AboutKaren Brittan Expertise I have been showing miniature schnauzers in conformation, obedience, and earthdog for forty years, and am a professional dog groomer.
I am not a veterinarian and cannot answer questions of a veterinary nature. However, I can give my opinion or share some experiences on some health issues. If your dog is sick, it should be seen by a licensed professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Experience I have taught obedience classes and have taught people how to groom for many years.
Member: American Miniature Schnauzer Club; Twin Cities Miniature Schnauzer Club; Elk River Kennel Club; Minnesota Professional Pet Groomers Association. Learn more about me and my dogs: http://britmorschnauzers.com
Question My husband and I have different opinions on the dog eliminating. He says, walk the dog and let him go when he feels like the spot is right. I say, (I am demanding) I pick the spot which is my back yard and the dog goes there. Walking is for exercise and establishing leader of pack role. During the walk he can "mark his territory" a couple of times when I allow it. This has caused much confusion for the dog to the point he refuses to eliminate at times.
Answer It really is helpful to teach the dog to eliminate anywhere, rather than to teach it to only go in one spot. If for whatever reason the dog is away from home (say on a trip), it can make for a very difficult time if the dog refuses to potty because it is in unfamiliar territory.
I too believe that a "walk" is for walking, but you should also teach the dog that he can potty away from home.
With our first male, my husband and I were just like you two*G*. He usually walked the dog, and when I went along, I had the dog (he really was MY dog). One day hubby said to me, "Why doesn't the dog try to urinate on everything when you are along?" "Because he knows I won't let him....", was my response. ;)
So whoever holds the leash should let the dog potty however he/she wants. (If you are walking with them, but hubby has the leash, just keep walking, and eventually he will get the message*G*.)
