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Miniature Schnauzers are bright, energetic, adorable, and lovable. However, while all dogs bark, the Miniature Schnauzer is quite vocal and barks a lot. If you want to adopt a Miniature Schnauzer and give them a forever home, you may need to train them to reduce their barking. You can’t get them to stop, but you can encourage them to bark only at appropriate times. There are a few reasons that the Miniature Schnauzer barks a lot, including their history of being a guard dog, though your Miniature Schnauzer isn’t going to be much in the way of protection.
Miniature Schnauzers originated in Germany and worked on farms to ward off pests and other vermin. Their strong watchdog instinct led to excessive barking.
Why Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark?
First, it’s essential to note that all dogs bark; some just bark more often or on a grander scale than others. Barking is the way that dogs communicate and the way they express themselves. Some of the reasons Miniature Schnauzers bark include the following.
- To communicate
- To alert you to a potential situation
- They are excited or happy
- They are hungry and want to be fed
- They want to play or want attention
- They are stressed or afraid
What Are the Different Types of Mini Schnauzer Barks?
There are three types of barks this adorable dog will make. They are the alarm bark, the friendly bark, and the warning bark. You can observe the differences to determine when your dog is barking for a reason and when they are just barking.
When Do Mini Schnauzers Bark the Most?
These dogs bark the most if they are bored or anxious. If you’re not paying enough attention to your Miniature Schnauzer, they might bark to get your attention and tell you they want to play or be petted. If you leave your pet alone for too long, they may bark because they’re lonely. Some Miniature Schnauzers even begin to bark more when they get older, though we’re not sure why.
The best thing you can do is pay attention to your pet, learn the different barks, and work to prevent them from being lonely and bored the best you can.
Can You Train a Mini Schnauzer Not to Bark?
This is a difficult task since Schnauzers were bred as watchdogs, so it comes naturally to them. Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all option for training a dog not to bark. You have a better chance of success if you train your dog with positive reinforcement and socialize them as a puppy.
However, you can try distracting your dog with a toy or treat if they get excited by the doorbell or someone walking by your house. If your Schnauzer does not stop barking, try to ignore the noise and move them to a calmer area of your home. When they stop barking, provide a treat. This method can be effective, but it may take several weeks or more for your dog to learn that they’re rewarded for their silence. You should never hit, yell at, or scold your dog for barking since they are just doing what comes naturally. If you would ever feel overwhelmed by trying to reduce barking in your Schnauzer, the easiest thing you can do is to call a vet.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Final Thoughts
Miniature Schnauzers have a reputation for being constant yappers, which is somewhat deserved. If you’re considering adopting one of these adorable dogs, you can start training them immediately to refrain from barking constantly. It’s probably not wise to adopt a Miniature Schnauzer if you live in an apartment or somewhere they’ll bother the neighbors, as their barking might cause a problem.
If you can handle the barking, the Miniature Schnauzer makes an excellent pet and will love you unconditionally.
Featured Image Credit: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock
