Young male Giants?

The Giant Schnauzer is an example of working breed of dog and has a dense, coarse coat that protects them against the elements and vermin. The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three breeds.
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montykins
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Joined: 02 May 2010, 14:58

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by montykins »

I have just sat and read through all of these post, smiling and nodding
Both Chris the dog walker and I are constantly being told how good Dylan is,
he ignores other dogs, loves all the women dog walkers who give him biscuits
and walks along beside you, on lead like a perfect dog. Then he comes home
after at least 3 hours excercise and is exhausted so sleeps for quite a while, so does little Molly but once he's awake as mentioned before, don't leave food on the kitchen bench even for a nano second as it's gone.

The people who say to me ' Oh he's a big dog, I'd like a one' have no idea as has been said that Yes he's big but being a Giant doesn't realise his own strength, even leaning on you can hurt, and if he hadn't had hours of excercise I dread to think what mischief he could get up to when he has to be left. One thing apart from counter surfing he does like is tissues, so does Molly, I've never seen which one does it but every so often I find a torn up tissue.

Maybe I was lucky that I got Dylan when he was 5 yrs old,and he does have problems relating to his former home, but they are a work in progress, but I do remember the '' teenage years' with Tyson my old boy, it was hard work.
Bettyboop1000
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First Name: Jane
Dog #1: Oscar
Born: 25 Jun 2010

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by Bettyboop1000 »

I have a Giant that is 17mths old - I had a standard Poodle so thought I was use to a big dog.I was wrong its like chalk and cheese which is good as you just cant compare.
Oscar has had his moments and is still testing me. I have recently had him injected to think he has been castrated as I didnt want to put him through the op,
The Vet advised us that if the injuection didnt work castration wouldnt either. I was told if it didnt work within 6 weeks the op wouldnt make any difference. - Well no difference, he is still not good with other dogs what are on leads walking. It has got so bad now in public places I have to keep him on a lead - this was not the case 3-4 months ago he was good with all dogs. He has become very dominant and tries to stand over any young dogs on leads being a little agressive.
I have scheduled a personal trainer to see what I can do as if he has one red mist moments he nearly pulls me over as I am not a big person. This is a very big worry at this point in time for me. I dont want to give up on Oscar because I love him so much, but I also understand that he needs to be walked but because of his size 30in and 44 kgs he could hurt a smaller dog.
Any advice?
Tulip

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by Tulip »

Have you considered training classes in conjunction to behaviour advise from your personal training? Then you would have reliable dogs each week to work with your Giant.
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Grovelea
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by Grovelea »

Bettyboop, have you spoken to your breeder, they may have some suggestions to help with managing Oscar :-bd
have the courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even if everyone else is sitting down, as long as you are prepared to be hammered for it.
Bettyboop1000
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Joined: 28 Oct 2010, 16:03
First Name: Jane
Dog #1: Oscar
Born: 25 Jun 2010

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by Bettyboop1000 »

I have taken Oscar to training classes - and got on relativly well. He is / was so laid back and was fine with other dogs - until recently. I cant pin point what has happened.
My breader (Joe Conway) has been so good at trying to find a resolution to this problem and any other teething problems I have had in the past.
You all know how it can be with the giants they are head strong and its a battle of wills. I am sure I will get over this problem, but just wondered if anyone else has had the same problem and how they got around it.
I would love him to be able to run on the beech in the summer on our early morning walks as he did last year without a lead on but I just cant trust him now and would like to turn this problem around as quickly as possible. :-\
riiseni
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by riiseni »

Hi and welcome to the forum!
The 'difficult' times in Giants life are 9 months, 18 months and 3 years. These times are even more difficult for an entire male dog so what's happening with Oscar is completely normal. I have said this before but it's worth repeating, there are male Giants that will never get along with other male dogs, whatever you do with them. If you do all you're suppose to do, socialising, socialising and socialising some more, there will still be dogs that think they are the bees knees and they will be bullies, at least until another bigger bully beats the crap out of them.He could also be a wimp, getting there first before the other dog gets a change.
It's really hard to give advice without seeing how he behaves, but can you remember anything that could have happened to him to change him? JRT having a pop at him etc?
Giants in my life
Lizzie
Annie
Erik
Archie 2003-2010


Most Friendship is Feigning, most Loving mere Folly.
-Shakespeare-
henrys mum
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is a: Black Giant Dog
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by henrys mum »

Could it also be that as he's maturing he's got the scent of a female in the area has come into season? That could make him kick off at other males? I'd be inclined to get back into a class and get a behaviourist who knows schnauzers to come on a walk with you. Also go back to basics with him, 'look' at me, distraction training etc. Have a search for past posts from Joni how she managed with her rehomed giant and overcame his problems. :)
Me (Cathy), O.H., Kids (x2) Cassis and Odin (mad giants in disguise as fur babies)
R.I.P. Henry xx
kell
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by kell »

I haven't had male giants but have had 2 bitches and have found that if I give them an inch they take a mile!. Most days in the park start with sit, stay, come, heel etc. My first giant could get very over protective and I learned that lots of excercise, mixing with other dogs and keeping reminding them of their training has worked - thank goodness. I realise that they are bitches but also have had a mini and a standard both who were equally bullying if allowed to be. It is hard but find by keeping reminding them who is boss is a pain but works - so far.
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Donald
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Dog #1: Chester
is a: Black Giant Dog
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by Donald »

kell wrote:I haven't had male giants but have had 2 bitches and have found that if I give them an inch they take a mile!. Most days in the park start with sit, stay, come, heel etc. My first giant could get very over protective and I learned that lots of excercise, mixing with other dogs and keeping reminding them of their training has worked - thank goodness. I realise that they are bitches but also have had a mini and a standard both who were equally bullying if allowed to be. It is hard but find by keeping reminding them who is boss is a pain but works - so far.
Fizz - who had been superbly trained - liked to forget her training in her later life. She had been a show dog. The only bit of her training that always stuck was that she wasn't allowed on beds. Any effort to put her on one left her shaking like a leaf and immediately jumping off the moment you let go of her. If the bed was low enough that she could pretend it was a sofa, that was different.

