Darcy

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/club

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 of the Red River Standard Schnauzer Club of Texas…

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 4^th 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. These members of the Red River Standard Schnauzer 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

If you’ve read some of my blogs or followed activity on the Steadfast Standards website, you will have noticed that I just fell off the face of the earth. Well, sort of. The truth is, I wasn’t keeping up on this site because it was so much easier to post updates to our Steadfast Standards Facebook page. And then, I fell behind there too. Too many things to do!

When my husband, Craig, kind of gave me grief about not keeping y’all up to date on what’s happening with the dogs, I gave it right back and suggested that HE should do that too.

So without further adieu, I introduce to you your new contributor, Craig.

And since you don’t know him yet the way I know him, I’d just like to apologize in advance for the things I know he’ll say. The man has no filters! If he thinks it, he says it. He means no harm – doesn’t have a mean bone in his body – but, I have him to thank for my very, very thick skin. Apparently, everyone thinks he’s funny except me. Or so he says.

Honestly, I think you’ll enjoy his updates. He’s a kick …and I love him.

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.

Going for the Grand: Zoey took Best of Breed and went on to win 3rd place in Owner Handled Working Group.

Go fetch!

Is your puppy sitting in front of the window with a forlorn “I’m so bored” look? That’s about all it takes for mine to motivate me into a game of fetch.

Fetch is a great game that wears them out physically and challenges them mentally while they’re learning “get it,” “bring it back,” and “drop it.” Plus, your puppy won’t mind if you’re still in your jammies – anytime is a great time for fetch!

Playing fetch with Honor

First kisses

I’ve been collecting and storing the pictures new puppy parents share with me as the pups settle into their new lives. I can hardly express how important these pictures are to me. I look at them over and over …and I smile.

Breeding is extremely challenging! And I’m not referring to the sleep-deprived nights or the endless cleaning-up of poop and pee, nor even the efforts to keep house and yard somewhat in order and in tact. I’m talking about the emotional fortitude it takes to let pups go! Wow. Let me say that even when I know these little furbabies are going to great homes where they’ll be cherished and get waaaay more attention than I can give them, I cry and sulk around the house each time one of them leaves. Those pups still with me have to put up with me hugging them and crying on their beautiful coats.

What helps me get through my pity-party are the pictures and videos and updates from the new puppy parents. I love em! Seeing the pups in their new homes with happy owners reminds me of how blessed I am to be able to bring joy into these puppies lives and into the lives of dog-loving people. I thought some of you might like to see those pictures too so I added a page of some of my favorites. You can find it here: https://steadfaststandards.com/puppy-parent-pics/

Keep sending them! I never get tired of seeing them or hearing from you.

Wings go down, up, and down again.

Everyone knows by now that I made the switch to raw food for my girls a few years ago. It’s an ongoing challenge because the “facts” about the risks, benefits, nutritional aspects are assented and disputed by qualified experts on both sides. What I can say for sure is that I have one dog, Jacky, that will pass up almost anything I put in her bowl to eat the raw food first – and luckily for me, she prefers relatively inexpensive chicken. My other dog, Zoey, is a picky eater and almost any bowl of food must sit while she contemplates the perfect time to eat. I sometimes wonder if it’s not a test to see whether Jacky or one of the cats will try to get it just so she can chase them away.

Now we’re on next generation – Zoey’s puppies. They’re 12 weeks old and I purposely waited for most of them to go to their forever homes before making the switch from kibble to raw. A couple of the pups are like Zoey in that they’ll eat a few bites and then wander off to explore more interesting things, come back for a few more bites, wander off again – just not terribly food focused. The other two stay at the bowl and eat every bit before checking the other bowls too. So, I expected that I’d have some degree of success and some partial success in making the switch to raw with 3-month-old puppies of varying food focus. Here’s my experience with their first introduction:

These little darlings that have learned to sit patiently and at a respectful distance for a cookie nearly took my fingers off for the raw chicken wing I offered. I expected them to be curious and a little apprehensive of something new, but NO! The first one snatched it from my fingers before I could even utter a reprimand and the others immediately lunged at the meaty morsel to steal it away from him. They hadn’t even sniffed it first!

Previously, they’ve always looked to me as the giver of treats understanding that if one puppy got a treat there would be another in my hand for the next puppy too. Not so this time! So eager were they to ingest the raw wing that two of them grabbed it from my hand and swallowed it whole. I watched with horror as they gagged on their too-big-comfortable-swallowing quarry. Reaching for the phone to call the emergency vet I also watched as they upchucked the precious meal and began to eat it again. This time they chewed, but still like they were starving and obviously under threat of having it stolen away.

Who were these puppies?! I didn’t recognize the little pack of wild dogs! They certainly weren’t the well-behaved sweethearts I’ve been raising.

Only one puppy did what I had expected of all of them. Banner – one of the two that always eats every bite – took his precious chicken wing and settled in a comfy spot under the patio table where he could savor the bones, fat, skin, and meat like he was dining out at a 5-star restaurant. He seemed to enjoy it all the more as the other pups that had already gorged sat and watched him eat. He growled repeatedly to let them know he would not be sharing.

I’m experienced in feeding raw to adult dogs and had read an article on ‘introducing the raw diet to your puppy.’ The article discussed common risks of raw food, suggested meat sources with which to begin, but it failed to caution me about puppies gone mad with food aggression… Maybe those vegans are right – meat causes aggression!

If this turns out to be my last post it’s because the puppies took my fingers off and I can’t type anymore.

Beware, raw feeders. Beware.

Tonsure!… and moths.

Just when I thought we were sliding into a comfortable and manageable routine everything changed again. I took several puppies in for ear cropping and over the next two weeks we had to closely monitor activity and keep them separated so none of the other puppies would chew on their little healing ears. The time impact of rotating everyone so they still got plenty of play time while being protected from rough-housing was… wow, crazy. And noisy! Our little healing pups seem to enjoy “running the fence line” outside of the Puppy Palace while those on the inside chased and barked at them. Those with cropped ears had their little heads and ears shaved by the vet and now they look like little Monks.

To make matters worse, I started working on their coats and I’m slowly stripping out the puppy coat to reveal all that gorgeous pepper/salt Schnauzer coat coming in. But you know by now that I am all about making sure new experiences are positive. So, I only work on their coats if they’re relatively still and happy with all the praise. Consequently, their coats now look like moths have attacked them. They’re all patchy and spotty!

They turned 10 weeks old and three of them have made the journey to their new lives. Of course, I cried to lose them but I’m also extremely happy that they’ve gone to wonderful people that will love them and care for them. They’re lucky dogs.

My expectation is that these dogs will go out into the world and remind us humans how to love deeply and almost unconditionally – cause that’s just what dogs do! Plus, there’s the added benefit that as puppies they provide enough chaos and destruction to our lives such that they ensure we exercise our ability to show patience and tolerance. Some people may not appreciate that service, but any doctor will tell you that exercise is important!

It’s so hard to believe that they were this puppyish just two weeks ago! Here they were at 8 weeks old:

Zoey gets her groove back!

If you read my Puppy Update blogs you know that Miss Zoey had a period where she just seemed to have the ‘blahs.’ Now she’s feeling spry again. She doesn’t get up the trees nearly as high as she did before, but you wouldn’t either if you’d birthed a whole pack of nine just a couple of months ago! Jackie isn’t related in lineage to Zoey but she’s “Aunt Jackie” to these pups anyhow.