Magna Raised Dogs
See our updates of owners of Magna Raised Dogs. Some of them want to share what they have learned.

Magna Raised older pups, young adults and adults are very often top of the line quality dogs and available from time to time to carefully selected homes as pets. These dogs are our family and we know them well. We make them available for a variety of reasons which of course we always fully disclose as well as any pertinent facts we know about the dogs.

How did this program get started and how is it that these seemingly great dogs are available?
This program started because I needed to "run on" youngsters to see how they would turn out and at the same time I needed to ensure their success. What I found was that if I raised a pup their chances of success was nearly guaranteed when they were raised here with a high standard of compliance. A similar program worked very well for my training clients. When people did not love the puppy stages of the dogs they wanted, they would pay me raise them for them and get them through the puppy period and well started on their way to success as family pets. This program works equally well for Giant owners who are also not fond of the puppy process.

Usually the reason these dogs become available is that after holding on to them for awhile we have to make a choice between one dog and another for the breeding program which is over time more and more like splitting hair and increasingly difficult to do. Remember, this  would often times make the dog we are releasing a TOP QUALITY dog and beyond average champion quality! And not only that, these dogs futures are nearly guaranteed in the right homes because they have been started properly and are really good citizens.

How are Magna Raised Dogs different from a rescue or a dog from the average breeder kennel?
We know there are kennel dogs being sold for the price of our pets (and much more!) and we do not think that is the same. Our older dogs generally have lived in a home (adapted environment for multiples) and have a good foundation. We know these guys very well so matching them with their families is not the challenge it is with kennel raised dogs that have not developed or revealed their personalities as much as the dogs we are offering and they also often lack the etiquette and mindset needed for dogs to successfully live in a home.

What can you tell us about the care and training these dogs get while at Magna?
Our dogs live like a good family with many children. There is no tolerance of monkey business. One must follow the rules and be compliant or they stop the process. And just like kids in this kind of family they learn they are loved, treated fairly, to get along, wait their turn, trust that food will be delivered.... These are good guys and are enjoyed and cherished. We truly appreciate them for the way they behave most of the time. They sleep quietly in a crate, walk nicely on a leash, do not jump on people, do not put their teeth on a human for any reason, come when called, are accustomed to grooming, house trained, take treats nicely and though not perfect and most have not had formal training, they are generally compliant, have manners, show respect for people and are obedient.

Why would someone buy a Magna Raised Dog?
The placement of our older pups and adults has been a very successful program with a remarkable ninety percent of the owners that have lived with one of our Magna Raised dogs for more than a year have come back for a second and most of the rest are talking about adding another at some point! For most people having a pup has its appeal yet some (surprisingly "many") are deterred by the reality of time and other resource constraints or lack of experience wanting a pup with an outstanding beginning they fear they cannot adequately provide. This is particularly true of a protection breed as tough as a giant schnauzer who needs strong rules and consistency. For these folks there are a couple of possible solutions. I can either sell them a pup and raise it for them for a fee or they can purchase a dog that is Magna Raised. Magna Raised dogs generally sell from $1700 to $2000 though there are some for less and specially trained (such as service dogs) or obedience or champion titled dogs can be valued into the thousands but you can see that a Magna Raised dog for $2000 or less is really a good idea for those who want a giant but not a pup and also do not want to hire a private trainer.

Older dogs are open books.
Another excellent reason people purchase an older pup or a dog (generally speaking) is the fact that with a little pup there are many unknowns. Buying an older pup or a dog does not completely eliminate the risk of hidden defects that affect older dogs, but a good portion of the dogs future is revealed and his temperament and health are pretty clearly defined (depending on the age of course.) So, we know if he does not like other dogs, is high energy or laid back, is overly protective and needs a strong owner, or loves everyone. ... there are a host of benefits to these dogs.

Getting an older pup or young adult means you can pick the personality you like. With a pup you get what you get. No trainer in the world can change the constitution of another being. We can alter it somewhat but we cannot change the essence of who he is. This revelation up front is a great benefit!

What are Magna Raised Dogs NOT?
Now lets be really clear here. No dog is perfect. He might dig up your flower bed, and his training here may wane over time in his new home, and he has to be started properly in his new environment. There is no free lunch. Dogs take work, and the new owner needs to continue training the dog as is always the case with dogs! They simply are not ornaments. But anyone that buys a Magna Giant knows these things because these are the kinds of homes we select for ALL of our Magna Giant Schnauzers.

What is your experience with dogs and what makes Magna Dogs different?
Between raising dogs for my clients and myself I have raised and trained hundreds of dogs over the past four decades and worked with hundreds of Giant Schnauzers and I believe the dogs I breed and select for the breeding program start with temperaments that are second to none. Being a professional trainer and having started training dogs, rabbits, horses... everything I could get my hands on since I was just a few years of age is a distinct advantage as well. My daughters service dogs taught me invaluable lessons. I have titled many dogs since my beginning but the work I am most proud of is that relative to the dogs I have started "well" giving them great lives and the ones I have saved from impending doom through behavior modification training. To me, these are the things that matter most.

Do older dogs have trouble bonding?
I am often asked this question and the truth is that when I bought my first giant I asked the same question based on a common belief. Titan was approaching a year of age at the time of purchase. This is a fallacy. At least in respect to this breed. I have NEVER seen a giant that did not bond- even those I have taken as rescues and again placed after re-habilitated and this is true of dogs at any age.

What words of council do you have for purchasing an older pup or dog?
I have a few...

• Make sure you are right for the breed. You must be willing to train and be a strong leader.

• Consider the needs of the dog and your ability long term to meet those needs.

• Never compromise by being in a hurry to find a dog or settle for a dog simply because he is conveniently located.

• Never, ever work with someone you do not have a good feeling about. It isn't always easy finding a reputable person to work but this is top of my list. And PLEASE insist on proof and not the word of a seller in respect to tests, titles and anything important.

• This is a big protection breed and it can be dangerous so it is critical that you are working with someone reliable selling you exactly what they are marketing and have the ability and desire to know these things.

Well, that's it for this topic for now. Remember, a dog is a commitment for life. Please choose wisely!

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Owners of our Magna Raised dogs. They are also linked on the owners pages. Click to learn more.

"SPECIAL DOGS" PROGRAM
Our champions make fantastic pets and we offer them to homes in our relative area to be pets while remaining in our breeding program. Some we will use at stud or breed, some a little, some not at all. As the dogs mature we make these decisions. Virtually all of the owners in our "special dogs" program are delighted with their dogs and would recommend the program. These are the best of quality dogs with life experiences. If this is something of interest to you, we welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you. We are happy to offer references or have you join us at our next Magna party. Our next party is June 9. Let us know if you would like further details.