OLD DOGS – and young pups – are learning new tricks alongside a four-month-old rescue puppy taken in by TV and radio presenter, Judie McCourt.

Winnie, a Lhasa Apso-Havanese cross, has landed on her paws with her new owner, who lives on the outskirts of Darlington after the pair met in a Dogs Trust rehoming centre.

In 2017, the charity launched Dog School nationwide, offering training and behaviour support for our four-legged friends. The series of six-week class programmes supports a dog’s ongoing development and equips owners with the tools they need to ensure their pets remain in happy homes as valued members of the family.

Ms McCourt said: “I’m so thrilled to have Winnie in my life. She melted my heart as soon as I saw her, and I knew I couldn’t head home without her – thankfully she seemed to like me too.

“We’re working on the basics at Dog School puppy classes at Dogs Trust Darlington, they’re really helping us learn lots together. Fingers crossed we’ll make lots of new doggy friends too. It’s so important to me to understand what Winnie wants and needs and I think having this quality time with her in classes will really help."