Where embraces form and function

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! 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 essential

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

Commitment levels

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!

Tips for acquiring a puppy

With our current Independence Day litter, we have had the opportunity to meet and interact with many, many people from all over the country, and even outside of the country who are trying so hard to find a Standard Schnauzer puppy.  Some people try for years to get a puppy.  It is expensive.  It can be frustrating.  And it can be heartbreaking for some.  This blog posting is for all of you future Standard Schnauzer puppy parents who are trying so hard to find your new fur baby. One of the really hard things we have to deal with as a breeder is having only X number of puppies available, and then having many, many times that number of applicants trying to get a puppy.  We have to say No to say many really nice people who would make really good puppy parents; not because there’s anything wrong with them, but because there  are others out there that for various reasons were just a little better fit for the puppies we had at the time.  So, I’m going to offer some, hopefully, helpful input to help increase your odds of getting one of these very rare, but amazing puppies. First, even though you may not have a Standard Schnauzer yet, I would highly encourage you to join your local Standard Schnauzer club if there happens to be one in your state/region.  These are regional clubs that are associated with the National Standard Schnauzer Club of America, and the AKC.  By joining one of these clubs, you will get the opportunity to meet many of the reputable breeders in your region/state.  You will also get to meet and know professional and amateur handlers, and owners of dogs that are involved in all kinds of sanctioned competitive sports and breed certifications.  And then of course you can get to know others that are just pet owners and do not compete in formal events with their dogs.  In a local sense, these clubs are the most “inside, in-the-know” group of fellow Schnauzer people that you will probably get the opportunity to meet and associate with.  They are such a valuable resource on so many different levels when it comes to this breed.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn, and share: grooming tips, nutrition and vaccination information, behavioral issues, and all the fun stuff associated with owning this wonderful and challenging breed. To find out if you have one of these clubs in your region/state go to the Standard Schnauzer Club of America at this link:  http://www.standardschnauzer.org/regional_clubs.htm   For those of you who are in Texas, we are currently in the process of forming our own regional Standard Schnauzer Club; the Red River Standard Schnauzer Club of Texas.  Here is a link to the website which is currently in draft form:  http://www.rrssc.org  If you live in Texas and are interested in getting plugged-in with the state wide Standard Schnauzer community, then I would very much encourage you to reach out to myself or Darcy here for more information.  We would be happy to help you. Second, if you do not have a Standard Schnauzer Club in your region/state, then consider joining the national Standard Schnauzer Club of America.  Although not as tightly knit as your local Schnauzer club would be, it is again a great resource for information, events, and access to other members across the nation.  Here is a link to their home page:  http://www.standardschnauzer.org/ Third, when you fill out a breeder’s application for a puppy, try and be as truthful and forthcoming as you can.  Beyond just answering the breeder’s questions, your answers are an opportunity for the breeder to get a better sense of you.  Applying for a Standard Schnauzer puppy should be harder than applying for a job.   You are filling out an application that is the equivalent to a job application, but even more so.  You want to have the best “resume” so that you can hopefully move on to the interview phase.  Trust me when I tell you that when you apply for a breeder’s puppy, you are competing against a lot of other applicants who want the very same special and rare puppy that you’re after.  When a breeder reads an application and gets responses like “Yes”, “No”, or unanswered questions; it is uninspiring to say the least.  Don’t write a novel but be honest and tell them about you.  Tell them about why you want one of their puppies.  Let them know that you have a good understanding of this breed in particular, and of working dogs in general.  (And actually know this stuff).  The breeder is doing their best to match the temperament, characteristics, and activity level of the puppy to the applicants – so take some time to assess your normal environment, expectations of the puppy/dog, and then be truthful in your conveyance of those details.  As advocates for the breed, and their puppies in particular, breeders want to hear about what you’re bringing to the table for their pups.  Don’t just focus on your needs/wants of the dog.  How is your lifestyle going to mesh with the dog’s needs?  Standard Schnauzers are highly intelligent and energetic dogs.  They need to be stimulated both mentally and physically constantly.  These are working dogs, not couch potatoes.  They are purpose driven dogs.  If you do not give them a purpose, then they just may give themselves one….one that you may not be particularly happy about.  Fourth, know what you are getting for your money – and get your money’s worth.  Standard Schnauzers are not an inexpensive breed, so know what you’re buying. All reputable preservation breeders will have had the Sire and Dams of their pups tested for DCM, eyes, and hips as a minimum.  Some will do more.  You should always expect a reputable breeder to have the results of those tests documented on www.OFA.org .  If a breeder cannot prove those three tests have been done and/or is evasive in their answers, do not

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?

We’re pregnant!

For my very first time posting on our website, I have the pleasure of announcing that our Zoey, (GCH CH Postem’s Zoey FDC BCAT CGC TKI) is pregnant, and her pups are due around the July 4th time frame.  Zoey is currently an AKC Grand Champion that holds numerous titles in companion and performance sports.  In Fast CAT events, her average speed is 25.43 MPH over a 100-yard dash! Zoey is tied as the fastest female Standard Schnauzer in the nation…. Ever! The Sire for Zoey’s pups is BIS, BISS, GCH CH Blackhawk Finnegan’s Wake RATN.   Better known as Finn.  Finn finished his 2014 show career as Number 1 Standard Schnauzer, Number 4 working dog, and Number 12 All-Breed in the country.  You can read more about Finn through this URL:  http://www.hanlonstandardschnauzers.com/hanlonstandardschnauzers/Finn/Finn.html For those of you who would like to be considered as a new puppy parent for one of Zoey’s pups, on our website, please look under the Litters dropdown and you will find an application for a puppy.   Please understand that first and foremost we are looking for wonderful homes for our puppies.  We take finding the right home for our puppies very seriously as you will see during the interview process.  I would encourage you to be forthcoming and be thorough when filling out your application.  We insist on staying connected after you get your puppy.  Under the Pictures and Videos drop down, you can see pics and videos of our 2018 litter.  That litter produced two pups that have achieved AKC Champion titles and a third pup is well on his way to achieving same.  One of the pups – like her mama – is an AKC Grand Champion.  Representing the breed’s versatility, the pups now hold titles in Coursing, Dock Diving, and as Trick Dogs.  They’re also certified Farm Dogs, Canine Good Citizens, Temperament Tested, and Therapy Dogs serving the elderly.  They love to perform, so some of them also train in Agility, Nosework, and Barn Hunt.  All our pups from the Flag Day litter found wonderful homes; of which that is the most important thing to us.  To find out more about us and our dogs, please feel free to join Steadfast’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/steadfaststandards/.  If you’ll go there, you’ll see where we’ve been spending most of our time as opposed to our website.  But I’m going to work on keeping it more active and up to date moving forward. In addition, you can catch up on all of our dogs videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDURgN4VZ1xT94EN8mf-OQQ Darcy and I look forward to our new litter of puppies, and ultimately expanding the Steadfast family. Thank you for reading my first posting here on our website.  We’re looking forward to hearing from you and getting to know some of you.