About an hour a month in the park doing the basics - mostly heel would remind her. Since she was an old lady (past her ninth birthday - she died at 10 and a half) when she came to stay with me and I didn't care about the stuff that didn't affect her or my safety, refreshers were few and far between.
kell
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First Name: kay
Dog #1: Luath
is a: Black Giant Bitch
Born: 16 May 2008
Dog #2: Max
is a: Black Giant Dog
Born: 12 Jul 2007
Dog #3: Kellrainvbow bridge
Born: 10 Oct 1995
is a: Black Giant Bitch
Location: dundee scotland

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by kell »

Well I was saying that Luath was quite good - huh - she has been in season for a week and today was a complete tart - making up to every dog in the park. She and her friend Lola, a great Dane are both in season and everyone was in hysterical laughter at their antics. Luckily the park was full of doggy people who did not mind their dogs being mislead.
Moral is that you should never boast about a schnauzers good behaviour.
henry2103

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by henry2103 »

I agree totally with you.
I've just lost my 6yr old Henry. and miss him so much. He was so loving and such a character.
,He was so well trained, fabulous recall, listened to every command.
Until he hit 11months then for the next year he was a NIGHTMARE. Constant attention barking, half hearted recalls & stealing. ( Even with 2hrs exercise a day) I was so stressed out by the evening, I was exhausted, and then I had to go to work!
Many a days I cried thinking ' what have I taken on'. But I have never been a quitter.
Then, at about 2 yrs of age he just seemed to snap out of his unruly teenage yob behaviour.
He was amazing from then on and I wouldn't have swapped him for the world.
SO KEEP PERSERVERING AND IT WILL PAY OFF!
kell
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Dog #1: Luath
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Born: 12 Jul 2007
Dog #3: Kellrainvbow bridge
Born: 10 Oct 1995
is a: Black Giant Bitch
Location: dundee scotland

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by kell »

I haven't been her for a few weeks. Sorry to hear about Henry, it is so difficult to get over losing them. I found Luath the only cure for losing Kell - for me and for my mini Ben who stopped eating. Luath bounced in and as you said at 2 years both Kell and Luath turned to button and became "ladies". Luath is now 4 and is getting very possessive of me. She is still under control and after running towards " men without dogs"will come back immediately. But I have to keep a look out for "men without dogs" and skateboarders and if I see them she will sit queitly - joggers, cyclists are OK never looks at them. My son recently left home and this is her way of protecting me.
This is my 4th Schnauzer and I know we will get through this phase it is just getting there.
tc1putt
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Joined: 07 Mar 2011, 04:04

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by tc1putt »

I enjoyed reading all the replies on the subject of Male Giants. I am a new owner of a 6 month old Black Giant Schnauzer from Skansen Kennels in Santa Rosa, California. I absolutely adore this Dog/Breed. I have had many dogs in my life, Doberman's, and German Shepherds but never a Giant. I read and studied all I could get my hands on regarding the Giant Schnauzer, particularly the Male. This went on for one year. I picked up Lucas at 4 mos. old and immediately put him in a puppy class and then into the intermediate class soon after his graduation -- what a difference it makes. I work out of my home, so it makes it easier to keep a watchful eye on him through the day - and still there is mischef lurking should Lucas get bored. But these are things I love about the Breed, they are so smart and curious about everything. I love the way they follow you everywhere, even to the extent you trip over them on occasion - I call him my black carpet.

Whoever is thinking getting a Male Giant, definitely needs to be Alpha and be consistent in your training and everyday activity. However, the rewards are great - you will never own another breed, ever!!!

tc1putt
kell
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First Name: kay
Dog #1: Luath
is a: Black Giant Bitch
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is a: Black Giant Dog
Born: 12 Jul 2007
Dog #3: Kellrainvbow bridge
Born: 10 Oct 1995
is a: Black Giant Bitch
Location: dundee scotland

Re: Young male Giants?

Post by kell »

Oh I feel exactly the same and you do become hooked. They do have differences but the shadowing and the intelligence bit is there with them all. I do not think they know how big they are. Great that you are loving the big boy.
lauraacorn
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Re: Young male Giants?

Post by lauraacorn »

Hi, iam a new member and have just lost my giant at 10yrs to cancer. I took him on at 14 mths old as he was about to be pts because of so called aggression issues. My friend worked in the rescue he was brought to and ran me to see if anyone needed a guard dog. We live on a farm so decided to give him a go. We had two run ins with him in the early months trying it on. He also had a few health problem having bad eye infections and dodgey guts. I have had dogs and animals all my life he was a hard nut to crack but by about 3 yrs old we had him sorted. I miss chaz so very much hence why i joined here looking to offer another stroppy male a home. I have in the last 10yrs begun working my dogs and wish to train another to do working trials. It is very worring how easy a dog can go wrong in the wrong hands, i am a voly for uk german shepherd rescue and i have to say compared to the amount of gsds looking for new homes the schnauzer breeds are much more ethical. If anyone heres of a young male or even female looking for a home please let me no.
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