Frannie

Frannie is a sweet black female giant schnauzer. We are working on finding out her exact age and will post it when we do. Frannie was found wandering near a very busy freeway the first part of December. In the city where she was found, ads were placed in the newspaper for ten days, posters were put up in the area where she was found and she was advertised in other places as well. No one even called to inquire about her so she went to a foster home where they worked with her. She was turned over to rescue when the two female giants couldn't get along.

We have no idea of her background prior to six weeks ago. We do know that she is a slender black female giant schnauzer that is house trained, crate trained, and loves to play outside and get the rips like a very normal giant schnauzer. She loves to have someone play tug with her with her toys. She is protective of her people and will bark easily at strange noises. She won't be placed with another female dog but a male dog that she can play with would be great. She may push the buttons on being alpha but we don't really know that yet. He tail is docked and her ears were cropped but they don't stand at all. She has what look like petite natural ears but they aren't really. They are cropped but not standing. She was not microchipped but will be chipped before placement. She does sit and stay before being fed. Have no idea about cats or small children. She does love teenaged boys. She will be spayed if she hasn't been already. She is very shy and takes a while to warm up to strangers. Because she is so shy, she probably wasn't socialized a lot. She will need a quiet but firm owner. She doesn't respond well to people who are loud and yell. We found out that Frannie is a two years old. We have learned that but we don't know what has happened to her in the last 5-6 months. She is slow to warm up to people.

WIth very few exceptions, Valley of the Sun adopts dogs out only to our immediate area. We will be happy to try and put you in touch with a rescue or giant that is closer to you if you live out of our area of Arizona, Southern Nevada and Utah, or New Mexico.

The Giant Schnauzer is a highly intelligent dog. They love to learn and can be good at obedience, agility and herding to mention a few things they do well. A Giant is a working dog and needs a job to do. The Giant is a well-built athlete who needs exercise to keep in shape. It is commonly said that a tired Giant is a good Giant.

Giant Schnauzers are people dogs and do not do well if left outside. They want to be inside with their family, hence the nickname of 'velcro dogs'. If left outside, it will not be good for the dog or the owners. If a Giant doesn't have a job, it will find one. Left outside, that might mean redoing the landscaping that is found there including moving small trees.

Giant Schnauzers need to be trained and understand that the humans are the alpha and are in charge. From the ages of one year to four years, Giants can be the same unruly teenagers as their human counterparts that try the patience of their owners and parents. Harsh treatment will not work with a Giant Schnauzer. They tend to have a very stubborn streak and need firmness and training. They are very intelligent and can open drawers or doors to get what they want. But with training, that won't be a problem. One of the programs suggested is Nothing In Life Is Free.

A well-trained and socialized Giant Schnauzer can be the best dog you have ever had. They are clowns and provide endless entertainment and love to their owners. A poorly trained and under socialized Giant can be the worst nightmare you ever had. Owning a Giant Schnauzer is not for the feint of heart. But we do Giant Schnauzer rescue because the latter can be turned around and be the best dog you ever had.