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Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)The Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, Inc., of Portland, Oregon finds homes for Miniature Schnauzers that have become homeless through no fault of their own and would love to have another, forever home. Our Rescuing a Miniature Schnauzer has a lot of good information. And, here are some FAQs (Frequently-Asked Questions). If you have other FAQs, please send them and we will add them to this list. Q: Is there a fee to adopt? A: Yes, our only source of support is adoption donations. As a small nonprofit organization, all of the adoption donations we collect, go directly to pay for the food, grooming, vaccinations and medical care for the dogs we place. While many require little medical care, many require spaying or neutering, teeth cleaning and have other medical needs that must be addressed prior to adoption. The requested adoption donations are $250 for dogs 4 years and younger and $200 for dogs 5 and older and include any of the needs mentioned above. Q: I can provide a loving home for a Miniature Schnauzer so can you reduce the fee or just give me the dog? A: Miniature Schnauzers are not inexpensive dogs to care for. They require a high quality diet and regular grooming in addition to normal veterinary care. All combined, caring for a Miniature Schnauzer requires an owner to spend $30-$50 month. We believe that if someone is unable to afford the initial adoption donation, they might have difficulty properly caring for the dog. Q: What age do I look for, and why? A: That is a difficult question. Keep in mind that age and behavior often do not go hand in hand. The dogs are all individuals and are all different. This is the biggest reason we have you go to the foster home and visit the dog and see if it fits your personality and situation. Miniature Schnauzers have a long life expectancy (12 - 16 years). Some dogs are old when they are born and some never get old. Q: Will an older dog bond with me like a puppy would? A: Most times they certainly do. Q: How do I introduce a new rescue to the other dogs in the house? A: Please bring your other dog(s) with you, on a leash, to meet the rescue dog here on neutral ground. You can tell almost immediately if they are going to get along. The leash is a good control so no one gets hurt should they not like each other. If you have other dogs, please bring a dog crate so that there will not be problems in the car on the way home. When you get home, remember that jealousy can cause hard feelings. Therefore, continue giving your other dog lots of petting and attention so he won't feel he is being replaced. The new dog won't be used to having all this from you so he won't feel left out. Little by little your other dog will allow you more time with the new dog without resentment. Also remember that there must be a pecking order for there to be peace. The dogs will work this out - stay out of it except to see that no one gets hurt. Patience is your best approach. Q: How soon after I get my rescue should I take him/her to the vet? A: No dog is offered for adoption that is apparently ill, but we are not vets and cannot guarantee the health of dogs that come in from all over, except to offer an exchange/return policy if the dog doesn't work out. Therefore, it is a good idea to take it for an exam shortly after you get it. Q: What should I expect the first week? A: Your new dog is in a new place with strangers around him, so you might expect a bit of nervousness. Keep the leash on the dog until he settles in and comes to you readily – he can drag it around, but this gives you an unintimidating way to get hold of the dog. Use of a dog crate is highly suggested. The dogs use it for their very own den/security blanket. Keep the dog in the crate when you can't be with him. If you are going to be gone for a number of hours, you may also secure the dog in a room with a child's gate with water. Q: How are rescues with children? A: Adult dogs that have not been raised around children often don't understand them and are very defensive. Toddlers are unrelenting in their desire to hug, pick up and kiss the dog, and won't back off when the dog tries to get away for a time out. Therefore, if we do not know whether the dog has been with small children, we do not adopt them to people with children under 8 years old. Pre-teens often play screamy, roughhouse games, which confuse the dog that only wants to protect his new person. Some of the dogs with a history of liking pre-teen children are fine, but we do suggest an indoctrination period so no one gets accidentally hurt during their rowdy games. Q: How soon can I take my new dog for walks and outings? A: IMMEDIATELY!! The sooner you set up a full social interaction with the dog, the better. Always keep them securely leashed, and never leave them unattended in a car. DO NOT let your dog off leash until he is a well-established member of your family because his initial instincts may be to try to return to his former home. The dog must earn the "trust" before being allowed "loose", unless it is in a secure enclosed yard or area. Leash laws prohibit loose dogs in any public area!!! Q: I used a crate for my other dogs. Is it harder for a rescue to adapt if they've never been crated? Should I not use one? A: Crates are a wonderful training aid, but should never be used for a jail or punishment. Instead it is their safe place, their den. Schnauzers are a dog that is frequently groomed, and spend time at the grooming shop in a cage. When they come here to wait for a new home, they are crated at night. So they are already used to the concept. It is people who have a hard time with the concept of crating. The dogs usually love their crates and will often go into them on their own to nap. Q: My rescue has diarrhea. Is this normal? What causes this? A: Changes in food, water and stress levels all can contribute. Use bottled water for a while. Make every effort to use the food the dog was eating or put out a bland food (lamb and rice). It is always wise to change foods gradually (over 3-5 days) Try to keep extra stress out of things if possible by staying positive and patient with the dog. Try to make things fun instead of using force. Keep the leash on the dog until he comes to you willingly. Q: My rescue only sleeps during the day and is up all night. Is this normal? A: Dogs are by nature a nocturnal animal. But they readily adapt to our schedules with a little management. Crate your dog at night and he will rest. He will also not potty. He probably won't bark unless truly disturbed. Crating is good!!! It is up to you not to abuse the practice. Why not give a Schnauzer a forever home today? |
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