is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

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happy_schnappy
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is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

I am thinking of getting a (mini) schnauzer but am worried after a lot of reading on the forum that they will bark at small children. I have 2 older (but primary aged) children and assume/hope he/she would be ok with them as they will be there from day 1, but we live by a school and a very busy park which we would go to every day. My question is am I naive to think that if the dog sees young children/toddlers in the park every day will it be so used to them that the barking won't be an issue? :ympray:

thanks for your help. I am desperate for one but want to make the right decision.

(also children/people would constantly be passing the house - do they tend to bark mainly when someone approaches the front door or would someone passing the window set them off?)
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by mikegoodson1 »

I have two mini-Schnauzers, one is 2.5 years old and the other is 7 months old. Neither of them bark at children or adults when out and about, I have not trained this, they just don't do it. I have met other Schnauzers on walks that are a little yappy (I believe the breed are renowned for this) but again, I have never seen other Schnauzers bark at people whilst outside.

Now barking at anyone walking past the house (when they are inside) is another matter, they only have to 'sense' someone walk past and Oscar will start barking, let alone seeing someone go past! Saying that, I like this trait to be honest. I know it annoys my wife a little as she works from home most days but a soothing word and a "Thank-you for telling me" soon calms Oscar down.

I'm sure others here will have stories of how they have trained their dog not to bark but to some extent, it's what they do, they are protecting their home and you :)

I can highly recommend a mini-Schnauzer, they are such a beautiful dog. Very loyal, a little stubborn (I call that character, who wants a docile dog that does everything you say), obedient (mostly), fun, loving; they have certainly enriched our lives since we have had Oscar (and recently Sasha).
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Robin black mini »

Is this your first dog or have you prior dog experience? this will be relevant as to your potential success with your choice of family dog...the schnauzer is a wonderful breed ,but they do need boundaries and training to have a well rounded dog.
Also your children should be fine if they too respect the dog's need to be left alone when feeding,or in his bed...two crucial rules my boys learned at an early age,as we too had terriers in the home....
..Just as very young children thrive in a structured environment,so too does a schnauzer pup.
We can't choose our children,lol,but we can choose a pup...I would give your potential breeder a full resume as to your needs ,your children etc and let him choose the right pup for you...
I chose,purposely,an alpha female...many had rejected her as she was a growly pup,some said difficult....for me she's been a perfect match...she's been one of the best dogs I've had ,but some would have found her a really difficult dog ,I'm sure.
In your situation I'd ask for a really social,middle of the road temperament..the breeder will know his pups...and you should be fine.
Re the other children...id be guided by the pup...don't let him/ her be mobbed by the children at the schoolyard...let them be invited to pet ,if the pup wants to be petted...the same in your home...the pups first impression will last for his lifetime. My schnauzer doesn't like small children,she doesn't bark but she steps back and doesn't engage..luckily I have a st poodle to offer and he does the honours with the meets and greets ,in the mall or market etc..everyone happy.
Re barking..my girl was a barker initially,but with training she's over that.( by age one)..however,I also still encourage the warning barks that tell me people are passing my garden or we have someone at the door....it's one of the many reasons I love this little dog...
.but my dogs do shut up when I also thank them for their job ...I don't allow senseless barking,and it's again about setting boundaries when they are pups.
You do getout what you put into this breed and I believe each and every dog is different...I've seen a fair few schnauzers now and each one has been so different ,it's all down to initial choice of temperament and the training you put in .
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Oscar 12345 »

My schnauzer is very quiet compared with my other one. However, the one thing they both have in common is that they will bark if they see someone passing the window or walking past the garden. That is their job and they are exceedingly good at it. They are very alert and don't miss a trick. Otto can sense people walking past way before I have heard or seen them. He always gets a well done and thank you for warning me - you can shut up now, however if there were lots of people walking past that would have no effect. If I were living near a school with children regularly walking by and he was outside that would be a nightmare I am sure and the neighbours wouldn't be happy. If these are your circumstances then best to make your decision expecting this behaviour. Having said all that, schnauzers are the only dogs for me... :). They make you feel incredibly safe when you are alone.
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

Thank you mike that's encouraging. The barking itself wouldn't bother me and would be quite good as my husband works away a lot, but around 9am and 3pm there are loads of people passing the house! The dog wouldn't be in a room where he/she could see them but I would imagine they would still sense it! I could cope with the barking as long as it didn't go on for long but it does worry me that the neighbours (terraced house) would get annoyed. I know that one side is a dog hater!
I've met a handful of schnauzers and they have all been lovely.

Robin yes this would be our first dog as adults. I grew up with a dog (as did my husband) but it was my father who dealt with the training - he didn't do very well to be honest - the dog was absolutely lovely and harmless but bonkers and his recall wasn't very good at all - there was always something more interesting to see. I remember once he ran into a neighbour's house (back door was open) and came out with a juicy steak :))
My children's grandparents have a dog that they have sort of grown up with so they do know how to deal with them.

I do have the time to train, I guess I"m just nervous about getting it right!

If either of you feel comfortable about recommending a good breeder (we are in the South of England but happy to travel) I would be extremely grateful if you could private message me with names. I have found one which on paper and by speaking on the phone seems great, and I am on her waiting list, but she isn't sure when she will next have a litter. Also ideally I would like a black or black and silver which I understand are rarer?

Thank you for your help.
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

oscar the dog wouldn't be out in the front garden (it's too small and not secure) - I wonder if the dog could sense passers by from the back garden?!

