Miniature Pinscher Training: What To Do With The Little Rascals

Not all Miniature Pinschers are categorically the same. You can have an energetic Min Pin and then there are placid Min Pins. There are extroverted Mini Pinschers and then there are introverted ones. There are serious Min Pins and then there are the seriously off-beat goof balls who cannot sit still for one stitch of proper miniature pinscher training.

When it comes to miniature pinscher training, dog trainers are often at a loss on what to do with these little rascals. Some pet owners find this breed too tiny (or too cute) to be subjected to any form of training, which makes the dog more difficult to manage (if they can be managed at all) in the end. Some Min Pins even suffer from the Little Napoleon syndrome: a tyrannical behavioral problem that causes the dog to bark excessively, to attack people (or other dogs) even when unprovoked and to be physically destructive to any and all things in the house.

If you are subjecting your dog (and yourself) to miniature pinscher training, you must first remember a few basic characteristics of your pet. Such a dog can be energetic to a point of insanity. They are extremely athletic, agile and can move very quickly with its prancing gait. Its small size is in complete reciprocal to its fearless spirit; some first time Min Pin handlers even find the dog a bit too assertive or feisty.

This is a breed that will definitely not spend most of its time snoozing placidly on your lap. In fact, you can consider yourself extremely blessed if your dog manages to sit still for one whole minute during training. Also, the Min Pin is an inquisitive animal, literally poking its nose into trouble. On the other hand, they make excellent watchdogs because they are alert, sensitive to their surroundings and bear residues of being territorial.

In miniature pinscher training, pet owners must provide their pets enough physical activity and mental stimulation; not to mention enough space to run around. These dogs need to expend their energy in some constructive manner. They are notorious for destroying anything when they become bored or agitated. They also become increasingly noisy and often fall into excessive barking. Miniature pinscher training may take the form of obedience classes or agility classes.

Desensitization is also part of miniature pinscher training. Min Pins are generally suspicious in nature, which makes them excellent watch dogs in their own way. Unfortunately, this trait may also translate to aggressive displays towards people and animals. In fact, this dynamo is even known to run after its perceived "enemy" because its chasing instincts are still very strong -- a drawback to its ancestors who were bred to chase after vermin in the fields of Germany.

This chasing instinct may also work in reverse manner. When the Min Pins feel threatened or bored or simply naughty, they will make you chase them for hours on end. These dogs are extremely sharp-witted and all your attempts to pacify it will be in vain.

Unless, controlled early on, the Min Pins will react with aggression towards any unfamiliar stimuli in its environment. That is why it is essential desensitization in miniature pinscher training is essential.