Schnauzers are very intelligent animals and are relatively easy to train, but it is still best to begin while they are young. The following points summarize several practical experiences in Schnauzer training.
1. Come
The command "come" is best practiced during walks. If the Schnauzer comes as soon as you call, praise it immediately. If it does not come or runs off instead, wait a while and call again. In daily life, when giving the dog some freedom, it is best to build the habit that it stays within about ten meters of the owner.
2. Sit
At the beginning, the dog cannot understand the sit command automatically. The owner usually needs to press down gently on the back half of the body while giving the verbal cue. Once the Schnauzer understands and can sit quietly, small treats can be used as a reward.
3. Shake Hands
Only begin this once the dog already knows how to sit quietly. After the Schnauzer sits, gently raise one of its front paws while saying the shake command. Repeat this daily. Eventually the dog will understand that hearing the cue means offering the paw. The biggest mistake in training is trying to teach a new action before the previous one has been understood.
4. Lie Down
To teach the dog to lie down, choose a quiet place. When the Schnauzer is already calmly sitting, gently pull its front legs forward into a lying posture. If the dog trusts the owner, this lesson is usually not too difficult. At the same time, pat the dog and praise it.
5. Stand
Use your hand to help the dog stand up squarely on all four feet. Give the stand command and make a matching hand signal, then help the dog hold the posture for ten to fifteen seconds. After that, release it and reward it with its favorite food. Repeat this until the Schnauzer can stand just by hearing the command and seeing the hand signal.
6. Toilet Training in a Fixed Place
Place an item carrying the dog's urine scent in the place where you want it to eliminate. This helps the Schnauzer understand that the location is acceptable as a toilet. If the dog does it correctly, reward and praise it. If it makes a mistake, correction should be firm. Once the toilet place has been chosen, it should not be changed casually.