligence and persistence. Because of their small size they may need to be taken outside more often, but miniature schnauzers are intelligent dogs and usually catch on quickly. Crate training and paper training, two of the most popular training methods are designed to teach your dog that going outside is the best place to do his business. A watchful eye and a positive attitude will go a long way in teaching your dog what is expected of him.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Puppy pads or paper

Crate Training

1. Purchase a crate just large enough for your dog to lie down in. Place a comfortable bed and a chew toy, but no food or water, in the crate.

2. Take your dog outside to her favorite spot before crating her and praise her when she urinates or defecates.

3. Keep your dog in a crate when you are unable to supervise her constantly. Dogs dislike soiling their bedding and will usually choose to wait until they can go outside. Crate training shows the dog that she can hold it for a period of time.

4. Take your miniature schnauzer outside often. Watch for signs of her needing to go, such as walking in circles and sniffing the floor.

5. Let your miniature schnauzer out of the crate for longer periods of time as she grows accustomed to going outside to do her business. If she has an accident, pick her up and take her outside to the same spot you always go to.

Paper Training

6. Place papers or puppy pads in a comfortable area for your miniature schnauzer.

7. Pick up your dog without saying anything and place him on the pad when you notice him walking around and sniffing the floor.

8. Praise him when he uses the pads or paper.

9. Move the papers closer to the door when your dog begins to use them successfully.

10. Start taking your dog outside to do his business once he is using the papers or puppy pads the majority of the time. You can even take a puppy pad outside with you.

11. Remove the puppy pads or papers when he consistently goes outside.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Dr. Race Foster, DVM of PetEducation.com, puppies need to go outside after they wake up and about 30 minutes after feeding time. There are crates available with a divider so that you can adjust the size of the crate as the dog grows if you plan to use a crate into adulthood. Use particular commands when housebreaking your miniature schnauzer such as "outside" or "go potty".
• If you are housebreaking an older dog who is having trouble, have her checked first at your veterinarian to rule out the possibility of a bladder infection or bladder stones. Punishing your dog after he has an accident can slow the house training process down because the dog does not understand what is going on. While you can say "no" in a firm voice if you catch him in the act, praising your dog for the correct behavior is a more effective training method.

Resources

• House Training
• Housebreaking Your New Puppy
• House Training