My mini schnauzer is a year old.  She did basic puppy classes when she was four months old, but this was more for socialisation with other dog etc.  She will sit, come (usually!), just about understands off, and definitely understand the meaning of NO.   In the house she is excellent, almost house trained by 12 weeks old and has learned (90% of the time) that she is not allowed upstairs or on the sofa unless invited.  She understands the word 'bed' and never creates a fuss when she is left alone for a few hours - she just sleeps.  A night she sleeps from 9.30pm through to 7.00am without a peep from her.

Her more difficult areas are walking on the lead (as covered in many previous posts :-)), being overly excitable when visitors arrive, or if we meet someone she knows in the street.  And she does have the schnauzer capabiity of being a little over the top with her barking.  Trying to get her on the lead is like having a noisy wresting match!!!!

I have read the Perfect Puppy and followed much of the advise, but not all.  I have also read the basic Mini Schnauzer (care) book.  Poppy is a family pet and we dont need her to be perfect, but would like to just concentrate on a few areas.  I would really appreciate it if anyone could recommend a simple training book for this age/type of dog.

Many thanks

I like "Purely Positive Training" by Sheila Booth, it isn't just directed at puppies, but seperates exercises into different and goes into things in simple detail.  Very good ideas on how to get your dog to walk nicely etc, and all without harsh techniques

The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson and You can teach a new dog old tricks by Ian Dunbar; both excellent books for any dog, any age, any experience; they are not "obedience" books but down to earth sensible books which will help you at any stage preventing/treating problems.

Chaliepud and Tohme

Many thanks for the recommendations - I hunt them out on the web for further info/purchase.

If any has any FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

the dog listener by jan fennell

yes! the dog listener! i was trying to remember that one, i borrowed the book myself, and it is one of the best I have read!

Anything at all by Ian Dunbar and John Fisher both absolutely brilliant dog trainers although the latter sadly no longer with us.

Gwen Baileys books Perfect Puppy and Good Dog Behaviour are very good with clear photographs of real dogs & suggestions for games/training.

For christmas i got a book called "train your dog in a weekend" by Caroline Davis and Keith Davis. ITs got good pics in it and explains training techniques in a really clear way. Its designed into weekends of training, i suppose for the dog owner that works during the week, but all of it can be applied at any other time. It has a great section on problem solving, something i needed quite a bit of help with!

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful.  Looking forward to having a read and hopefully make some progress with our pooch.  Who is currently lying on my office floor with all four legs in the air!!

Karen.

Im reading the tellington Ttouch by linda tellington and What your dog is thinking by gwen bailey.  Bradley is still working through perfect puppy,  theres a couple of issues he disagrees with   obedience,