Dealing with aggression in a schnauzer or mixed breed schnauzer dog can be a challenge. While Schnauzers are usually very friendly with people and typically make great family pets, some members of the breed may be a little bit limited in getting along with when it comes to other dogs. Some schnauzers have been known to bark, growl, and even nip at other dogs seemingly unprovoked – a behavioral problem that leads many schnauzer owners to despair. The key to dealing with Schnauzer aggression is to first cultivate an understanding of the problem and then to work with your schnauzer to reduce or eliminate that aggressive behavior.
Why can Schnauzers Be Dog-Aggressive?
As you may already know, miniature schnauzers were originally bred for hunting vermin – their small size enabled them to chase rats and small game both over and under the ground. Some breeds specialized in coursing foxes and flushing them from their underground dens. Due to selective breeding, modern mini schnauzers remain small and they continue to retain their high prey drive. One thing many schnauzer owners do not realize, however, is that schnauzers also retain their preference for hunting alone. Schnauzers were bred to be solo hunters – they were not kept in kennels with other hunting dogs like many pointing and scenting breeds. This being the case, the modern day schnauzer still prefers to be the top dog.
The fact that schnauzers were bred as solo hunters is only one of several factors contributing to their tendency toward dog-aggression. Many small breed dogs develop aggression toward other dogs as a result of “Small Dog Syndrome”. Often times, the owners of small breed dogs fail to properly train their dogs. Rather, because they are too small to do much damage, they allow the dog to have free reign of the house, letting them do as they please. As a result, these dogs begin to feel entitled to special treatment and they start to develop problem behaviors like barking, chewing, and other undesired behaviors including dog aggression.
Dealing with Schnauzer Dog Aggression
Before you can deal with your Schnauzer’s aggression, you need to first identify the root of the problem. Does your schnauzer display the common signs of Small Dog Syndrome or is his aggression triggered by a certain type of situation. In many cases, aggression toward other dogs is the product of fear – if the dog feels threatened, he will respond with aggression as a means of self-protection. To identify the cause of your schnauzer’s aggression you will need to keep a close eye on him and watch for triggers like food at mealtime or favorite toys. Perhaps your schnauzer starts to bark when another dog trespasses on his property or maybe he only becomes aggressive at the dog park with multiple larger dogs around. Whatever the cause may be, identifying your Schnauzer’s triggers is the first step in dealing with the problem.
If your Schnauzer is still a puppy, you may be able to curtail his dog aggression by simply desensitizing him to the threat of other dogs. Socialize your puppy by exposing him to other dogs early in a safe and non-threatening way. Schedule puppy play dates in a separate location so your puppy does not feel as though his territory is being invaded and reward your puppy for remaining calm and friendly around other dogs. By encouraging your puppy to develop a positive association with other dogs you can help to prevent dog-aggression from developing.
If your Schnauzer is already an adult, it may be a little bit more difficult to deal with his aggressive behavior. You can try to desensitize your Schnauzer in the same way you would socialize a puppy, praising and rewarding your dog for behaving calmly around other dogs to combat the negative association he has already formed. Even once you reduce your dog’s aggression you should never assume that your dog is completely “cured”. It is wise to limit your Schnauzer’s contact with other dogs in situations that could become overwhelming and might lead to your dog reverting back to his old aggressive behaviors.
It is generally a good idea to avoid taking Schnauzers to dog parks for this reason until he is well trained -- and you should always keep your dog on a leash during walks so you may control him if a problem situation arises. With time and patience, however, you can reduce your Schnauzer’s aggression toward other dogs. Giving praise and treats for desirable behaviors is a good way to start.
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