Welcome!

Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing home a puppy is an exciting adventure. The first few weeks are an important time for helping your puppy feel safe, loved, and confident in their new home.

 

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

Have these supplies ready:

• Crate
• Exercise pen or baby gate
• Soft dog bed
• Food and water bowls
• Quality puppy food
• Collar and ID tag
• Harness and leash
• Puppy training treats
• Safe chew toys
• Enzyme cleaner for accidents
• Grooming brush and comb
• Nail trimmers or grinder
• Puppy shampoo
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste

 

The First 48 Hours

Your puppy may be nervous during the first couple of days.

To help them adjust:

• Keep the environment calm and quiet.
• Introduce family members slowly.
• Avoid large gatherings or busy public places.
• Follow a consistent schedule.
• Allow plenty of naps.
• Expect a few accidents while your puppy learns their new routine.

 

Feeding

Feed a high-quality puppy food recommended by your breeder.

General schedule:

8–12 weeks: 3–4 meals daily

3–6 months: 3 meals daily

6 months and older: 2 meals daily

Always provide fresh, clean water.

Avoid suddenly changing foods. If switching brands, gradually mix the new food with the old food over 7–10 days.

 

Potty Training

Take your puppy outside:

• First thing in the morning
• After eating
• After drinking
• After naps
• After playtime
• Before bedtime

Praise immediately after they potty outside.

Never punish accidents. Simply clean them thoroughly and continue with consistent training.

 

Crate Training

A crate should be a safe, comfortable place—not a punishment.

Tips:

• Feed meals in the crate.
• Give treats and toys inside.
• Start with short periods.
• Increase crate time gradually.
• Never force your puppy inside.

 

Socialization

Proper socialization helps create a confident adult dog.

Safely introduce your puppy to:

• Different people
• Children
• Friendly vaccinated dogs
• Various sounds
• Car rides
• Grooming tools
• New environments
• Different flooring surfaces

Avoid high-risk public areas until your veterinarian says vaccinations are complete.

 

Exercise

Miniature Schnauzer puppies have lots of energy but still need plenty of rest.

Provide:

• Short walks
• Gentle play sessions
• Puzzle toys
• Basic training games
• Plenty of naps throughout the day

Avoid long runs or repetitive jumping while your puppy is growing.

 

Grooming

Miniature Schnauzers require routine grooming.

Brush several times each week to prevent mats.

Remember to:

• Trim nails regularly.
• Clean ears weekly.
• Brush teeth daily if possible.
• Schedule professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.

 

Veterinary Care

Schedule your puppy’s first wellness visit within a few days of bringing them home.

Your veterinarian will help with:

• Vaccination schedule
• Deworming
• Flea and tick prevention
• Heartworm prevention
• Growth monitoring
• Nutrition recommendations

Bring your puppy’s health records to every visit.

 

Safe Chews

Good options include:

• Rubber chew toys
• Puppy-safe teething toys
• Durable nylon puppy chews
• Frozen washcloths for teething relief

Avoid:

• Cooked bones
• Rawhide (unless approved by your veterinarian)
• Small toys that can be swallowed
• Children’s toys

 

Household Hazards

Keep away from your puppy:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candy)
• Alcohol
• Medications
• Household cleaners
• Electrical cords
• Small objects
• Toxic plants

 

Signs Your Puppy Needs a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if your puppy has:

• Vomiting more than once
• Severe diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Refuses food for more than 24 hours
• Extreme lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Persistent coughing
• Seizures
• Swollen abdomen
• Signs of pain

If you believe your puppy is having a medical emergency, seek veterinary care immediately.

 

Training Tips

Keep training sessions:

• Short (5–10 minutes)
• Positive
• Consistent
• Reward-based

Teach basic commands such as:

• Sit
• Down
• Come
• Stay
• Leave It
• Drop It

Patience and consistency produce the best results.

 

Most of All…

Enjoy every stage of puppyhood!

Take lots of photos, celebrate small successes, and remember that every puppy learns at their own pace. With love, patience, and consistency, your puppy will become a wonderful lifelong companion.

Thank you for choosing one of our puppies. We truly appreciate your trust and are always happy to answer questions as your puppy grows. Welcome to the Jenny’s Minis & More family!