What do with my Malinois while at work? - Page 1

Hello ALL!

I'm new to the forum and making my first post.

I have an 8 month old Belgian Malinois I bought from a breeder in Colorado when he was 4 months old. He's an exellent dog and has become a much loved member of the family.

My wife and I currently live overseas. We both work and are fortunate enough to have someone to watch him all day while we're at work. We may be relocating to the US soon and will not have the luxury of someone hanging out with him all day. Any suggestions on what we should with him while we're at work? He's recently discovered to joys of digging, so leaving in a yard all day is not a good option. Especially since I'll be the one repairing the holes! We're thinking about crating him during the day with a mid-day bathroom break at lunch time.

Any info, suggestions, or guidance will be greatly appreciated!

 
You must have considered that points before, now you have a breed which is extremely anxious for working and you can not put them in a kennel. Poor dogs.

The better optiuon is to let them with some honest trainer which can take good care and train them at least for fun.  Hope you a find a solution for your dogs.. best luck.

The same thing any other reasonable person does when they go to work...you kennel it. Build a kennel in the backyard that is sufficient to hold a dog, cement floor, roof, etc, and put the dog there, easy and simple. 

You should be able to find a Pet Sitter to come out once or twice a day to walk your dog and maybe play ball or some other activity. There are also Dog Daycares where you can drop off your dog each day. Barring those a good crate and a break mid day may work, or a nice outdoor kennel, but you have to consider the type of weather where you will be living.
Beth Rood
RoodHaus Belgians

Thanks for the responses! Additional suggestions and advice are also welcome

A petsitter, doggie daycare, or crating are all really good options.  Mine is crated during the day and it doesn't hurt her a bit.  She does not chew her crate, does not "throw a fit", etc.  She gets let out during lunch time and gets free run once my husband and I have come home from work.  She does have separation anxeity and WILL destroy my home if left alone uncrated.  She also does not do well with other people handling her unless me or my husband is there with her.  She will bite someone if we're not there. 

Everyone dog is different.  You do what YOU think is best for YOUR dog.  You are the only who knows your dog best!

Good Luck!!

put him in a kennel and give him a big bone(one he cant swallow) to chew on before going to work...that will keep him busy.