Miniature Schnauzer

[SunshineP]

I need help!
I love her so much and she is the perfect family dog. But...(and I’m sure it’s all my fault) once we leave the family unit she drives me mad. She barks at everyone when we are out. She refuses to move when I want her to walk with me and even though she is small she can really put the brakes on. This is when she has a lead on. In the park off lead she is great, occasionally barking but much better. She always follows me and has amazing recall. I love her so much but it is so stressful when we go out and she needs to be on the lead and behaves like an attack dog. She is all mouth but it’s so so loud. Help any ideas.
Even with all the stubborn barkiness she is still wonderful but I would like to tackle some of these issues.

[MaryJenson]

Have you tried giving her treats when she’s quiet. Timing is crucial! Remove treat when she’s barking but be ready to reward the moment she’s quiet.
Have you tried a clicker?

[SunshineP]

Mary I could try the treat thing. Thank you. I’ve not tried a clicker I will google.
Thank you

[MaryJenson]

Basically you use the clicker just before you give a treat. Over a period of time keep using the clicker and immediately follow it by the treat.
The result is that you can then keep the clicker handy in your pocket and when you see another dog or anticipate she may bark click it immediately. The dog should then focus on you as they will be expecting the treat.

[SunshineP]

Mary brilliant thank you I’ll get one. She is a clever little thing so that could work really well.

[BiteyShark]

Can you afford some 1-1 training? I always feel that when something is causing that much stress getting a good trainer to do a couple of sessions where they observe you and your dog in the situation gets you much further and quicker as a good trainer will tailor it to you.

[SunshineP]

Bitey I thought of that and I’ve been looking out for someone. I need to look harder the man I did puppy training with was ok but not great.
Mary just ordered a clicker.

[BiteyShark]

Definitely agree that there are 'trainers' that follow a script and good trainers that adapt to you and your dog.

I am working with one now and you just 'know' when they click.

[SunshineP]

Bitey yes I need to find one I click with and who has a different approach to my puppy trainer.

[HorseDentist]

The thing is Schnauzers are notoriously talkative. It is in their nature. You will be able to train out some of the behaviour but not all. Be prepared for still having a dog that loves to shout at everyone and everything.
Every time I hear a dog barking in public 9 times out of 10 when I turn around it is a Schnauzer.

[adoggymama]

My parents have a miniature schnauzer and it is in their nature to be quite 'barky' dogs. They are also fiercely protective of their home and owners.

It's just a trait of the breed. :)

[SunshineP]

Horse and adoggy yes I agree I know it’s part of the breed and I love her protectiveness. But it’s jist that even other Schnauzer owners have told me she barks a lot. Just reducing it a bit would be fab.
Also just occasionally I’d like her to walk the way I want to go.
She is lovely and 99% perfect

[Fatjilly]

I have a very chatty schnauzer who loves to shout at everyone. I carry a little plastic bottle of water and a quick squirt (just a couple of drops on his back) snaps him out of it. Now just squeezing the bottle so it crackles a bit, is usually enough to remind him to shush. Schnauzers are very vocal but easily the best dogs ever!

[pilates]

Sunshine how is the clicker, is it working? I’ve just ordered one.

[SunshineP]

Fatjilly they are definitely the best dogs ever. She is a fluffy hooligan... in need of a groom.
Pilates it’s coming along slowly. I have been so busy this week I’ve only done a tiny bit. I’ll keep you posted.

[Thegirlinthefireplace]

I know this is old and I hope you are on top of this now but I have a mininschnauzer that would bark at everything out and about. Drove me mad. I was able to train it out of him but it takes dedication and being VERY alert on walks.

Basically on walks I would have a pocket of treats and I would be constantly alert on the walk and whenever I saw something likely to set him off I would give him a treat and say "good quiet" and keep that up as we passed the trigger thing (usually a person or another dog).

We got there in the end and he really never barks out on walks now (he's now 4).

[Thegirlinthefireplace]

To add, it relied on me spotting the thing likely to make him bark before him and praising him for quiet before he saw it and maintaining that as we passed, if that makes sense..