Difference between revisions of "Care for a Miniature Pinscher"
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| − | The miniature pinscher is an energetic, inquiring, and demanding breed of dog. Although small in stature, at around 10 to 12 inches high at the shoulder, they are action packed and determined. Their small size makes them suited to apartment life, but only if they are given plenty of opportunities to express their love of activity and exploring. Be sure you understand all the physical and emotional needs of a miniature pinscher, also known as a min pin, in order to decide if they are a good match for you. Once you are convinced there is a min pin shaped hole in your life, here's how to keep the dog healthy and happy.<ref>http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/miniature-pinscher</ref> | + | The miniature pinscher is an energetic, inquiring, and demanding breed of dog. Although small in stature, at around 10 to 12 inches high at the shoulder, they are action packed and determined. Their small size makes them suited to apartment life, but only if they are given plenty of opportunities to express their love of activity and exploring. Be sure you understand all the physical and emotional needs of a miniature pinscher, also known as a min pin, in order to decide if they are a good match for you. Once you are convinced there is a min pin shaped hole in your life, here's how to keep the dog healthy and happy.<ref name="rf1">http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/miniature-pinscher</ref> |
[[Category:Dog Breeds]] | [[Category:Dog Breeds]] | ||
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===Assessing a Miniature Pinscher's Character=== | ===Assessing a Miniature Pinscher's Character=== | ||
#Assess how much of a hunting instinct your dog has. Miniature pinschers may look physically delicate but they are mentally tough and determined. This is because they were originally bred to be working dogs tasked with the job of hunting and catching vermin, such as rats. | #Assess how much of a hunting instinct your dog has. Miniature pinschers may look physically delicate but they are mentally tough and determined. This is because they were originally bred to be working dogs tasked with the job of hunting and catching vermin, such as rats. | ||
| − | #*Consider this side of their character if you have other pets, because the min pin will believe small mammals such as pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamster or mice are actually prey that need to be hunted down.<ref | + | #*Consider this side of their character if you have other pets, because the min pin will believe small mammals such as pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamster or mice are actually prey that need to be hunted down.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Determine if your miniature pinscher has an independent attitude. This will shape how you train it. Because the miniature pinscher is a working dog it will think for itself and make its own decisions. This can lead to problems when training the dog, unless you are either totally clear and focussed about how to train or are an experienced dog handler. | #Determine if your miniature pinscher has an independent attitude. This will shape how you train it. Because the miniature pinscher is a working dog it will think for itself and make its own decisions. This can lead to problems when training the dog, unless you are either totally clear and focussed about how to train or are an experienced dog handler. | ||
#*If you are a first time dog owner who wants an easy pet that you can cuddle but not invest a lot of time into training, then a min pin isn't the best dog for you. | #*If you are a first time dog owner who wants an easy pet that you can cuddle but not invest a lot of time into training, then a min pin isn't the best dog for you. | ||
#Figure out how your miniature pinscher reacts to strangers. Most miniature pinschers have a natural guarding instinct that can make them wary of strangers. This can lead to possible behavioral issues, such as guarding the door or being territorial to visitors. | #Figure out how your miniature pinscher reacts to strangers. Most miniature pinschers have a natural guarding instinct that can make them wary of strangers. This can lead to possible behavioral issues, such as guarding the door or being territorial to visitors. | ||
| − | #*A miniature pinscher's prowess and bravery in the face of vermin also translates into this attitude to strangers. This means that if the dog feels insecure it is more likely to express that as aggression than as hiding or running away.<ref>http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm</ref> | + | #*A miniature pinscher's prowess and bravery in the face of vermin also translates into this attitude to strangers. This means that if the dog feels insecure it is more likely to express that as aggression than as hiding or running away.<ref name="rf2">http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm</ref> |
#Figure out how inquisitive your min pin is. It is also in the miniature pinscher nature to want to run free and explore. Because of this they are consummate escape artists. | #Figure out how inquisitive your min pin is. It is also in the miniature pinscher nature to want to run free and explore. Because of this they are consummate escape artists. | ||
#*The min pin is adept at dodging between your legs when you answer the door and escaping outside, so you need to be prepared for this. | #*The min pin is adept at dodging between your legs when you answer the door and escaping outside, so you need to be prepared for this. | ||
