Embrace Chaos: Welcoming Your New Puppy Home!
At Steadfast, we wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of letting dogs and puppies roam freely as cherished members of our family. This enriching lifestyle not only enhances their lives but also ours! By allowing them this freedom, they develop essential social skills as they intertwine in our human lives while also navigating the dynamics of the pack. While balancing the needs of multiple personalities is quite a challenge—especially when you factor in the hormonal changes of our intact breeding dogs—it’s a journey that’s absolutely worth our efforts. When puppies are raised in an environment where barking takes on meaning beyond mere excitement—where understanding cues is paramount—we believe they become more adaptable and confident adults. Of course, raising dogs and puppies in a free-roaming household does come with its fair share of pandemonium. Throughout our journey, we’ve gained experiences and invaluable lessons worth sharing. Here are a few tips: Preparing Your Home: Don’t Underestimate a Refresh of Carpets! Cleaning your carpets before welcoming a new puppy can significantly impact your house training journey. With the possibility that previous occupants had furry friends of their own, it’s wise to think about the hidden scents lurking within the fibers. Even if you can’t see any stains, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell that might trigger them to perceive these lingering odors as signals for where to relieve themselves. By erasing these past reminders, you’re laying down a clean slate—one that encourages proper potty habits and gives your pup the best chance at success. Once you’ve made it through the initial house-training phase and feel confident in your puppy’s potty prowess, scheduling another carpet cleaning is not just practical; it’s therapeutic. Steadfast puppies are reputedly 90% potty trained when they leave our home for yours, but accidents are an inevitable part of puppy parenthood. Knowing there’s a fresh start waiting afterward will help mitigate any worries about permanent damage to your home environment. Worry Less, Play More: Benefits of a Dedicated Puppy Space! Exercise pens are your friends! Creating a designated space for your puppy—like our Puppy Palace—can be a transformative decision in your new life together. With an exercise pen, you establish a safe haven where they can explore and play without the constant worry of mischief or accidents. This controlled environment allows you to step away for a moment knowing your puppy has enough freedom for play and discovery without the constraints of a crate yet is still happily contained and out of trouble. Enhancing this space with interactive toys or puzzle feeders can stimulate their minds and keep them happily occupied. Plus, consider setting up cameras to check in on them during those moments you’re not home. Modern technology allows us to observe without intruding on their independence; just be sure the cords are safely tucked away! These versatile pens aren’t just useful at home; they’re also invaluable when traveling. Take them to a pet-friendly hotel to set up an off-leash area for potty breaks. And if you’re feeling extra creative, combine multiple pens for an expansive Puppy Palace that accommodates activities like playdates or training sessions. You can browse online images for design ideas and let inspiration guide you in crafting a sanctuary tailored specifically to your Puppy Play Zone: Safeguard Your Home with Clever Floor Solutions! When welcoming a puppy into your home, consider safeguarding your floor in your puppy play zone by investing in a linoleum remnant from retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Just be sure to secure the edges with strong tape; puppies have an insatiable curiosity and love to nibble on anything they can reach. If they can get an edge, they’ll chew it to shreds! For carpeted areas, consider a product like carpet shield; it acts as a barrier to prevent stains while allowing your pup the freedom to romp about without worry. With these protective measures in place, you can foster an engaging space that protects your floors while your puppy explores! Puppies are natural explorers, and their instinct to chew is not merely a phase—it’s a fundamental way they interact with their environment! Think of your puppy as an enthusiastic little scientist, eager to taste everything in its path. Those seemingly mundane stair bannisters or enticing lamp cords aren’t just objects; they’re potential treasures waiting to be examined through the delightful process of chewing! Rather than becoming frustrated, start by redirecting your puppy’s attention instead of wrestling with them over a forbidden object. Providing appropriate chew toys can redirect that exploratory energy into something safe and satisfying; it’s all about reshaping their instinctual behaviors into something