How to Calm a Hyper Mini Schnauzer

Calm your hyper mini Schnauzer by knowing what to do.

Having the ability to calm your hyper mini Schnauzer is the difference between having a dog that is well balanced emotionally, and having one that is stressed out. The kind of stress caused by hyperactivity can lead to further health problems. According to Dr. Paul McCutcheon, stress affects a dog's health on every level and is behind many of the health problems that dogs suffer from. Everything from cancer to bacterial infections can be exacerbated by and caused by stress weakening your mini Schnauzer's immune system.

Instructions

1. Change your mini Schnauzer's diet. Corn and wheat carbs found in some dog foods can cause hyperactive behavior. A protein-based dog food may help your mini Schnauzer to be more calm. You want a dog food whose main ingredient is chicken, beef or another type of meat.

2. Give your mini Schnauzer a massage. A dog massage can help your mini Schnauzer by lowering his blood pressure, soothing his fears and encouraging him to relax. To learn the basics of a dog massage, visit Pet Place (link provided in the References section).

3. Train your mini Schnauzer. Training your dog will help him to feel confident in his relationship with you. This, in turn, will help him to be more calm and less hyperactive. You can train your dog by taking him to dog training classes. This will also help him to socialize with other dogs and other people, so that he is comfortable around them.

4. Give your mini Schnauzer plenty of exercise (both mental and physical). Play games with him that make him use his keen intelligence, and then combine those games with exercise. For example, hide his ball from him in the yard and when he finds it, play a rousing game of fetch. Mini Schnauzers are incredibly intelligent and energetic. If they don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation, it can make them hyperactive and anxious.

5. Stay calm yourself. Your mini Schnauzer, because of his intelligence, will pick up on the fact that you are feeling anxious or stressed out. Because of this, he will mirror these emotions. Staying calm will help him to be calm, too.

Tips & Warnings

• When you want your mini schnauzer to be calm speak to him calmly. If you use a high excited voice when you want him to be calm, he will take that as a signal to not be calm.

References

• The New Holistic Way For Dogs and Cats; Paul McCutcheon and Susan Weinstein; 2009
• Pet Place: How to Give Your Dog a Massage
• Schnauzer's Rule: Mini Schnauzer Dog Massage Therapy

Resources

• About Mini Schnauzer's: Training and Tricks