Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

how much to feed a belgian malinois

Behavior and Training Tips for Belgian Malinois

Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Mary Perry

Belgian Malinois require an extensive amount of training to help minimize any behavioral issues and keep their mind engaged. Training and socialization should start as early as possible and continue throughout their life to provide them with adequate mental stimulation.

Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament

Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal dogs and tend to form an unbreakable bond with their human. They are not the type of dog that can just be left in the backyard to entertain themselves. Ultimately, they want nothing more than to spend as much time with you as possible.

They are also a very high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and stimulation. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per day—with you by their side. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking.

Belgian Malinois Behavior

When Belgian Malinois don’t get enough exercise or stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors, such as:

  • Destroying furniture, rugs, carpet, curtains, plants, etc.

  • Chewing personal items (shoes, clothes, etc.)

  • Gnawing through doors and window frames, or breaking windows

  • Digging holes in the yard

A well-trained and socialized Belgian Malinois can be a great family dog, but one of their inherent traits is being watchful over their family. While this can certainly have its benefits, it can also make it difficult to have guests or strangers come into the house. Again, training and socialization should begin when your Belgian Malinois puppy is young and continue throughout their life.

Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. This can lead to them chasing after cars, other animals, and even children. They may also try to use their herding skills to round up toddlers and small children. Always supervise interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds.

Belgian Malinois Training

Belgian Malinois are incredibly smart dogs, which makes them eager (and fast!) learners.

It’s recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who is familiar with the breed. A seasoned trainer will be able to help train your dog for jobs that can stimulate their mind—a critical aspect for this breed.

These jobs are often seen as fun activities for them, and it’s important for you to be involved in the training process, as it will increase your pet’s bond with you.

Fun Activities for a Belgian Malinois

  • Herding

  • Tracking

  • Obedience

  • Sledding

  • Agility

  • Therapy assistance

This post was last modified on November 25, 2024 7:31 pm