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Miniature Schnauzer ExerciseAdaptable Companions The subject of Miniature Schnauzer exercise provokes a wide response. Speak to 10 different owners and you'll get 10 different answers as to how much exercise their Mini needs. One reason for the growing popularity of the breed is indeed their versatility. As far as exercising a Miniature Schnauzer goes, these small dogs can adapt to living in a small home in the suburbs, an apartment in the city or a log cabin in the middle of nowhere. This dog breed is suitable for older people, single people living alone or as a pet for the whole family.. However, being an excellent companion dog to people doesn't mean that the Mini Schnauzer has no needs of his own - he DOES! Regular Exercise One thing all dogs - including Miniature Schnauzers - have in common is that they do need daily exercise – preferably regular walks. At the very least they need a garden or yard to run around in.
Regular exercise keeps your dog's heart pumping, blood flowing, muscles working and joints functioning. Exercise helps to keep your dog healthy and free from disease and illness. Whether you live in a condo or on a farm, it’s a good idea to start regular exercise patterns early so the dog gets used to his daily routine and apapts to a constant amount of exercise. Before we got our puppy Max, we read that as far as Miniature Schnauzer exercise goes, these dogs are easy to please They are as happy running round the garden as going for a five-mile hike. That is largely - although not entirely - true. Max is definitely happier going for a 5 or even 10-mile hike than staying in the garden! However, this is partly because he has been used to a lot of daily exercise since being a pup. Establishing regular Miniature Schnauzer exercise routines early is a good idea. If you have a busy life and can only take the dog out once or maybe twice a day, get into the routine early on. This will help your dog's body and mind to adjust to your lifestyle. How Much? Veterinarians advise that you take your Mini out for at least one decent walk every day - and 2 or 3 times daily is even better. At least 30 minutes a day is the minimum recommended Miniature Schnauzer exercise. You shouldn't think about getting one if you cannot commit to at least one daily walk with your Mini. Max gets about 90 minutes a day spread over 3 walks. We've taken him on 6-hour hikes in the hills and he's still running energetically at the end of the day. (Although, once back home he sleeps and snores all evening and night. I think this is where the expression "dog tired" comes from!) The Mini Schnauzer loves playing games. Their compact bodies lend themselves to a short stride and small turning circle. This is helping the breed gain success in agility classes in both the USA and UK. Throwing a ball or a toy is a good way of burning off your dog’s excess energy. Although if he’s anything like Max, you’ll get more exercise than the dog! I usually have to fetch the ball myself when Max drops it and goes off to sniff something more interesting found along the way. In a dog's mind, nothing can beat going for a walk. Whether to a new place with new smells or revisiting regular haunts - just see how excited he gets when you get out the lead ready. Look on the bright side, a brisk walk is a great way of keeping both you and your dog fit...! You can find out much more about Miniature Schnauzers on these pages - Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Characteristics Mini Schnauzer - Temperament and Character Miniature Schnauzer - Training Top Ten Tips for Finding Good Mini Schnauzer Breeders History of the Miniature Schnauzer Schnauzers - Hypoallergenic and Non Shedding Schnauzer Colors – the Great Debate Schnauzermania Store for gifts and pet products |
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON AS PRINTED BOOK AND KINDLE! The definitive manual for owners of Miniature Schnauzers, Giants and Standard Schnauzers
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