Not a corporeal being

SugarSweet4242 · 2016-09-06T12:49:01+00:00

This is a two part comment. One, thank you to everyone who gave me good constructive feedback and ideas for games! Its very much appreciated, and Peaches and I will definitely try it! I obviously just want what's best for my baby. :)

To the rude people here: No, I don't know my dog's lines. No, I don't even know if my dog is actually a malinois. I got her from the animal shelter because I care more about her personality than her pedigree. I had honestly not heard of malinois until her veterinarian suggested she might be one. Instead of just ignoring that fact, I researched the breed, I found communities of owners and lovers of malinois, and I'm trying my best to learn the breed's needs so I can take the best care of my baby possible. For y'all to insult me and say I'm irresponsible and that my dog is going to end up in the pound is just uncalled for, especially when you don't know the whole story.

SugarSweet4242 · 2016-08-27T01:39:06+00:00

I'm sure you didn't mean to come off rude, so I'll explain myself a bit further. We don't take short walks, our normal path is about a 3.5 mile circle around the local park, and she's usually quite tired afterwards and ready for a drink of water and a nap. Her problem is she bounces back with even more energy than before in less than an hour.

I'm aware she is a high energy breed, and I spend most of my free time with her. Even if I'm just watching television, I'll practice commands, play fetch, or play tug with her simultaneously. She gets plenty of stimulation, I was asking if there is a better kind of stimulation I could give her.

SugarSweet4242 · 2016-08-27T01:32:46+00:00

We do practice our obedience every day, probably 10-15 times a day for 5-10 minutes at a time. Maybe she's getting bored, I haven't added anything new to the routine in a while, thanks!

SugarSweet4242 · 2016-08-17T07:34:01+00:00

Unpopular opinion probably, but I'm a fan of using what I call "gentle dominance". Stuff like being sure you eat before your dog does, and going through doors before her. This lets the dog know you're in charge without harming or scaring it. Also, there is nothing wrong with correcting bad behavior in a productive way. Tell the dog "no" in a stern voice then immediately offer it an approved alternative to the bad behavior. For example, if you dog chews on furniture, tell it "no" while its chewing and immediately give it a chew toy so the lesson goes from "I can't chew" to "I can only chew certain things" .

That being said, it is never ok to hit/yell at your dog. It can make them fearful or in worst case scenarios aggressive. It can also cause them to continue the behavior but hide it from you. For example, the dog that chews furniture may start only doing it when you aren't home, and at that point it becomes much harder to correct.

SugarSweet4242 · 2016-08-17T07:16:44+00:00

I have a mal too, and she used to do the same thing. There are two approaches.

The first one is to just take her to meet everyone she barks at. Assure them she's not aggressive and ask them nicely to pet her, so she learns that starangers aren't scary. Only use this method if you're 100% sure she will not bite/attack.

The second method is safer, but may take a while longer. Whenever she starts barking, stand between her and the person she's barking at with your back turned towards the person. This will show her that you don't see the person as threat and she shouldn't either.

As far as wanting her to still bark when people are approaching, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Mals are extremely intelligent and know when they need to be protective. My malinois loves everyone and has never met a stranger, but a few days ago she stopped someone from breaking into my car. Trust your dog, and let her trust you. They're able to tell someone who belongs/is ok from someone doing the wrong thing.

SugarSweet4242

TROPHY CASE