positive for both them and your home! If distraction alone isn’t going to cut it, consider harnessing the power of diluted Angry Orange. This natural citrus spray serves dual purposes: deterring unwanted chewing and adding a refreshing scent to your home. Just be cautious with its potency; diluting it correctly will prevent overwhelming their sensitive noses. Apply it strategically; don’t spray it when your puppy is standing nearby – it can trigger a sneezing fit as your puppy tries to evacuate his offended nostrils! Another affordable solution to consider is covering those troublesome wooden legs of your table or bench in PVC pipe. While it may not win any design awards, the reassurance this quick fix provides is truly invaluable. Check out my video where I demonstrate how I’ve used this clever solution to safeguard the puppy-free zone bench we have for our mama dogs in the puppy palace. Plus, this bench is a fantastic spot for us humans to enjoy time together as well! https://youtu.be/PYWudaI88Fc Ultimate Convenience: Litter Box-Ready Puppies Are Here! Your new Steadfast puppy arrives litter box-trained! Having a litter box-trained puppy opens up a world of convenience. No longer are you tethered to the outdoor routine, especially during inclement weather or those unpredictable days when you’re delayed at work. Maintaining a litter box isn’t just about practicality; having an indoor option makes life comfortable for both puppy and owner. However, it’s
Nourish to Flourish: The Raw Diet
The raw diet, often championed for its health benefits, is what we feed here at the Steadfast household. It mirrors what canines would naturally consume in the wild, promoting healthier coats, improved digestion, and enhanced energy levels. It may also be a significant part of the reproductive success we’ve had! Research suggests that pets consuming a balanced raw diet rich in essential nutrients experience improved fertility and larger litter sizes. Does that not take the mystery out of our Fab 14 and Baker’s Dozen litter sizes? If this diet is so effective for our females producing large litters of puppies, imagine the health benefits to your dog! I’m truly passionate about the raw diet, and I want to share some compelling reasons why you should consider it for your puppy. While the expense of a raw diet may initially seem daunting—especially when comparing it to mass-produced kibble—the long-term health benefits often outweigh these costs. Investing in high-quality ingredients could lead to fewer vet visits down the line due to potential health issues linked with poor nutrition, and I’m going to show you an example of how I shop smartly to keep expenses manageable—after all, feeding a whole pack of dogs fresh meat requires some savvy budgeting! Just a quick note: while I’m sharing my experience, I’m not a veterinarian or trained nutritionist. So be sure to do your own research too! Health benefits: Iron guts Raw meat, which is abundant in vital nutrients and vitamins, helps maintain an ideal pH balance in their digestive systems, thus promoting overall gut health. In their natural environment, dogs consume dead animals and other gross substances that would be harmful to humans. Two factors contribute to their ability to handle such diets: first, their digestive systems operate more quickly than those of humans, reducing the time for harmful bacteria to cause illness; second, a natural diet results in a highly acidic internal environment in dogs, which effectively neutralizes many harmful bacteria. In contrast, kibble contains ingredients that are difficult for dogs to digest and shifts their gut environment to an alkaline state, increasing their vulnerability to health issues and skin conditions. Let me share a real-life experience with Zoey’s first litter in 2018. We had been feeding her a raw diet, which seemed to be working well for her, but then a breeder-friend persuaded me to switch her to a well-known kibble brand. That decision turned out to be a mistake. Just weeks after giving birth, Zoey slipped into a state of depression; she was perpetually exhausted. It was heartbreaking to see her wanting to engage with her puppies but lacking the energy to do so. Her change in demeanor was such a painful contrast to what we had known before! Initially, we attributed it to the demands of pregnancy and nursing. When she finally regained some energy around the time the puppies were weaned, we felt such relief that we even recorded a video celebrating her comeback. However, looking back now, it’s clear that it was the kibble diet that left her struggling all along. Since then, I’ve made it a point to include a vet visit for a complete blood panel and nutrition analysis in our pre-breeding protocol for my girls. I’m so happy to report that their nutrition levels are always perfectly aligned for motherhood! Poop worth bragging about: As a breeder, I talk to a lot of people about their history