Getting a dog was a long process. I’ve always wanted a dog but the time was never right. I wanted to adopt a rescue dog rather than get a puppy because that felt like the right thing to do. We did try a rescue dog first but the gorgeous hound we chose wasn’t right for us. He had behavioural issues and wasn’t safe with the monkeys. It broke my heart to take him back to the dog’s home but the monkeys come first.
After lots of research, we decided to get a miniature Schnauzer puppy. Malone has been brilliant. He’s friendly, daft, smart and inquisitive. He’s part of the family. I had no real expectations of having a dog other than it would be hard work, there would be a lot of poo and I knew that walks were non-negotiable. All I knew I did want is a well-behaved dog. Not a perfect dog but a dog with manners. The puppy needed to go to school.
We used Fast Track Dog Training in Liverpool for puppy classes and he starts beginners dog training this week. I can’t wait. Helen is absolutely brilliant and we got so much out of the puppy sessions. If you see a woman in a Liverpool park shouting “ready” while frantically chuck dog treats, it’s me, it works, say hi.