| − | #*If you have a yard then you need to make sure it is utterly escape proof, as a min pin will seek out the smallest gap or loose fence panel and run away.<ref | + | #*If you have a yard then you need to make sure it is utterly escape proof, as a min pin will seek out the smallest gap or loose fence panel and run away.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Assess whether you want the dog around small children. Miniature pinschers are not an ideal dog if you have very young children. This is because the dog has relatively delicate legs and if rough-housed by a boisterous child, it could result in physical harm to the dog. | #Assess whether you want the dog around small children. Miniature pinschers are not an ideal dog if you have very young children. This is because the dog has relatively delicate legs and if rough-housed by a boisterous child, it could result in physical harm to the dog. | ||
#*Another factor is the min pin's tendency to displays of aggression should it feel threatened. Young children do not always recognize the subtle early warning signs of discomfort that dogs give off. If the child ignores the signs and approaches a fearfully aroused dog, the dog is then more likely to attack. | #*Another factor is the min pin's tendency to displays of aggression should it feel threatened. Young children do not always recognize the subtle early warning signs of discomfort that dogs give off. If the child ignores the signs and approaches a fearfully aroused dog, the dog is then more likely to attack. | ||
===Socializing a Miniature Pinscher=== | ===Socializing a Miniature Pinscher=== | ||
| − | #Begin socializing the dog as early as possible. Because of the miniature pinscher's suspicion of strangers, it is essential for the dog to be well-socialized as a puppy with all manner of people, dogs, and experiences. If you are getting the dog from a breeder, make sure the breeder has regularly exposed the dog to men, women, and children, and a wide variety of sights, sounds, and smells.<ref>The Happy Puppy Handbook. Pippa Mattinson. Ebury Press</ref> | + | #Begin socializing the dog as early as possible. Because of the miniature pinscher's suspicion of strangers, it is essential for the dog to be well-socialized as a puppy with all manner of people, dogs, and experiences. If you are getting the dog from a breeder, make sure the breeder has regularly exposed the dog to men, women, and children, and a wide variety of sights, sounds, and smells.<ref name="rf3">The Happy Puppy Handbook. Pippa Mattinson. Ebury Press</ref> |
#*It is also best to choose a puppy that has been raised inside the home, rather than outside in a kennel. This will assure that the pup is confident about the noises associated with a house, such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machines, TV, and the general noises people make. | #*It is also best to choose a puppy that has been raised inside the home, rather than outside in a kennel. This will assure that the pup is confident about the noises associated with a house, such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machines, TV, and the general noises people make. | ||
#Continue socialization for the dog's whole adolescence. When you take your puppy home, be sure to keep up this socialization and take your new dog out and about so that it becomes confident it different situations. If the puppy is not yet fully vaccinated and cannot be put on the ground yet, then carry it under your arm or use a small pet carrier, so it can experience being alongside a busy highway or being outside a school when the children are playing. | #Continue socialization for the dog's whole adolescence. When you take your puppy home, be sure to keep up this socialization and take your new dog out and about so that it becomes confident it different situations. If the puppy is not yet fully vaccinated and cannot be put on the ground yet, then carry it under your arm or use a small pet carrier, so it can experience being alongside a busy highway or being outside a school when the children are playing. | ||
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#*Always end the session on a positive note, so if its attention is wandering, give it a simple command, such as "sit" and reward when it does it. Then resume the session another time. | #*Always end the session on a positive note, so if its attention is wandering, give it a simple command, such as "sit" and reward when it does it. Then resume the session another time. | ||
#Teach a strong recall from an early age. In light of the min pin's love of running away to explore, it is vital to teach the dog to come back to you on demand. This will allow the dog to have some freedom to explore without a huge risk of it running off. | #Teach a strong recall from an early age. In light of the min pin's love of running away to explore, it is vital to teach the dog to come back to you on demand. This will allow the dog to have some freedom to explore without a huge risk of it running off. | ||
