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I had Mitzi to the vet this afternoon, her first check up since we got her (she's a 4yr old Miniature Schnauzer). Overall, her health appears very good - but she has a severe yeast overgrowth/infection in both ears. The vet can't see down the ear canal, they are that swollen and blocked with muck. We cleaned them out as best we could, and she is now on a course of ear drops twice a day for 2 weeks. I've just given them another clean, more icky brown came out. From what I have read, Schnauzers can be prone to this problem, and was wondering once this infection has cleared up is there anything I can do to prevent recurrence?

Appointment booked for Tuesday next week. Have been given advice on how to "manage" our situation in the meantime which I am so happy about. I learnt something about myself. I have a nearly 3year old little boy (human!) and I treat Mitzi with the same compassion that I treat him, and I've come to learn that my human and my doggie speak a different language and I'm sending COMPLETELY different signals. I will learn. I'm an eager student. And in the short time we've had our Mitzi we've all come to adore her and want to be the best dog she could possibly be - she doesn't have to be 'perfect' - just the best she can be.

Thanks all for your advice. We have decided that we see a trainer/behaviourist and have already made the initial enquiry. Need now to just set up a time. Thanks Megan for passing on that information. I'll keep you updated with how we get on. Mitzi is such a beatiful little girl who I think has had a bit of a rough start to family life, I hope we can help her feel at ease.

Thanks for the advice. Megan, she's only been on a few walks in the time we've had her because we are training her on the lead (she wasn't walked where she came from). We have been to friends around the corner and she was very social, loved the pats. I am now walking her daily, short walks, just so she learns that it's all safe. I understand what you are saying about ignoring the behaviour, that makes sense. Megan, can I ask how your schnauzer reacted to visitors before you started implementing a behavioural plan? The vet has told me that once she is assessed by the 'trainer', that we may be referred to a behaviouralist.

We have a 4 year old miniature schnauzer 'rescue'. We have had her for 4 weeks. She is a lovely natured soul, very kind and placid with us (her family consisting of Mum & Dad and 3 kids....). Then the doorbell goes and hello. She barks, loud. And she runs away (shoots out the doggy door) and she continues to bark, loud. She won't approach them. She just barks and barks and runs away. And then we go outside and she cowers (sad, I think she's been hit before). We calm her down, tell her it's ok. And she see's the visitors again and off she goes. We eventually end up having to put her on her bed in the laundry (she has access outside through her doggy door but when we have company she chooses to stay in the laundry. My parents just visited from Qld for 4 days and poor Mitzi didn't approach them once. She just barked at them, almost seemed frightened of them. It broke my heart. I want my guests to enjoy her as much as we do, but at the least I want her to not be stressed when we have company, even if she doesn't want to approach them. I have contacted my vet and arranged for a dog trainer to come to my home for a consult. I'm hoping they will see her behavior (and being 'strangers', they will certainly see it!) and give me some tips and advice on how to manage her so that she is happy, and our guests don't get barked at. oh - she won't respond to food treats - she seems absolutely oblivious to anything other than getting rid of our visitors! Any advice, tips welcome cheers Sara