with dogs, and often hear stories about the raw diet transforming the lives of their dogs. The journey towards a raw diet can feel daunting at first; however, it’s well worth the immense benefits beyond mere nutrition. Imagine ditching the daily chore of handling messy, soft “muck” deposits in your yard! Switching to a raw diet doesn’t just transform your dog’s overall health and energy levels; it can turn their poop routine into something you’ll brag about! Not only will you be elated seeing more manageable Tootsie Roll stools on your morning walks, but you’ll also find yourself chuckling at how something as simple as diet can revolutionize this aspect of dog ownership. With kibble, countless un-digestible ingredients go in and an unhygienic mess comes out; with raw feeding, most gets utilized for growth, energy—and yes—even poop aesthetics. Shopping and chopping: Finding high-quality fresh meat for your dog doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by taking advantage of weekly sales and promotions at local grocery stores or butcher shops. Many places offer discounts on various meats nearing their sell-by date, which can be an excellent opportunity to stock up without overspending. I’ve even seen people ask on neighborhood apps for freezer clean-outs. Think of it as a treasure hunt where you can discover premium cuts at a fraction of their usual price! This week, I found pork loin chops on sale at Costco. The regular price was $2.79 per pound, but there was a $5.00 off the package price given at the register, so I bought 5.5 pounds of chops at the sale price of $1.88 per pound. Then, at the grocery stores, frozen turkeys were on sale for $0.88 per pound, so I bought a 15-pound turkey not intended for our Thanksgiving meal, but as dog food. Finally, a good inexpensive staple is chicken leg quarters. The 10-pound bag was on sale for just $0.57 per pound. Once I thawed the turkey, I spent an hour preparing all my bargain finds by cutting the meats and bones into perfect, crunchy portions. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—if the chunks are too big, the dogs might try to bury it in the yard, but if they’re too small, they won’t enjoy the satisfying crunch of those hearty bones. By storing these portions in gallon-sized freezer bags, I’m not only making the most of our dog food budget. Go ahead and envy me for the 30 pounds of meat and bone for just $30! But just wait, there’s more! Additionally, I took advantage of every part of
Steadfast Sweeps Another Specialty Show!
Huge shoutout to two incredible Steadfast dogs and their amazing owners! Last year, Kodi & Fiona took the national specialty show by storm with Best of Breed & Best of Opposite ribbons! Their winning streak is still going strong! This year, Fiona took home Best of Breed at Westminster, while Kodi earned an Award of Merit. They’re still on fire and racking up wins! Just this weekend in Belton, they were unstoppable! They swept the regional RRSSC specialty show, winning BOTH Best Of Breed and Best Of Opposite awards at the specialty – and they snapped up those same ribbons all four days of competition! So proud of these champs – keep shining bright, you amazing pups!
Epic Puppy Fails: The Day They Discovered Paper Towels!
As the Baker’s Dozen pups get ready to graduate from their cozy whelping box to the lavish puppy palace, I can’t help but chuckle at the hilarious lessons I’ve learned while raising these little furballs. The day our canine whirlwinds discovered the paper towels will forever be etched in my memory as Puppy Chaos: The Great Roll-athon! It all began on an ordinary day when I, blissfully unaware, left a roll of paper towels perched precariously atop the puppy playpen. Off to work I went, thinking my morning cleaning spree would make my afternoon cleaning a breeze. Little did I know, those mischievous pups had developed some serious climbing skills and decided that the paper towel roll was their new best friend. What followed was nothing short of an Olympic event—a delightful cacophony of chaos! When I waltzed back into my house that afternoon, the sweet symphony of mayhem hit me like a ton of bricks. My once-pristine puppy palace had morphed into a fluffy disaster zone straight out of a cartoon! Shredded paper towels were everywhere, transforming the floor into a confetti party gone wrong. With every step through this fluffy minefield, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d just walked into the aftermath of a wild puppy rave! As I navigated through the paper-strewn war zone, I couldn’t help but chuckle at their unabashed joy. It dawned on me that chaos is often where laughter thrives, and that witnessing such unfiltered puppy exuberance would become a hilariously memorable moment. It’s these snapshots of delightful chaos that remind me to embrace life’s unpredictability with open arms while raising puppies…and maybe keep the paper towels out of reach!