| − | #*Remember the vital rule that if it gives you the run around and takes a long time to come back, never vent your frustration on the dog. To do so only teaches the dog that it is punished when it comes to you. This will make the dog less likely to listen next time.<ref | + | #*Remember the vital rule that if it gives you the run around and takes a long time to come back, never vent your frustration on the dog. To do so only teaches the dog that it is punished when it comes to you. This will make the dog less likely to listen next time.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#[[Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy|Crate train]] your min pin. The dog should have a safe den to retreat to when strangers come in your home or when it needs alone time. Again, do this training with rewards, so treats in the open crate and feed the dog in the crate, so that it associates the crate with positive experiences. | #[[Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy|Crate train]] your min pin. The dog should have a safe den to retreat to when strangers come in your home or when it needs alone time. Again, do this training with rewards, so treats in the open crate and feed the dog in the crate, so that it associates the crate with positive experiences. | ||
#*Never use the crate as a prison or punishment for the dog, since this will stop it from thinking of it as a safe place and defeats the idea behind a crate. | #*Never use the crate as a prison or punishment for the dog, since this will stop it from thinking of it as a safe place and defeats the idea behind a crate. | ||
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#Feed a high quality dog food. The food should list a named meat as the main ingredients (the first one to three ingredients on the label). Consult with your vet about good brands to feed your dog. | #Feed a high quality dog food. The food should list a named meat as the main ingredients (the first one to three ingredients on the label). Consult with your vet about good brands to feed your dog. | ||
#*Don't forget to give your min pin access to water at all times. A clean source of water is important for all dogs. | #*Don't forget to give your min pin access to water at all times. A clean source of water is important for all dogs. | ||
| − | #Wait between feeding and exercise. The min pin is a deep-chested breed which means it is at risk of bloat and gastric torsion, which is a life-threatening condition. To reduce the risk of GDV (Gastric dilation and torsion) always leave at least 90 minutes between feeding and exercise.<ref>Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Mosby.</ref> | + | #Wait between feeding and exercise. The min pin is a deep-chested breed which means it is at risk of bloat and gastric torsion, which is a life-threatening condition. To reduce the risk of GDV (Gastric dilation and torsion) always leave at least 90 minutes between feeding and exercise.<ref name="rf4">Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Mosby.</ref> |
===Caring For the Health of a Miniature Pinscher=== | ===Caring For the Health of a Miniature Pinscher=== | ||
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#*Your vet can advise about which diseases are prevalent in your area, and therefore which to vaccinate against. | #*Your vet can advise about which diseases are prevalent in your area, and therefore which to vaccinate against. | ||
#*Also use preventative healthcare, such as parasite control and deworming, as advised by your veterinarian. | #*Also use preventative healthcare, such as parasite control and deworming, as advised by your veterinarian. | ||
| − | #Have your dog desexed. If your dog is a pet, rather than a breeding animal, then consider desexing it. It is best to get a dog "fixed" before it is 6 months old.<ref>https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/spay-and-neuter/best-age-to-neuter-or-spay</ref> This will help eliminate the risk of some diseases, such as breast cancer in female dogs, and it will help the overall behavior of your dog, whatever its sex.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet</ref> | + | #Have your dog desexed. If your dog is a pet, rather than a breeding animal, then consider desexing it. It is best to get a dog "fixed" before it is 6 months old.<ref name="rf5">https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/spay-and-neuter/best-age-to-neuter-or-spay</ref> This will help eliminate the risk of some diseases, such as breast cancer in female dogs, and it will help the overall behavior of your dog, whatever its sex.<ref name="rf6">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet</ref> |
| − | #Consider pet insurance for your min pin. They are a pedigree dog, which means there are certain genetic conditions that are statistically more likely to occur in this breed than other breeds or a mixed parentage dog. These conditions include Legge-Perthes disease (a hip problem), luxating patellas (a kneecap problem), under active thyroid glands, and epilepsy.<ref>Veterinary Medical Guide to Genetic Diseases. Bell. Publisher: Tuton New Media.</ref> | + | #Consider pet insurance for your min pin. They are a pedigree dog, which means there are certain genetic conditions that are statistically more likely to occur in this breed than other breeds or a mixed parentage dog. These conditions include Legge-Perthes disease (a hip problem), luxating patellas (a kneecap problem), under active thyroid glands, and epilepsy.<ref name="rf7">Veterinary Medical Guide to Genetic Diseases. Bell. Publisher: Tuton New Media.</ref> |
#*These problems can be corrected or managed, but the costs involved can be large. Either make sure you have the financial capacity to cope with the unexpected or take out a pet insurance policy. | #*These problems can be corrected or managed, but the costs involved can be large. Either make sure you have the financial capacity to cope with the unexpected or take out a pet insurance policy. | ||
