A Schnauzer Smiled Next to His Mountain of Shredded Newspaper
A mountain of shredded newspaper sits behind a small, bearded dog who is smiling a tiny, guilty smile. A black and silver Miniature Schnauzer named Otto sits neatly on the floor with his bushy eyebrows lifted and his dark eyes shining. Strips of paper cover the floor in every direction, and the walls and a window in the background stay neat and clean, as if all the chaos was confined to one corner.
Miniature Schnauzers are lively, intelligent dogs with a bold personality and a distinctive beard and eyebrows. They were developed as farm dogs and are good at keeping watch, so they notice every sound at the door. They are also very trainable and love games. When they get bored, though, a pile of newspaper is a very satisfying project that tears with a pleasing sound.
Tearing paper is a natural game for many dogs, but it is wise not to let them swallow it. Newsprint is generally not toxic, but large amounts can upset the stomach, so check with your vet if you worry. Offer a shredding toy or a cardboard box with treats hidden inside as a safe alternative. Mental games are great for clever breeds like Schnauzers.
Otto sits next to his towering pile like an architect who has just finished a masterpiece. The grin says it all.
