A good Belgian Malinois must go through strict training before it can perform various tasks. Even for a family dog, training is still necessary, from simple matters like eating and drinking properly to larger responsibilities such as guarding the home. The Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent dog, so the overall difficulty of training is not high, but there are still some useful techniques and key points worth noting.
Preparation Before Training a Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois really is a very energetic breed. A practical suggestion is to play with it for around twenty minutes before formal training begins. The purpose is to tire it out slightly. Otherwise, the dog may still be full of energy while you are already exhausted. Pre-exercise can also improve the effect of still-position commands such as sit or down.
Training Tips for the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has an exceptionally strong interest in retrieving objects, often even stronger than its interest in food, so a small rubber ball can be the perfect training partner. During normal training, owners can use a ball as bait, and in many cases it works better than food. A practical method is to throw the ball and ask the dog to pick it up and bring it back, letting it gradually become familiar with the whole process. In everyday life, even outside formal training, talk to the dog more often. This can strengthen your bond and gradually improve mutual understanding. Do not assume it understands nothing. Dogs have sensitivity of their own, especially breeds that have lived alongside humans for so long.
Another very important point is that no matter how obedient the Belgian Malinois seems, it should always be kept on a leash when taken outside for walks or road exposure. This breed is energetic and also has a certain level of aggression. In addition, rewards and corrections must always be clear. This applies not only during training, but in everyday life as well. Whenever the dog does something right, it should receive a suitable reward such as petting or treats. Over time, the Belgian Malinois can develop many good habits that align with the owner's expectations.