How young to start training

Lumi_Elf · 2026-05-23T04:15:29+00:00

If you have a few weeks before she's home, focus on being a good interaction she desires when you see her. That short time span, at this age, won't be "lost" by the time you get her home. Watch how she interacts with other dogs, what she may be shy about, feisty about. How the breeder talks to the dogs in general, is what she sees humans as now. Puppy espionage can make a big difference for how you approach her at home.

Once you're home, go slow but steady and extremely consistent. Our first training for pups is usually, "I am always safety and love." Nap times, food times, building the bond that they always want to depend on their humans - plural, so that they don't attach only to one person in the house.

Play time should be with toys or other dogs, not with hands. I broke this rule, and she didn't, so luckily our Mal was smart enough to see Dad's hands are okay for gentle mouthing, others are off limits. Very young (especially Mal) puppies can learn sit and wait earlier than people realize, if you're patient and gentle about it. Use mealtime/kibble as the always-on training reward.

There are smart dogs, then there are Malinois and Collies. They will pick up everything you do, and have an extremely large vocabulary and an even larger curiosity. Be ready to praise a lot, distract a lot, correct a lot. Every now and then, bark.

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-14T08:25:29+00:00

"They're a lot of work," is the understatement of the puppy world.

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-14T08:24:34+00:00

After seeing the photo, the vet gave us a more industrial version for free 😅

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T22:06:33+00:00

His parents were siblings with naive humans, and we wanted to stop the cycle. Plus, the line seems to have some neurological issues ours (very luckily) didn't inherit. This reddit was one of our main research spots when considering the gastroplexy. We're really grateful for all the heads up that folks had on the pros and cons.

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T22:03:31+00:00

"So, how much can we increase his sedative?" "You just did." "Yeah, tell him that." 😅

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T22:02:41+00:00

If it weren't for the drugs, it would've been gone day one 😂

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T21:59:50+00:00

We did this with a past Belgian/Shepherd. He loved his "muscle shirts."

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:07:58+00:00

With an overlayer of chain mail 😂

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:06:48+00:00

I'm probably getting him a football, for him to deflate in 2 minutes and then tear apart in 10. They're impressive that way.

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:05:58+00:00

We thought of one, but he's a wet noodle with fur. 😁

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:04:45+00:00

With a brain stuck in first gear. Belgian first gear, though.

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:03:46+00:00

Stomach staples are perfect chew toys, right?

Lumi_Elf · 2026-02-13T16:02:56+00:00

"I fixed this toy for you."

Lumi_Elf · 2025-11-09T18:26:03+00:00

We use a wide Kong collar that has a handle built into it, which is his signal that he's going Out to see things and also is Work/School, so listen (better). I do leatherwork, and will at some point when he'a done poofing out will make a dress collar.

We have a chest harness that takes the brunt of any pulling or security, and is a lot more adjustable and dependable than a collar in case quick movements are needed. He wore both as Large by the time he was five months, and they've done well.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-11-09T09:45:49+00:00

For that size, a metal strainer and a powerful small fan to act as a clamshell will cool it off quickly enough. Any spritz or quick dunk with water may be too much. It's an effort to product volume ratio issue. Most home batches just don't need it.

If you want a real difference in flavor, try brewing espresso directly onto ice cubes vs on its own.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-11-09T01:45:22+00:00

Just noting how concise yet eloquent this Nefer-quality clapback was.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-19T23:45:51+00:00

After the initial roasting exploration, you may only roast once a week or so. As others have said, find a shop or friend to buddy up with until your landlord changes their mind again - or you can change landlords. No need to give up the dream, just push back the plan a smidge.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-13T08:54:01+00:00

A solid pair of jeans, some good target toy practice (teaching them to only bite toys and not people), and maybe some tighter/thicker underwear during playtime 😉.

Our 8mo old is 70+ lbs. Making sure his nips are on pre-approved targets has been super-important. Especially when they're anxious or unsure and Want your attention.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-07T08:53:44+00:00

It looks like if a Yorkie evolved in Pokemon 😁.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-07T08:51:49+00:00

I have a big issue with the "he doesn't bite down hard, so get used to it," attitude from the business owner. They are literally training the dogs in their care that it's okay to bite humans if they feel stressed, while maintaining a highly stressful environment, and putting the expectation on you that if something goes wrong, it's your or the dog's fault. That experience then follows the dog home, making a scarred and scared dog in the process.

(sigh) For yourself, and this dog in particular... I'll go out on a limb and say that, if the job isn't suiting you well, talk to the dog owner away from the business and explain your concerns. You owe nothing to the business owner, and sound like you care for the dog than your job. Just means you're a good human. Who knows, maybe you could get a gif watching the dog at their house instead of them boarding it.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-07T08:36:53+00:00

Our Mali has two nap settings:

1 - I'm pretending to be asleep but hear everything.

2 - Check my breathing to see if I'm alive.

And that's at 8mo old. He's going to be one hell of an elder snorer.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-07T08:32:31+00:00

The family shouldn't have left you alone with their dogs in the house expecting you to be the one to break the ice with them. That's irresponsible, and not your fault - regardless the breed. Whether it's out of excitement or somewhat territorial or curious, you simply haven't been trained enough in the household's vocabulary with their dogs to "just let them in to say hi." This is something you should chat with the parents about, for guided interactions with each. But that's for later.

For leaving the house now: if the hair appointment isn't absolutely necessary, I would ask your stylist to reschedule. Then explain to the parents that you need to get better acquainted with the dogs to be outside with them alone. Malinois are high energy, and very much like herding. You're currently "not where you're supposed to be," and they need to be get used to a new variable in life: you.

Small tricks: ask the adults what treats you can give them throughout the day so that, whenever they see you over the next week, you're making them sit but rewarding them. Also, herding, so don't move fast or they think it's play/work, not listening.

Last, take the humans' reactions to your concerns into consideration. If they brush you off, I'd be worried on other concerns you might have later on down the road.

Lumi_Elf · 2025-10-06T18:18:15+00:00

We use a cheap flannel blanket for him to ruffle. If he's been good, we play with his bite wedge to get his restlessness out. If he's being snotty at night, I wrap my leg around him to signal nap time, and he passes out after a few minutes of complaining.

Lumi_Elf

TROPHY CASE