We Seek Enthusiasm
It’s always heartwarming to see new puppy parents light up with joy when they realize they’ve been chosen as Steadfast owners! We do have a thorough selection process to ensure our dogs find wonderful homes, but some people might think that since we’ve bred top competitors in dog shows and performance sports, we only choose families who compete. In reality, our main goal is to ignite enthusiasm for the Standard Schnauzer as the ultimate companion dog, and let’s face it—most people don’t participate in dog shows or sports events. That’s why we wholeheartedly believe that loving companion homes play a vital role in showcasing the remarkable intelligence, loyalty, and steadfast spirit of Standard Schnauzers. Whether our owners are out there competing or simply cherishing everyday moments with their dogs, we take immense pride in each and every one of them. We breed dogs capable of excelling in shows, performance sports, or in challenging working dog environments, but it’s your aspirations and desires that shape their future. Think of it as a tiered approach where you decide how much time and energy you want to invest with your dog. And know that at Steadfast, we celebrate your wonderful journey of life with Standard Schnauzers no matter which level you choose!
Guarding skills
As a family pet in the yard, when visitors come onto your property Standard Schnauzers don’t typically meet them at the gate with a tail wagging open invitation to come play ball. Our dogs can be quite loud and obnoxious about letting visitors know that they are considered unwelcome trespassers. Or let’s say you drive up to the pump at a gas station and your dog launches a barrage of barking, growling, and showing of teeth to the stranger at the pump next to yours. Not okay! Left untrained, the Standard Schnauzer might not understand to which threats she should react, and which should not be part of her responsibility. But keep in mind that she’s displaying some inherent guarding skills that you might appreciate if ever came an instance when her protection was truly needed. I tell most of my would-be puppy owners the story of the time my dog, Zoey, “saved me” from a man that intended to push his way into my hotel room. It’s a longer story better told in person, but the short version is that the man’s wife had left him and taken the kids with her, and he was sure she was hiding out at the hotel in which I was staying. He told me this as he placed a hand on my door and began to push it open so he could come inside and presumably search my room for his missing wife and children. Zoey had been laying quietly while the man spoke to me, but then suddenly she flew across the room toward the door with a snarling growl that sounded like it was coming from a Grizzly Bear. It caused the man to jump back from the door and I slammed it shut and hugged my savior-dog before shakily calling the front desk. My point in this story is that Zoey was never trained to be a protection dog, and she didn’t passively wait for me to issue an “attack” command. Her natural guarding skills told her it was time to protect. That little real-life lesson taught me that I don’t want to suppress guarding behaviors to a state in which the dog no longer has the confidence to act on it. Instead, I work toward helping them understand in which situations their guarding skills are not needed or are unacceptable. Training takes a lot of time, repetitive practice sessions, and patience, but it’s important to understand that the guarding trait is something that should be honed to suit your preferences and circumstances, not eliminated. As I recall this incident, I can offer two additional pieces of advice: 1) don’t underestimate the Standard Schnauzer as a guard dog. They may not have the body mass of a large dog, but attitude-wise they’re all business. And 2) don’t open doors without checking first to see who’s on the other side!
