Having recently become the proud owners (or servants, depending how you look at it) of a beautiful Miniature Schnauzer puppy, we soon realized that we needed all the advice we could get. First of all I decided to check out the resources at our library and found several helpful offerings. The best one I found is The art of raising a puppy by the Monks of New Skete. According to the book's publisher HighBridge Company, the Monks of New Skete have been "involved in every facet of dog care for over 25 years: breeding and raising German Shepherds, training dogs of all breeds, and counseling dog owners on the many aspects of life with their dogs". The monks' compassion, respect, affection, and understanding of canine behavior is what makes this book unique. They include all you should now about raising a puppy from the decision to adopt a pup, the steps of selecting the appropriate breed, preparing your home, caring for your new charge and practicing basic obedience exercises.

Another book I found most helpful is Dogs behaving badly : an A to Z guide to understanding and curing behavioral problems in dogs by Nicholas H. Dodman. The book is organized in an easy-to-follow A-to-Z format and contains a wealth of information for a new puppy owner. Both my veterinarian and my groomer recommended this book.

NPL has many other books about puppy and dog training. And if you wish to find out about puppy and dog training on the web, you can find a wealth of information at Dr. P's Dog Training sponsored by the University of Wisconsin's Stevens Point and at the Library of Free Puppy Care Health and Training Articles.

Remember that "my goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am" - author unknown