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by Eldee on 29 April 2013 - 16:04
In reading these posts I don't think anyone ever insuated that you would be a bad owner. In fact, by doing your homework and asking Mal owners what they thought was really smart of you. The impression I got was of care and concern for you. Mals are working dogs, highly perceptive and extremely athletic. I am not a breeder but have had friends that owned a Malinois, great dog, My friend was a runner and said he was so glad he had his Mali, his dog was his inspiratation because he knew he could never miss a day running or his dog would drive him crazy. He would have to run in the rain, ice storms you name it, that dog needed to run. He is still running with his dog, and the dog turned 10 this year.
by malinak on 29 April 2013 - 17:04
Most malinois- in fact most adult dogs from working breeds- are NOT dog park dogs. I run through the open (not fenced in) dog park with my malinois but we don't go there to play. I train her to ignore other dogs because otherwise she is only interested in dominating them and can be reactive although that is fading as she gets older. She gets along super with my two other dogs. I am a very active runner and skier. For example, my dogs and I covered 25 miles yesterday, me skiing, them running. That keeps her happy. If I lived in an apartment, my malinois would be content but only because I am so active myself.
Malinois do not like strangers in general. They are often not dog friendly unless they know the dog. With time, you can work with them to be aloof to strangers or to engage in a default recall when they perceive something they see as a "threat". With proper socialization- which is a whole 'nother story- when introduced, malinois can be somewhat social with friendly strangers. Be prepared for a dog that doesn't like everyone, is reactive, and has a default (if not trained) bark and bluster reaction to various "threats". Also be prepared for a dog that is very tempted to chase/herd (and bite at) moving objects- bikes, kids running, joggers, people playing frisbee,cars and especially snowmobiles. That will need to be TRAINED away. This is not a dog you can not train.
Malinois love to tug and use their mouths. They do not have a "soft mouth" like a retriever. Be prepared to learn how to play tug the right way because that is what these dogs do. If you don't work them in protection sports (IPO, KNPV, ring etc.) I think it is only fair to provide some outlet for their "tugging instinct". Or you will have a frustrated dog. A malinois will give 100% of their considerable wit and energy to whatever they engage themselves in. That means if you have a bored malinois your house will be destroyed. Or if your malinois is bent on chasing something and you haven't trained her not to, she'll end up in the next county. I can't emphasize enough that you must must train this dog and must train them the right way. Use too heavy a hand and the dog will come up the leash at you. Too soft and the dog will blow you off. You need to be patient, fair and firm.
The malinois needs a job- this doesn't mean they need to do protection sports but you need to stimulate their mind and body every single day. I work on tracking, detection, and play tug. I am more interested in spending my time recreating outdoors than doing "sport" training. Naturally protective, it is easy to train malinois to bark on command for deterrent protection BUT keep the dog in prey and know what you are doing.
I don't think the malinois is some sort of freaky super doggy thingy that nobody but the best of the best can handle. I do think the vast majority of dog owners would be totally overwhelmed by even a malinois puppy and either give the dog away or end up with a hyperactive, undersocialized yard ornament. My lifestyle and personality fit the malinois well (so far, I'm on my first one) but for most people that is not true.
There is the show-line option if you want "malinois- lite". I'd rather people who want malinois go with that, then get a working line and be overwhelmed. And a golden retriever is generally poor preparation for a malinois. Totally different breeds.
Malinois do not like strangers in general. They are often not dog friendly unless they know the dog. With time, you can work with them to be aloof to strangers or to engage in a default recall when they perceive something they see as a "threat". With proper socialization- which is a whole 'nother story- when introduced, malinois can be somewhat social with friendly strangers. Be prepared for a dog that doesn't like everyone, is reactive, and has a default (if not trained) bark and bluster reaction to various "threats". Also be prepared for a dog that is very tempted to chase/herd (and bite at) moving objects- bikes, kids running, joggers, people playing frisbee,cars and especially snowmobiles. That will need to be TRAINED away. This is not a dog you can not train.
Malinois love to tug and use their mouths. They do not have a "soft mouth" like a retriever. Be prepared to learn how to play tug the right way because that is what these dogs do. If you don't work them in protection sports (IPO, KNPV, ring etc.) I think it is only fair to provide some outlet for their "tugging instinct". Or you will have a frustrated dog. A malinois will give 100% of their considerable wit and energy to whatever they engage themselves in. That means if you have a bored malinois your house will be destroyed. Or if your malinois is bent on chasing something and you haven't trained her not to, she'll end up in the next county. I can't emphasize enough that you must must train this dog and must train them the right way. Use too heavy a hand and the dog will come up the leash at you. Too soft and the dog will blow you off. You need to be patient, fair and firm.
The malinois needs a job- this doesn't mean they need to do protection sports but you need to stimulate their mind and body every single day. I work on tracking, detection, and play tug. I am more interested in spending my time recreating outdoors than doing "sport" training. Naturally protective, it is easy to train malinois to bark on command for deterrent protection BUT keep the dog in prey and know what you are doing.
I don't think the malinois is some sort of freaky super doggy thingy that nobody but the best of the best can handle. I do think the vast majority of dog owners would be totally overwhelmed by even a malinois puppy and either give the dog away or end up with a hyperactive, undersocialized yard ornament. My lifestyle and personality fit the malinois well (so far, I'm on my first one) but for most people that is not true.
There is the show-line option if you want "malinois- lite". I'd rather people who want malinois go with that, then get a working line and be overwhelmed. And a golden retriever is generally poor preparation for a malinois. Totally different breeds.
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