Matty(ND100)

Matty is a little dog that someone could write a book about as he is such a character. His foster carer has written below all about Matty's personality and needs. Is he the perfect boy you have been waiting for?

"Being a Maltese, he is very demanding of attention and when he doesn't get it he likes to steal something and run passed you to initiate a chase (his favourite game). He has a "thing" for socks, whether they are on the floor or you are putting them on your feet, he tries to run off with them, another game he likes to play to get your attention. He doesn't destroy them, he just likes to run around the house with them, throw them and shake them. Maltese Terriers are highly intelligent, easily trained, brave, loving, very energetic and always looking for a lap to sit on - Matty certainly fits this description. He is still a little shy and tends to wait before he is asked to come into the house or sit on your lap which I believe is ideal as quite often these little dogs can become quite dominating over their owners. The secret is to treat him like a dog and not like a child and he will love and respect you for it. Matty unfortunately hates cats, he loves to chase them, so a cat free house is recommend. He has a problem with people on push bikes, again wanting to chase them. I have taught him to run along side my bike at a slow pace in the hope that he sees a bike as a source of fun and not a threat. He does this with ease and loves it. Its a great way to build his confidence and to exert some energy, remembering that he only has little legs. Quite often people think that by having a small dog they won't need to exercise it. This is a myth, don't let their size fool you. Like big dogs, they need daily exercise to release energy. Built up energy can cause behavioural issues. Matty loves a car ride, laying down on the back seat or quietly looking out the window. It is a pleasant experience for both of us. The first night we had him, I made him a cosy bed outside next to my other dogs. I woke up early to check on him and found him laying on the table outside (I think he has height issues). The next night I made a bed for him on the table. A week later he decided it was more comfortable to sleep next to my dogs.

Matty would be highly suited to a home with older children who have some understanding of a dogs boundaries and know that respect works both ways. He loves to be included in everything. He is fantastic with other dogs, playing gently with them until he is accepted, than letting loose on them with no aggression at all. He has even won the heart of my anti-social Border Collie who actually enjoys a bit of 'Matty rough n tumble'. It would be preferable for Matty to be rehomed with a companion dog as Maltese Terriers prefer company and tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left at home alone for too long. He would also be perfect for an active older couple who have all the time in the world for him."