In the past, I've used some corrective techniques that involved yelling at them, bumping them off, forcing them to sit, etc. I'll admit I'm old school about obedience. I have zero tolerance for an ill behaved dog. I don't hit them, but have used choke chains on lead while walking and scared the pee out of them with my loud voice.
Last year, we got a little rescue male mini-schnauzer. The owner had a big litter, couldn't sell all the pups and couldn't feed the rest. Our Zac was in a halfway house, just days away from going to a shelter. He had some issues with training, was scared and just wanted to hide under the furniture.
My wife and I vowed to use Victoria's reward techniques, as well as trying to understand dog psychology better.
Last month was Zac's first birthday. He's a completely different dog. Smart, lovable, well behaved, and so eager to please. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. I still take him to places like PetSmart 2-3 times a week to work on not jumping on people who want to pet him and not straining to get over and visit other dogs. He's coming along great.
If you have given up on your mini-schnauzer and settled for sit, come and "off" the couch...I suggest you make a list of all the things that may annoy you or others and start working on your mini. They are so smart that it's never too late.
Life with a well behaved mini-schnauzer is a beautiful thing!
Steve and Zac.
