I Love Schnauzers   My life with Schnauzers

Two years ago, today, Miss Deita entered my life and nothing’s been the same since! We’ve both made some big strides since that day, but I am especially proud of Miss D’s behavior changes on leashed walks and in the backyard.

She easily ignores the crazy barking dogs behind fences on our walks now. Two years ago, she’d rush the fence and bark right back.

In the yard, she’d also rush the fence and bark her head off and completely ignore my efforts at training or getting her attention. I’d have to catch her by the collar and drag her away. She still enjoys running the fence and barking her head off, but now I can stand at the door, out of sight, clap my hands, yell “Deita, Come!” and she does!

When we invited guests over, she’d growl and bark and cower practically non-stop. After everyone settled into chairs, she’d eventually settle down, but would immediately growl and bark again if anybody stood up. It was as if, as long as no one moved, she forgot they were here!

Now, she still makes a big fuss when people arrive, but once settled down, she’s settled down. My friends are free to move about the room, stand up, enter other rooms freely, and even leave without causing our eardrums to bleed from the noise of Miss D’s barks.

When she first arrived, she was a food hound! She’d start eating out of the bowl before it hit the ground. But she’s a fast learner. The first thing we worked on in training was to sit and wait for the food bowl to be set down and for mom to say “OK” before rushing and inhaling our meals. Now food might sit in the bowl all day, ignored until Miss D is hungry.

We’d had plenty of WTF moments together, but it is all worth it. Happy Foster-versary, Miss D!

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Miss D? What are you eating? Hey! That’s my grocery list! Get back here! Miss Deeeeeeeeeee!!!!!