Sniffing - typical or obsessive?

by RJ
(Florida)

We just took in a 5 yr old, white miniature schnauzer who was dumped at our vet's office with no place to go. I don't know anything about his former owners or how they raised him.

After a few days with us, he has begun sniffing every square inch of our back yard - circling some spots over and over with his nose to the ground - for hours on end, if I let him. I can't interest him in other games or toys and no matter how many times our other dog tries to engage him, he isn't interested in playing with him either!

Is this normal? Should I allow him to continue? He breaks only long enough to come find me for a quick pet, then back out again! Not knowing much about Schnauzers, I am scouring the internet for any info beyond the general temperament & behavior of this breed.

Thanks to anyone who can help me give this sweet little dog a good life with us from here on out!

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Aug 30, 2020
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sniffing
by: Linda

Dogs have a highly sensitive noses and sniff at everything. It's all new to her. Keep taking her out, you are going the right thing, it will speed up housetraining -it doesn't matter if she doesn't go every time.
Encourage her to walk to the outside door, rather than picking her up every time.
Good luck.

Aug 26, 2020
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Why’s my mini schnauzer snifFling so much
by: Anonymous

my mini schnauzer ( 10 weeks old )keeps sniffing the floor. articles say that with means that she needs to go to bathroom s take her outside but she doesn’t go what is happening and whet do i do

Jul 28, 2019
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5 Month Old Mini Schnauzer
by: Anonymous

My Schnauzer puppy constantly sniffs ... especially around the house ... he leaves a messy trail from his beard all over the hardwood floors ... I know they have a keen sense of smell but this is ridiculous ... and, he freaks me out whenever he sniffs me!!

NOTE FROM LINDA: Schnauzers have a highly developed sense of smell, it's normal. Ut is how they explore the world. (We use our eyes much more).

Jun 14, 2018
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Walking Roki
by: Colin

Hi. I also have a white schnauzer. He is six years old and we got him from a breeder 4 years ago. He is the loveliest friendly dog and will go up to anyone for a stroke or two. He walks with his nose to the ground and stops at all trees and posts to have a sniff. If he finds something on the grass to sniff I cannot move him. My doctor said that a dog is good for me so that I will have brisk walks. Not with a miniature schnauzer!

NOTE FROM LINDA: How true!!

Apr 05, 2010
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sniffing schnauzers
by: Linda

Glad that things are working out RJ.
Sounds like your little chap is settling in fine.

Schnauzers are great sniffers - Max stops to sniff every last blade of grass and lamp-post on our walks - it drives me nuts when it is pouring down with rain! But you can't rush him.....

I often describe him as "like a bloodhound". When he gets his nose to the ground and picks up a scent, he heads off on the trail. TSchnauzers really do have a keen sense of smell and love to follow the scent.

Mar 08, 2010
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Thanks for the encouragement!
by: RJ

Thanks to both of your for your info and encouragement! He has been with us for about 6wks now and has stopped incessantly tracking around the yard. He does still track around, but seems to want to be near me more than anything else! My other dog still tries to engage him in play and he has responded a couple of times. He still doesn't seem to want to play with toys, but I am working on it. Slowly, but surely I am seeing his behavior change all around. He is very sweet!

Feb 13, 2010
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schnauzer mom for 15 yrs
by: margee

My first boy was very prey driven and did exactly what your dog does. I had to be careful he always was looking to find ways to escape from the yard because they are nosey! They are ratters and that is why they love to be outside and sniff. I have a 6mo. babby schnauzer who loves to be outside all the time. I also have a 16yr old schnauzer. My first boy died last year at 17. You will fall in love with this dog just give him a chance. By the way my new boy is white also.

Feb 13, 2010
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Give him some time!!!!
by: Bella

Once he finds out that this is also his forever home he should settle right in!!

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