Sometimes it takes a village
To be honest, before I started down the path of showing Zoey I had never really heard of dog clubs – and even after I became aware of them, I really didn’t know what they were about or why I should join one. So, let me tell you just a little bit about my experience in being a member a local breed cub… Before the COVID shutdown, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a ring steward for a club-sponsored fun match. It followed all the same processes as a regular conformation show, but it was much more relaxed, and the audience unabashedly clapped for each participant. Then I had the pleasure of attending a club-sponsored Introduction to Barn Hunt clinic. It was great fun for the dogs, and we owners hung out and socialized, shared lunch together, and traded our knowledge and experiences with our crazy furbabies. There have been other club-sponsored events that I was not able to attend, yet I enjoy hearing other members talk about the fun they had at those too. But here’s where the rubber really hits the road… As you probably know, Zoey began whelping puppies late Friday night and all through Saturday morning – the 4th of July. Independence Day. A holiday. That means, no vet support (except for the emergency pager number which typically means you’re headed to their office for an emergency c-section.) You might wonder, what’s that got to do with dog clubs? Our pals, and fellow club members, Bob and Troy came over and spent the whole night providing midwifery service. My husband, Craig, and Bob handed to me fresh towels, gloves, and necessary tools while I sat in the box comforting and assisting Zoey. As each pup was whelped, they weighed the puppies, recorded gender, put on their color-coded collars, and gently handed them back to mama so she could nurse them. Meanwhile, Troy set up the puppycam and kept the other dogs, Max and Honor, entertained downstairs. Being just 2ish, these two youngsters were not accustomed to the sounds of newborns nor the fierce protectiveness of a new mama. So, Troy’s help in keeping them company and reassuring them during this night of odd sounds and strange human behavior was fantastic. Besides that, he captured that photo above, which is now my favorite photo of our “Independence Day Whelping Party.” And the club benefits go much deeper than that! Around midnight, we collectively started to worry that the puppy was taking too long to come out. None of us wanted to mention “stuck puppy” but we were thinking it. A stuck puppy can be a death-sentence to the entire litter! Not wanting to wake anyone, we sent text messages to a few of the experienced breeders in our club. Within moments we had multiple calls and return messages asking for the details and offering advice. It turned out that we didn’t actually have a stuck puppy – Miss Zoey was just working to her own schedule, not ours – but I wonder if you can imagine how valuable it is to have a network of support when you need it most. The members of the club rallied around me and buoyed our little whelping team throughout the night. It. Was. Awesome! Alright, so you’re not a breeder. I promise you; you’ll have some incident or condition or behavior while living life with your standard schnauzer in which a network of fellow owners will benefit you. And, when you share your experiences with the club you help us all grow, collectively, into the kind of humans that our dogs just love to call their own.
Will there be ribbons?
As we prepare for our next litter of puppies, I’m sharing some of my thoughts about the selection criteria we use when we review applications. There’s so much more to it than simply finding nice people that really want a puppy. Obviously, we want the best possible fit for each of our puppies such that they live happy, healthy, purposeful lives. Additionally, we want to ensure we’re helping to grow an ongoing community of dedicated Standard Schnauzer owners that will help the breed thrive well into the future. At the most basic level, that means you need to ensure your dog is a well-mannered, well-groomed ambassador of the breed so he or she makes a favorable impression on people. That’s just responsible dog-ownership. (And please understand that neither I, nor my dogs, can claim to be perfect examples of good manners – it’s a work in progress.) Taking it to a higher level, training your dog to perform or compete in sports cultivates wider recognition of the breed’s versatile abilities. Titles on paper, trophies, and ribbons are great for sustaining a personal sense of satisfaction, but my goal in encouraging you to be involved in dog sports is so that trainers and spectators get to see how smart, agile, and personable this breed is. That is, I want us all to do our part in growing their fan base. Make no mistake, competing can be expensive! Entering a single competition