Actually come to think of it the dog would likely come on the school run with me (as long as it didn't frighten all the kids)
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by zeta1454 »

As said above, a good breeder should be able to guide you as to the best puppy for your circumstances. A puppy is very hard work in the first year especially but much less so if the breeder has done a good job in selecting healthy, good temperament parents and raising the pups well. Training is key when you bring your puppy home - everyone in the family must be consistent in the boundaries you set and establishing a routine so the puppy knows what to expect and when.
There is some useful information re children and dogs on the Kennel Club website:
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/gettin ... ound-dogs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It is less likely that a mini schnauzer would bark at people passing by the house if they could not see them and they are not knocking at the door or putting things through the letterbox!

Black and black & silver miniature schnauzers are less common and it is probably best not to get too fixated on the colour over the need to find a good breeder :) I will PM you re breeders in the South I would recommend.
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happy_schnappy
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

Hi zeta thanks for the message. I did reply but it seems to have disappeared and I have a feeling that I may not be allowed to send messages as I've only just registered?

Anyway the first breeder you recommended is one I have emailed as she is very local to us. No reply as yet but good to know that you recommend. I will try the other two also.

I've also been in touch with Ouseview. I know you probably can't comment here but if you are happy to PM any experience you have of them I would really appreciate it. Everything I've read about them and speaking on the phone fills me with confidence.

Agree that the colour is more of an added bonus and I will not discount a breeder if they only have P/S (which are also gorgeous so not a problem!)
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Oscar 12345 »

If from day one your puppy was carried on the school run and then after vacs regularly/daily taken on the school run I don't think you will have a problem with consistent training whilst on the walk. That would be an excellent way to train. It is the noise that disturbs the quiet that provokes the need for them to say "hey who goes there and I live here". That does mean that you would be better off choosing the time of year that means school runs are happening from day one.
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

Yes oscar that's a good idea, thanks
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Schnauzer Sam »

Hi Menna,

I have a 9 month mini schnauzer bitch and I walk her just before I go to work in the mornings. We pass 2 schools with pupils walking past and she doesn't bat an eyelid. When off work during the week we stay at the back of the house just to stop her from barking at people she sees going past the window at school times. I too live in a terrace house and my front garden is only 5m deep. If we are outside in the back garden then people at the front have no effect on her.

They do enjoy a bit of a bark but there is usually a purpose to it =))

I can't compare them with other breeds as I've only ever owned mini-schnauzers.
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Bodee »

I trained Milla not to bark at passers by from the house - I allow it only when people step onto the property. She has substituted a grumpy grumbly noise instead and when she sees anyone passing she comes to me grumping away then runs back to the window and I praise her. She seems happy with that.

By doing that it has allowed her to sit and watch people come and go (and my nerves to be at peace :) ) up and down the street without all the commotion.

Strangely it doesn't work so well outside when she sits behind the gate but she does stop on command. I'm sure she has given a few people heart attacks if they hadn't noticed her, as her bark is very loud and shrill. (unlike my old standard, Max who had such a low growling bark you would be forgiven for thinking it was some "devil dog" if you couldn't see him :) )

When we are out she occasionally barks at other dogs but not people or children. I think it is more of an invitation to play chase. My biggest problem was Milla jumping up on people she met in order to show affection and be patted. I have almost cured her of that now but she still does it occasionally.

As I write this she is sitting on her stool at the window watching a joiner go in and out the neighbour's house opposite in silence just like a big black tabby cat - her head swivels watching his every move. I actually see a few cat-like features in Milla, isn't that strange?
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by Suzie36 »

Schnauzers are the best alert guard dogs. I think my girl hears the Amazon driver as he leaves the depot!! Not as reactive now that she’s older, but usually gives a short warning to anyone daring to put anything through our letterbox. Both mine know when it’s myself or my husband coming home but anyone else gets the full on treatment until they’re told to be quiet. Out walking they’re the other way round. It’s my pup who’s very reactive and I’m still working on him as it’s edpecially at other people with dogs, silly people running and buggies and little people. He’s just so excited by everything he sees. Every dog is different and you’ll see this from all our replies but schnauzers are renound for their communication skills haha :)) :))
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by happy_schnappy »

Sam and Bodee that's good to hear.
I am getting quite impatient now and want one TODAY!
Not having much luck with breeders yet, have emailed a few and only managed to speak to one so far.
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Re: is it possible to train them not to bark at children?

Post by nickynoo »

Hi, our minature schnauzer is now a year old. I have 2 children age 8 and 11 and have never had a problem with our dog barking at children. He is a very good watchdog though and surveys the street perched on the arm of the sofa. Any activity he observes is communicated to me via a shrill bark. He becomes very excited at people coming to the house but calms down quickly once they settle. It would be really helpful if people entering the house could refrain from fussing him during his repertoire, but he does make it difficult for them lol. On a walk he is brilliant and remains calm at all times, even if another dog is going crazy at him. I have no experience of dog training other than you tube etc. We did (and continue to) socialise him in lots of different situations. I think thats key and ensuring you remain calm as can be. For example, the kids got their bikes out for the first time this year. He became nervous as they cycled about the garden, but a few treats given from the kids whilst sat on their bikes, resolved his apprehension., along with toy throwing from the bike, created positive association. They are lovely dogs that want to be part of the family and join in everything you do. But he still hates the hoover, barks at the postman, wont play fetch (well, his version is retrieve and retain), and steals our socks. They are so individual. Enjoy!
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