Belgian Malinois Sheepdogs are the favorite breed to become "super dogs". Very often police forces, firefighters and rescue groups choose Belgian Malinois to be part of the team due to their great abilities as guardians, defenders and trackers.
These dogs are very intelligent and with the correct training they can become practically human who do not speak but who can express themselves and make themselves understood in other ways.
Do you have a Belgian Malinois at home and although you are not an expert on the breed, you want to educate him in the best possible way? We invite you to read that article on our site where we give you the best tips for training a Belgian Malinois
Positive Training
Many dog training techniques are made to make the owner feel happy. On our site we propose techniques to make both dogs and owners feel happy.
Belgian Malinois love to feel in tune with their humans, they appreciate searching, chasing things and being rewarded for it. If we properly motivate this natural desire, the owner will surely succeed in training this breed of dog.
First it is very important to know that the intelligent Belgian Malinois are made for action and that they feel fulfilled being outdoors running and accompanying their human friend on long walks. Basically, the Belgian Malinois is trained by training it physically, so if you are a sedentary person who does not like to stay in constant activity, we recommend another breed that is quieter.
It's all about positive training, exercise, and companionship, with companionship being the key to these three steps. Remember that most dogs are social creatures. So… If you leave your dog alone at home for more than 7 hours, he will feel anxious, bored and even frustrated. The same if you leave him out of the house and remove him from the family dynamic.
A clear but loving leadership
Leadership and respect are taught through games where you maintain control, a good and rich diet, rest, social interaction and lots of love.
Whenever you do something with your dog, whether it's watching television together, playing games, or even talking to him, keep in mind that he is always judging your tone of voice, body language, the way you that you approach him and even your facial expression. Dogs are much more complex and clever than we think, and these are all clues that your dog uses to create a profile of its owner. From there, he will decide what kind of relationship he wants to have with you. A relationship based on respect will teach your dog equal values and encourage him to reciprocate in a positive and obedient way.
Always use a positive approach, this will be the best way to train your Belgian Malinois. It will have a better and faster effect if you are firm, but at the same time assertive in your communication. On our site we support the "reward" approach due to good behavior vs. unnecessary punishment. Remember that punishment only causes stress and discomfort in the animal. Make sure everyone in the family is on the same page, training the dog the same way.
From puppies to adults
If you start training as soon as the puppy comes home, the adjustment period will be shorter, more productive and easier for both of you. The six basic commands you can teach your Belgian Malinois from 8 weeks of age are: learn to sit, crouch, walk to your side, come when tell you and stay in your place at the right time. The basic commands for dogs. It is essential for your safety
There are basic and important routines that you can teach your Malinois from a very young age, they are so intelligent that they can begin to adopt them from an early age:
- Your place to sleep
- Meal, sleep and wake times
- Where is the food
- The right place to relieve yourself
- Where are his toys
In addition to daily routines, words must also be taught. The most important, short and concise ones are: "No", which also means stop, and "Fine", a clear approval of their behavior. You can start this from two months of age.
Training:
The physical part starts from 9 weeks when you can start taking him to a nursery where he will play, exercise, connect with other puppies and also receive additional education. When he is with you, give him at least 15 minutes of play in the morning and another time in the afternoon. Do not forget that it is very important to encourage play with other dogs so that it can be properly socialized and be a social and positive dog. Lack of socialization can cause your Belgian Malinois to be a reactive dog, shy or with behavioral problems, don't forget it.
From 4 to 6 months of age, give him well-deserved walks, daily and lasting about 30 minutes. Also, activities that involve the game of fetch to encourage mental skill, but don't be excessive, remember that he is still a baby.
From 6 months to a year, you can now play more actively with him using a ball or Frisby that goes further, for a maximum of 30 minutes in the morning and then in the afternoon. You can continue with a relaxed walk as a break.
If you have done all of the above, from one year on, your Belgian Malinois can Join you for a run every morning (every kilometer comes with a little rest) or varied activities that encourage physical stimulation. Go testing your resistance and increasing the distance and time; do not pressure them, you will see how happy it makes them and how much they will appreciate it. Agility is one of the most recommended activities for this breed since it combines obedience and physical exercise.
Of course, visit the veterinarian every six months to analyze if you are doing any excess activity that could affect the future he alth of your your dog.
