my SIL is planning to get a puppy next year and I was asked for training books as an xmas gift. She hasnever had a dog before, even as a child. my brother has had family dogs as a kid the same as me but that was a while ago and nothing since.
does anyone have any recommendation for a good books for a complete novice? I was wondering if there was something on general dog behaviour and care rather than just obedience training.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

"The Perfect Puppy" by Gwen Bailey is a good starting point.

If the breed club produce a booklet that is often very useful as well although the breeder may well put one in the puppy pack. I also think that either the Book of the Bitch or the Book of the Dog is very good as it tells you when you do not need to worry and when you should see a vet.

agree The Perfect Puppy is a very good book for new owners. nicely illustrated too and not too daunting a read.

thanks all, I've had a look at the perfect puppy book on Amazon and it look pretty good so I think that's going on the list.
I'm not 100% sure what breed of dog they're going to end up with, at the moment they know someone who is intending to breed from their retriever next season (to apparently some top stud dog, who knows!) but as the said bitch is I think 6 already then I have my doubts as to it actually happening. She is keen to get a dog though so I'm sure they'll end up with something in the next year.
I think a smaller dog would actually suit them far better as they travel around in a camper a fair bit and my SIL was planning to take it to work with her some days. Fortunately it isn't my decision though so I think a gentle steer in the right direction as far as early socialisation etc goes will be the best I can do.
thanks again

Have a look at The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell - it was recommended to me by a friend and I do not hesitate to recommend it to others, it's an excellent book for new (and experienced) owners.

It's well written, with commonsense and good humour, and is very easy to understand and follow.  You can have a look at the contents page here and you can buy it from Amazon.

If I were a breeder I'd give this book to every one of my puppy owners BEFORE they collected their puppy and if every new owner followed the advice in the book we'd have far fewer rehomes and problem dogs.  If I were a trainer I'd bulk buy this book and include the price in my training course!!

If they haven't decided on a breed then 'choosing the right puppy' by Gwen Bailey was very good. Covers all the breed temperaments and explains how you go about choosing a dog thats right for you and family.

I've not read this myself, but have heard it rcommended by several people:
http://lynfleet.com/the_fast_track_puppy_survival_kit.html