Miniature Pinscher training is not a difficult task, yet it will be one of the most difficult things you ever do unless you follow a few important guidelines.These dogs thoroughly enjoy obedience training, they are very intelligent, and seem bred to want to please their owners.
So what’s the problem?
Well let me start by emphasizing why Miniature Pinscher training should begin right away. Many Min Pin owners start spoiling these little dogs from day 1. They are so darn cute and funny it’s hard not to. The result…a tyrant, one who owns you and run the house. They will train you. Min Pins can be exasperating, trying and stubborn. It’s not uncommon for a Miniature Pinscher owner to be so thoroughly frustrated at the training process that they are willing to give up. Don’t. Be patient. It’s well worth it.
The key to Miniature Pinscher training is to be firm, consistent and strict yet gentle and sensitive. Min Pins do not respond well to yelling. The next thing you will know you will be in a barking contest with the dog, and the dog will not lose.
To clarify, spoiling and harsh corrections will both result in problems. Do it right and you will be shocked at how quickly the Min Pin will understand. But remember, they are stubborn, even though they’ve learned something, chances are they’ll only obey if they want to. Be firm!
OK, now some specifics.
Housebreaking
In my mind, the most effective way to housebreak a Min Pin is by using a crate. Dogs do not want to do their business in a confined area. Every hour or so, take the dog out of the crate, put it on a leash, and take it where you want it to go. If he does not go after a few minutes, return it to the crate for another hour and do it again. When he does go, be sure to give out lots of praise. It will not be long before the Min Pin understands where he is supposed to go. And after gradually increasing the Min Pin's area outside of the crate, soon it will have free run of the house without problems.Although I think the crate method is the most effective, I have always used a variation the paper method. Why? Because I find it to be less taxing on me.
First of all, I don’t use newspapers. I use what are called potty pads. You can find them almost anywhere pet supplies are sold. Unlike newspapers, there’s no need to worry about anything leaking on to the floor. When they are soiled, just fold them up and throw them away.
I use a bathroom, stack up a couple of baby gates (the Min Pin will easily leap over just 1) and put several potty pads on the floor. When the dog does it’s business, I simply remove the soiled pad and place another one down. Once I figure out where the dog likes to go most, I gradually reduce the number of pads I put down, making sure one stays in the dog’s favorite place. Again, lots of praise for going on the paper. Gradually move the paper out of the bathroom towards the door. This will take days or even weeks depending on how far your bathroom is from the door. Eventually, the dog will go to the door and let you know it needs to go outside.
Another method of housebreaking you Min Pin is using a litter pan. I personally have never used this method so I can’t tell you how effective it is, but if you want to try, you’ll need to go to a pet store and get all the necessary supplies (litter box, litter, potty pads). Then it’s much like the paper method. Surround the box with the pads and when the dog goes in the box, give it lots of praise. The litter MUST be changed every time it is used.
Commands and Obedience
Again the key is consistency. But there are some general guidelines you should follow. Naturally, praise the desired behavior. Reinforcement can be a treat or even a big hug and excitement in your voice.Always enforce your command. Not by repeating the command over and over. If need be, put the dog gently in the desired position (sit, shake, etc.), or tug gently on the leash (come). Do not compromise.
Your tone makes a difference. “No” should be said forcefully, “good” should be more positive.
Always use your dogs name when speaking to it. “Ruby sit”, is more effective than just “sit”.
There are other commands that should be used in Miniature Pinscher training. Teach it to speak before teaching it to hush. (Use whatever words make you comfortable). These dogs do like to bark and it is important to get this under control early. Some people recommend anti-bark collars. They shock the dog lightly and are generally regarded as effective although I’ve never used one.
They should also be taught not to bite. The entire Miniature Pinscher training process will take several months, but again, it’s well worth the effort.
Perhaps my most important recommendation would be to purchase a book on Miniature Pinscher training. It’s way more involved than I can cover here, but following the tips outlined above should get you started on the road to having a happy and obedient pet.