I Adopted An Aggressive Belgian Malinois, Here’s What I Learned

Comments · 225

• TA

  @tanyaprice8592 · 3 months ago

  I trained a malinois for my neighbour, it helped me build my own confidence. He went from a reactive menace to absolute joy to walk. Sadly they have moved away now and I miss him a lot. You build an amazing bond when you train a dog and it's so rewarding. On our last walk 2 terriers walked around the corner and went mental at him, lunging and barking and one even attacked it's pack mate. He just sat there looking at them as if to say, what's your problem mate, he didn't move, shift energy, flinch, NOTHING!. I was so proud because he was reactive to dogs doing nothing on the other side of the road when we started. It encapsulated everything we had achieved together, it was fantastic. I will also add he was neither food nor toy motivated so I had pretty much nothing to help in that regard 😂 it can be done with just love and discipline alone. He was a hard nut to crack with zero drive, he wasn't even overly fussed about praise and I still made it work!.

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• GI

  @GianniDN · 3 months ago

  We have 3 Malinois. Enzo I have since puppy age, I received him for my 17th birthday, I trained him myself and he’s the best dog I can image. When Enzo was 1y we adopted Roma who’s owner died, she was also 1y old. Roma is a calm diva Malinois. 5 months ago we got a call from our local shelter that they had a Malinois who was completely traumatised. I begged my parents to adopt her, we called her Luna. I have been working hard for 5 months with her. She’s amazing, so lovely and jumps around like a kangaroo. She’s also a bully with me. After a long run with them I like to rest a bit in the garden. She found out I was ticklish under my feet. Everytime I lay down, she sneaks to me and licks my foot. 😅 I run after her, catch her and lift her up like a baby and blow her belly. She loves it. 😅 Enzo and Roma are both 2y old now. We never leash them. They both stick to us like glue. Luna is 1y and 2 months. We leash her on the road, she’s crazy about children and would just run up to everyone. With her Previous owners she was caged the entire time. The first day she was scared of us, but felt great with Enzo. The second day I was able to gain her trust complely. She started to jump around of happiness. I don’t think she will ever be like Enzo and Roma because she has some luggage, but she doesn’t have to be like them. It’s just amazing to see how much she changed, how social she has become, she knows all the commands. I just have to be careful with my books around her. Luckily my exams are finished because she ate a book.

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• GR

  @Grumpy-OldMan-1963 · 1 month ago

  My Belgian Terv trained me quite quickly. It didn't take long for me to learn all the commands he needed me to understand....

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• JU

  @jude-vl4mc · 3 months ago

  Bro is a superstar, look how happy she is now. Love this.

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• SI

  @simonkernohan6173 · 3 months ago

  It’s such a shame that more people didn’t look into how to sort their dogs or even seek the help to sort. So many Mals in shelters. Thank you for the putting the videos out there it could save a Malinois from being years in shelters or even worse euthanasia. I’ve got 3 Mals and they are fantastic dogs when sorted

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• OD

  @Odessa98-v6w · 3 months ago

  Patience,consistency and lots of love can do miracles😊

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• RA

  @raroraroraroo9675 · 3 months ago (edited)

  My Malinois died last year. He weighted 34kg and had a high prey drive.  Not easy to handle.  Worked with 3 trainers, the last one was helpful, but I think the advice on this video is better.  I liked that it's based on rewards and not punishment.  Freedom within boundaries.  Not trying to punish the dog into obedience.

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• EK

  @eKoush · 3 months ago (edited)

  Malinois benefit from activities that are actually not creating so much hype for dogs. Chasing balls or ripping on a toy is not a bad activity, but it should definitely not be the only activity. Getting them to use their nose and play stationary (instead of running or chasing balls or other dogs even in a friendly setting) will help them be more calm.

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• GA

  @garykuiken6191 · 1 month ago

  Having had two Malinois some twenty- five  years ago, my biggest fear has been that their popularity  will ruin the bred.  They are not for  everyone.  They are  basically  fearless, sometimes  to their detriment  and even their handlers.

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• GL

  @glenarmstrong6166 · 3 months ago

  I’m a long time dog owner (purebred border collies) and have advised 90% of those who’ve asked my advice about getting their first dog not to get one.  One red flag in that conversation and we’re done. You are a total master and I will be sharing your videos should I get that one person who is truly ready to make that life long commitment to one of the best animals this world has ever known. Thank you

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• LO

  @lou111-v9t · 3 months ago

  Love how you’re honest and also thank you for taking on this beautiful baby and ultimately saving her life as it would have only ever got worse 💔

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• EV

  @everdinestenger1548 · 4 weeks ago

  Bless you. Friends of mine had a Malinois, trained her well and they had lots of space. Such a lovely dog. As I never had enough space I never had one