​Protecting My Puppies From Things We Cannot See

One thing I've learned throughout my years of breeding is that some of the biggest dangers to young puppies are things we cannot even see. Many people don't realize just how easily certain infectious diseases and parasites can be unknowingly brought into a home.

Canine parvovirus is one of my biggest concerns. It's an extremely contagious virus that can cause devastating illness in young puppies. It can survive in the environment for months and can be carried on contaminated shoes, clothing, and other objects.

Parasites such as coccidia and Giardia are another concern. Their microscopic infectious stages can be introduced through contaminated material, including traces of fecal matter on footwear or equipment.

And here's something I really want families to understand.

You can be the cleanest, most caring, responsible person in the world and still unknowingly bring something harmful into my home.

It doesn't mean someone has done anything wrong. These organisms are invisible to the naked eye, and exposure can happen without anyone even realizing it.

My puppies are born with developing immune systems. Although they receive important protective antibodies from their mother's first milk, that protection is temporary and gradually decreases as they grow. Even after receiving their first vaccination, puppies are not yet fully protected.

When I'm caring for newborns and young puppies, I simply don't feel comfortable introducing unnecessary risks into their environment.

I know I can't protect them from absolutely everything, but I can certainly do my best to protect them from the things within my control.

​

The Responsibility I Have to My Puppies and Their Families

This is probably the part that means the most to me. When a family chooses one of my puppies, they're placing a tremendous amount of trust in me, and I never take that lightly.

I see how excited my families are. I see it in their messages, the names they choose, and how much they look forward to their weekly updates. I know that long before their puppy comes home, that little one is already loved and considered part of their family.

Sometimes I think about how heartbreaking it would be to have to contact one of those families and tell them their puppy had become seriously ill because of an exposure that could have been prevented.  I honestly cannot imagine having to deliver that kind of news.  And even worse would be knowing that one of my puppies was suffering.

These aren't just puppies I'm raising for someone else. While they're here with me, they're my babies too, and their well-being is my responsibility.

With more than 26 years of experience raising and caring for Miniature Schnauzers, I've learned that being a responsible breeder isn't always about doing what's easiest or what makes everyone happy.  Sometimes it means making decisions that people may not fully understand at first, but that I genuinely believe are in the best interests of my dogs. I'd much rather explain why I have a closed visitation policy than ever have to explain why I didn't take every reasonable precaution to protect a puppy in my care.

​

Keeping My Families Involved Every Step of the Way

Just because I don't allow visits doesn't mean I don't want my families to feel involved. Actually, it's quite the opposite!  For years, I've made it a priority to provide consistent weekly photographs, videos, and updates to my puppy families. It's something I've always taken pride in doing.

I love sharing all those little milestones, from the day their eyes begin to open, to their first wobbly steps, watching them discover their toys, playing with their siblings, and seeing their little personalities begin to shine through. I want my families to experience those moments right along with me.

I also regularly share photographs and videos of my adult Schnauzers on my social media pages. I love showing off their personalities, their funny little habits, and what they're like in everyday life.  I've always believed that honesty, communication, and trust are incredibly important when choosing a breeder.  I want my families to feel comfortable asking questions and confident about where their puppy comes from.

Even though I don't allow visitors into my home, I've always made it a priority to include my families in the experience and show them the love and care that goes into raising their puppies.

​

Can We Meet the Parents?

This is another question I completely understand.  Of course families want to meet the mommy and daddy of their future puppy! I would be curious too.  But there's something that's very important to me, and that's the emotional well-being of my adult dogs.

I want to share a little experience that has stayed with me.  On one occasion, I brought one of my mother dogs out to meet a family when they arrived to pick up their puppy.  After her baby left, she became visibly upset. She cried at the door and searched for her puppy.  It honestly broke my heart.

Now, I understand that every dog is different and not every mother would react this way. But seeing her so distressed made me realize that something that seems like a simple introduction to us can sometimes be stressful for them and I've never forgotten that experience.

My dogs are not just breeding dogs to me. They're my family. They have their own personalities, emotions, little quirks, and individual needs.  I know them, I love them, and I pay attention to how they feel.

My mothers work so hard raising their babies. They spend weeks nursing, cleaning, comforting, and caring for them. I don't want to put them through unnecessary stress simply to accommodate a visit.

​

Their feelings and comfort matter to me too.

That doesn't mean I don't want families to know about their puppy's parents. I'm incredibly proud of my Schnauzers!  I regularly share photographs and videos of my adult dogs on social media so families can see their personalities, temperaments, and the little things that make each one special.  I'm also happy to answer questions about my breeding dogs, their health and genetic testing, and the qualities I look for in my breeding program.

I want families to feel confident about where their puppy comes from while also respecting the comfort and well-being of the dogs I love so much.  To me, responsible breeding isn't just about raising beautiful, healthy puppies. It's also about taking good care of the wonderful dogs who bring those puppies into the world.

​

A Little Understanding Means So Much

I hope this helps families better understand why I've chosen to maintain a closed visitation policy.  It's not because I don't enjoy meeting people, and it's certainly not because I have anything to hide.  It's because I love my dogs and puppies, and I feel a tremendous responsibility to protect them.

Every puppy born here depends on me to make the best decisions I can for their health, safety, and happiness.  And every family waiting for one of those puppies deserves to know that I'm doing everything reasonably within my power to send their little one home healthy, happy, and ready to begin a wonderful life.  I know how much love is waiting for these puppies when they leave my care and enter yours.  And until that day comes, I'll continue doing what I've always done, loving them, caring for them, and protecting them to the very best of my ability.

Thank you for understanding and respecting the decisions I make for the well-being of my dogs and puppies.

It truly means a lot to me.

With love,

Elite Schnauzers