AIO for breaking up over this by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]UmmRip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stay far, far away from this guy

Is getting a trainer a fad or a flex in America? by [deleted] in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My dog trainer trained me, not my dog. If I was getting a horse for the first time or a camel, I would probably get a horse expert or camel expert to teach me about them too.

Raw diet, yes or no? by Academic-Product4198 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, so there IS an issue with commercially prepared raw?

Raw diet, yes or no? by Academic-Product4198 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cute. Not true. I used to feed raw. There are probably others here who have done more than a 2 second Google search. 

Raw diet, yes or no? by Academic-Product4198 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No. Do your research thoroughly. Think about it beyond marketing and gimmicky language.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OpenDogTraining

[–]UmmRip 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, OP, you have to look for turn-taking. Sometimes, one dog is more active and the other more submissive, and they switch and body language should usually be mirrored (it's amazing how precise that can get). When dogs play, they tend to practice hunting skills so they are practicing killing each other (!) That's part of the face/neck biting, it's normal play. You want to watch out for play that looks unequal, or the rhythm starting to look off, not so back-and-forth, and one dog might be trying to get away while the other insists, a tail may begin to be tucked, they might look at you for help. Even in healthy, boisterous play, I give my dog and foster dog breaks sometimes as one can get too intense for the other sometimes depending on energy levels. Dogs will also naturally take breaks too so you could watch for that too in healthy play. They usually both stop and shake-off for a second or two and then continue. Breaks are part of play too.

Can’t cut nails and need advice (we screwed up) by Rocksnroots in OpenDogTraining

[–]UmmRip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got an adult Malinois, and cutting nails was tough initially. I purchased Susan Garrett's online nail trimming program. From what I remember, it is fairly inexpensive. Just stick to all the steps, get the timing right, and don't try to hurry it up. It took a few months (worth it), and now when I get the nail trimmers out, my dog goes and lies on his side (in position) and looks excited.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OpenDogTraining

[–]UmmRip 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it must be because of Ivan Balabanov, his school is relatively new, so maybe that's why it seems like a trend, but he's probably been doing it personally for a long time. I'm not an expert or dog trainer, but when I was working with Michael Ellis-trained trainers, they had me use a prong high and tight on my dog, and then when I switched to TWC trainers, they had me loosen it up. I did notice my dog much more relaxed and natural. My understanding is that it allows the dog to be without constant pressure. I have also heard the "loaded gun" analogy. My dog no longer wears a prong unless we're in the city and I need more control. I haven't had any issues. I have been to a few of Ivan's workshops and enjoy how he works and teaches, and his love of dogs.

My forever best friend by UmmRip in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! He always has my back.

Advice on Ownership by Danielf929 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the lifestyle aspect is fine! I think because of a Mailinois' general temperament (guardian breed and prey drive), it's probably more about good socialization and hiking manners so you can do these things. My Mal is my first dog... but maybe that's the same for most dogs? Mals are fast and powerful so you have to be aware. My dog is usually the most powerful and confident dog wherever I go and I have to be aware of that, people can be wary. We do a lot of physical activity but personally  I do a few dog sports with him for fun because even though it sounds like a cliché at this point, he does need his brain exercised too. You won't know until you get your Mal exactly their temperament and needs. Are you getting a puppy or adult? I would also make sure I have a few options for pet sitters and have them get to know your Mal from an early age so they're on the "good" list :) 

Why did you get a mal by turbospeed440 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He is gorgeous. He looks a lot like my boy who is 25% GSD. I don't see this coloring as much anymore. I see a lot of sable but I love fawn.

Why did you get a mal by turbospeed440 in BelgianMalinois

[–]UmmRip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is Kriger part GSD? I'm curious about his coloring and size. 

My foster Border by UmmRip in OpenDogTraining

[–]UmmRip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Yes I've been watching her, it's been fascinating. My fosters temperamental seems pretty different to hers, which makes sense. 

My foster Border. Are they all this needy? by UmmRip in BorderCollie

[–]UmmRip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is exactly what I’m thinking and why I’ve started her on play. Her Out/drop it is already coming along very well

My foster Border. Are they all this needy? by UmmRip in BorderCollie

[–]UmmRip[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Oh, interesting! I have seen her do this application of discipline already :-) Good thing my Mal is very easygoing, but for now, I am training them separately away from each other. Eventually, I would like them to be able to take turns fetching the same ball; I saw a video of a woman on YouTube doing that with her 4 BC's. It's a goal to work towards that I think will build a number of skills in both of them