might only cost $20 or $30, but to title in a sport might take 5, 10, 30 entries. Plus, you will likely have had training before competing, so that’s time and cost. You will probably travel to events and incur the cost of overnight stays. When you add it all up, it can be expensive, but it’s an investment that rewards you and your dog with great experiences, a tighter bond, and a network of like-minded friends …plus, there’s ribbons. Then there’s service and therapy work. What can be better and more fulfilling than a dog that provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties? Standard Schnauzers can be wary of strangers and a little self-absorbed in their own interests, but they love to train and perform their duties well. It’s in their nature to excel in this area when given the opportunity. This, to me, is one of the highest forms of purposeful dog ownership. Finally, there’s conformation. The big show. The true dog-fanatic’s obsession. This is where we remove our blinders and expose ourselves and our dogs to the judgement of others. Think your dog has perfect structure? Perfect gait? Perfect teeth? Think you can execute every step and every turn perfectly to show-off your dog’s exquisite awesomeness? Does he or she have the genes that should be carried forth in future generations? Well then, come join me in the ring! Let’s make Champions! …plus, you get ribbons! What about pets, you wonder? Good, old-fashioned, family-pet dogs? Yes, Standard Schnauzers are great family pets, but let’s face the fact that family-life has changed in a way that may not make it the best environment for an intelligent, active breed like the Standard Schnauzer. I loathe the idea that work and school and after-school activities, and overtime, social commitments, and then down-time in front of the TV or computer culminate into robbing the dog of adequate attention and exercise. This is a Working Dog breed. Spending 10 minutes in the yard playing 2 or 3 times a week just isn’t going to be enough. These dogs need physical and mental stimulation. A bored Schnauzer can be a real problem. They’re purpose-driven, and if you don’t give them purpose they’re likely to assign themselves some that you may not appreciate. Would you ever ask a toddler to just sit quietly in a space with no toys for 30 minutes? How about for 8 or 10 hours? Now imagine that toyless space has lots of breakable dishes, electric appliances, sharp objects, potted plants, etc. You may plan to keep your dog “safe” by crating him or containing him in a confined space, but consider what kind of adult would be produced from a child that was raised in solitary confinement. Puppies need crate time, but they don’t need a lot of it because it’s convenient for you. The point I try to drive with people that tell me they have kids to keep the dog busy is that a house full of kids does not mean that the dog is getting the attention it needs and deserves. Kid-chaos does not constitute training and exercise for the dog’s mind and body. Let me just sum-up by suggesting that before you consider applying for one of our Standard Schnauzers, make sure you can convey what you know about the Working Dog mindset; what attracts you to the Standard Schnauzer breed over other breeds; what purpose will it have, and how will you ensure he or she will be successful, happy, and healthy? What do you want to DO with your dog? …And, of course, will there be ribbons?
A little help here?
Introducing Craig
Let the show begin!
I wonder how many “dog show people” started out just like me. I was just looking for a pet. A beloved Standard Schnauzer to help fill the lonely spot in my heart after my fur-babies, Bosco and Winston, crossed over the rainbow bridge. I searched all over Texas and the surrounding states and then reached out all the way to California looking for a Standard Schnauzer. When I finally found Zoey, I hopped on a plane as fast as I could to go get her. I was so excited that I arrived without a collar, leash, or crate. And that’s how I started our show career too – completely unprepared. The first show I entered was the Standard Schnauzer Nationals in Houston. Our first show. The Nationals. The first dog show I’d ever attended, to say nothing of participation. In retrospect, ridiculous. Need I say that we didn’t win? The experience might have ended my interest in showing Zoey had it not been for the warm support of SS owners and handlers encouraging me to take a deep breath, get some training, and not give up. When I started again, Zoey made Champion so quickly that I felt like I hadn’t even really had a chance to develop my talents as the human exhibiting this beautiful schnauzer. Soooo, this is what led to the decision to continue on and title her as a Grand Champion. It’s little incremental steps you take in the journey to crazy – and I’m already a ways down that road.