Kaz, how is Fraggle?

[miasmum]

Has the behaviour settled at all and the messing in the house?

[Kaz]

Yes on the whole - although he did have one 'accident' while Mick was away last week, but then he was very anxious. I think it's anxiety that caused that, as the other times were during the fireworks

He's still very boisterous but that is his nature I reckon, neither Cairns nor Shih Tzus are 'calm' dogs He and Pepper still 'fratch' a bit but nothing nasty, and she has lost weight so is fitter with all the playing with him, and the extra long walks that Fraggs needs. She struggled to keep up at first but now she's fine.....

So on the whole it's good - although it's a lot of extra housework as he 'sheds' and treads in half the garden all day long - but we're getting there, and he's very loving which is nice

[JoM]

Oh bless him!

Do you know what his background was? How he came to be at the rescue centre?

[Kaz]

We only know the last 6 months or so. Ravenswood got him in the first time, early this year, as a stray He was homed with a family with young children but when the husband walked out the wife couldn't cope with the stress of three children, the shock of being left suddenly, and a boisterous new dog - so reluctantly they returned him. There is no question of him being mistreated there, apparently they were gutted to have to bring him back, the kids were heartbroken

We have no idea of his first year and a half or why he ended up a stray - poor boy. I am sure that's why he gets so anxious..........Oh and when he sees a man in overalls and workboots he goes bananas so has been mistreated by such a man at some point, we are sure But once he realises he is here no matter what - thick or thin - I am sure he'll calm down. Plus of course all terriers calm down around the age of about three - everyone told us that about Peps and she did

[miasmum]

Kaz how much terrier is there in a Schnauzer? They are not classed as terriers are they?

[JoM]

The poor little fella He's had a lot of upheaval in his life hasn't he, it's no wonder he gets anxious.

It breaks my heart to think of dogs being mistreated

[miasmum]

I know Jo, but both Billy and Fraggle are lucky to have found such lovely homes. I am sure in a years time Fraggle will be a complete sweetheart

[Kaz]

Jo it breaks my heart too, and when I realised he was afraid of men with overalls and boots it made me feel quite ill, to think of what might have happened to him Shell is right though, he'll be fine in a while

Miniature Schnauzers are classed as Utility Dogs but they are terriers really, in looks, temperament and deeds

[Kaz]

Actually this is from Wikipedia

The AKC accepted registration of the new breed in 1926, two years after Miniature Schnauzers were introduced to the United States.[4][3] They were originally known as Wirehaired Pinschers.[5] Although they are recognized internationally with the Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer in the Working group, in the AKC the Miniature Schnauzer is classed with the terriers.[3] It was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948 and also classed as a terrier.[6]