Training mini pinschers

This small, popular breed makes a great family pet, but basic obedience training is a must because of the breed being somewhat headstrong. The Miniature Pinscher can be demanding and may even try to take control of the household if given the chance. However, with the proper training to teach the young dog that you are in control, the Miniature Pinscher can become a loyal companion.

Many owners discover that the Miniature Pinscher is very loyal to its master, acting courageously when another dog or a stranger is in the area. Remember, this breed is a very intelligent and animated. In fact, you will find this breed is almost fearless. Sometimes described as dynamite in a small package, the Miniature Pinscher can be a challenge to train unless the owner and/or a professional trainer have the time and patience to work with the dog properly.


Of course, the best way to train the Miniature Pinscher, or any dog, is while your new pet is still a puppy. Dogs are more capable and willing to learn when they are young. Therefore, if you give the dog a good start, it will usually respond very well to basic obedience training and rules that you establish. Even so, you should not use too strong a hand with the Miniature Pinscher, because its spirit and pride would not allow this. Instead, you should be firm but also provide positive reinforcement and praise.

You will have to correct your Miniature Pinscher, even though its natural cuteness makes this difficult. If you go to the other extreme and are too strong in your demands or too rough with your treatment, you may be heading for real trouble with this breed. It would be best if you avoid spoiling your Miniature Pinscher, although this can be difficult because almost all dogs in this breed like attention, often acting up even more when it knows it is being funny. In other words, the Miniature Pinscher is not for everyone.

Once your dog knows that you are in control and you cannot be bluffed by its antics, you would probably find that the Miniature Pinscher enjoys training. In fact, this breed would try even harder to please you. Most dogs of this level of intelligence will not put up with too much silliness, actually trying to out-think you just to see what the limits are. If you begin the training with positive reinforcement in mind and remain consistent with this approach, you should meet with success.

One of the keys to having a good experience with your Miniature Pinscher is to make sure that you establish the places in the home that are off limits, such as certain furniture, tables, counters, and so on. Along with this, make sure that small items the dog could steal or choke on, such as hard candy, bottle caps, and small toys, are put away. The Miniature Pinscher loves to investigate, often picking up small items that could pose danger.

Some owners have had success in paper-training their Miniature Pinscher, though many report it takes time to get the young dog to understand exactly what is required. At first, this active little dynamo may want to tear up the paper because it thinks it is something to play with but with patience and consistency, most Miniature Pinschers are intelligent enough to get the idea. Having a crate for your pet may also be a good idea, because it provides your pet with a place to be alone. In addition, most dog breeds will keep their “den” naturally clean and since the crate serves as the den, the dog will avoid going to the bathroom inside it.

Training a toy breed such as the Miniature Pinscher to go outside when necessary can also be a challenge, but the key with this is to establish routine, taking the dog outside every few hours, and staying with the pattern, without fail. Your Miniature Pinscher will learn best if you have a firm manner and are consistent.

Size , Temperament

Miniature Pinscher breed standard calls for 10 to 12.5 inches at the withers (shoulders) with any dog under 10 or over 12.5 not eligible to be shown. The original Miniature Pinscher actually had more variance as being a cross between a smooth coated Dachshund and a Miniature Greyhound (known today as the Italian Greyhound, led to some carrying the Dachshund legs while others carried the Italian Greyhound leg creating some short and some tall. After many years of German breeding an average was maintained. Though today's standard is smaller than the original. Germans bred Miniature Pinschers until they could not stand due to small size and frailty, but there was good breeding stock left in Sweden.

The miniature pinscher is a loyal dog that thrives on interaction. They are a "family dog". They need to feel involved, putting them in a yard and walking them 20 minutes a day is not enough. If you have a bored miniature pinscher it will eventually become destructive.

Coat and Color

The coat is short and smooth, with colors, according to most breed standards, of red, stag-red, and black or chocolate with tan or rust markings, in addition to the blue and fawn. Blue coats, while admitted into the UK Kennel Club, can be registered in the American Kennel Club but cannot compete in show. They still benefit from all other aspects of the AKC. The Miniature Pinscher frequently has a docked tail and cropped ears, though the AKC no longer requires ear cropping for shows. The AKC standard specifies a characteristic hackney-like action: "a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear. The head and tail are carried high." The standard in Europe does not require the high stepping gait as the original Miniature Pinscher (zwergpinscher) did not walk in such a fashion. In Europe and Germany this high stepping gait is considered a fault.

Appearance

They are a working breed and not a toy dog, per se. Buyers should also be aware that there is no such dog as a "teacup" or "pocket" Min Pin: These are simply terms that certain breeders use to increase interest in their dogs (and sometimes the price). The miniature Pinscher also tends to have very long legs, and a small body, which can sometimes make it look quite comical. As a result of the flexible, agile body of a Miniature Pinscher, they are able to curl up in almost any position and almost always be comfortable. Having long legs and fragile bones means they are prone to broken bones, especially in the first few years of life. They should not be allowed to jump off high surfaces and be monitored when held by children. Additionally, miniature pinschers can have luxating patella, or dislocated kneecap, and should be checked by a vet for this when young. This can often lead to surgery so potential owners need to consider incurring these types of expensive bills.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher (Zwergpinscher, Min Pin) is a small breed of dog, originating from Germany. Their earliest ancestors are a mix of Italian Greyhounds and Dachsunds. Miniature Pinschers were the first bred to hunt small mammals, especially rats. The Miniature Pinscher is also known as the "King of the Toys". The international kennel club, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, lists the Miniature Pinscher in Group 2, Section 1.1 Pinscher, along with the Dobermann, the German Pinscher, the Austrian Pinscher, and the other toy pinscher, the Affenpinscher. Other kennel clubs list the Miniature Pinscher in the Toy Group or Companion Group.