Hi!

If and when we manage to get our SWD puppy, we plan to take him (or her) to basic obedience classes. However, I'd like people to recommend a good book on this topic and if it's fun reading the better! There's plenty of advice in my book on SWDs but surely not everything is covered! Any suggestions?

Also, I'd be delighted to know what people have to say about this: I had a poodle for many many years but I'll  be a complete begginer as far as SWDs are concerned; so, would you recommend a male or a female pup? My understanding is that, generally speaking, girls' temper makes them more suitable for inexperienced owners. Does everybody agree on this? I guess that both boys and girls have pros and cons but what do you suggest on balance?

Cheers and many thanks in advance!

Alex

Alex, if there's one book to get, I highly highly recommend The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson.  You can get it from Amazon.  It's absolutely excellent and covers everything. 

Thanks very much, Onetwothree. I've just checked the reviews on Amazon and they are impressive. I'll definitely buy it!! :)

>and if it's fun reading the better

I wouldn't call The Culture Clash fun reading, I found it very heavy. 

It is an excellent book, should be required reading IMHO for all dog owners. JD is very direct however she tells it how it is, lots of fun things in there about why dogs do the things they do and what makes sense to us does not necessarily make sense to the dog.

Good ideas on basic recalls etc too.

I got The Culture Clash on recommendation by this board and although it is heavy going it has been really really helpful (and interesting!) I would definately recommend it!