Our police & sheriff's departments K9 units primarily comprise of Belgians. They have drive, speed, and bite that is second to none. Not to mention, they are absolutely beautiful, no matter what age.
My first dog was a Belgian puppy. I can hear the collective "GASP!!!" from all the Belgian owners out there. NOT a good idea. I thought I knew how energetic they are. I thought I knew how fast they ran. I thought I knew how strong their jaws are.
I knew NOTHING....absolutely NOTHING. In hindsight, I wish that the breeder would've talked me out of getting one. He knew this was going to be my first dog EVER. He knew I worked weird hours. He knew I didn't have a fenced in yard. He knew I was NOWHERE prepared to take on a Belgian Malinois.
Needless to say, I learned a very expensive lesson.
For all that are wondering, Lexi is a narcotics dog for the DEA in Oklahoma. She's living a far better life than I could ever give her. I can rest easy at night knowing that.
So here's my laundry list of advice to anyone considering getting a Belgian Malinois for a pet.
1) DO YOUR RESEARCH.
2) Be a previous/current dog owner.
3) Start training EARLY and be consistent.
4) Dog proof your house...inside and out.
5) Have PLENTY of room for the dog to run.
6) Be prepared to spend lots of time with the dog.
7) NEVER let an untrained Belgian run loose.
8) Be SURE you can handle the dog.
9) Let the dog live with your for a couple weeks before permanently adopting.
I seriously could go on for awhile. I just cannot stress how important it is to KNOW what you're getting yourself into before committing to this breed....or ANY animal for that matter.
**stepping off the soapbox now**
My first dog was a Belgian puppy. I can hear the collective "GASP!!!" from all the Belgian owners out there. NOT a good idea. I thought I knew how energetic they are. I thought I knew how fast they ran. I thought I knew how strong their jaws are.
I knew NOTHING....absolutely NOTHING. In hindsight, I wish that the breeder would've talked me out of getting one. He knew this was going to be my first dog EVER. He knew I worked weird hours. He knew I didn't have a fenced in yard. He knew I was NOWHERE prepared to take on a Belgian Malinois.
Needless to say, I learned a very expensive lesson.
For all that are wondering, Lexi is a narcotics dog for the DEA in Oklahoma. She's living a far better life than I could ever give her. I can rest easy at night knowing that.
So here's my laundry list of advice to anyone considering getting a Belgian Malinois for a pet.
1) DO YOUR RESEARCH.
2) Be a previous/current dog owner.
3) Start training EARLY and be consistent.
4) Dog proof your house...inside and out.
5) Have PLENTY of room for the dog to run.
6) Be prepared to spend lots of time with the dog.
7) NEVER let an untrained Belgian run loose.
8) Be SURE you can handle the dog.
9) Let the dog live with your for a couple weeks before permanently adopting.
I seriously could go on for awhile. I just cannot stress how important it is to KNOW what you're getting yourself into before committing to this breed....or ANY animal for that matter.
**stepping off the soapbox now**
