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My question concerns my rescued Malinois. I have no info regarding his breeding or origins. He came into rescue after being treated for a broken leg (right femur shattered - his previous owner did not treat, and it healed on its own). He was crated continuously for 24 hours and given one walk per day. He was not fed properly, and was wormy when rescued. He has been neutered within the past month. He is approximately 1 year old.
Given what he has been through, he is a good boy. He has some issues, as expected, but only one major problem I would like help with. He will grab my forearms and clamp down on them, and when he starts this behavior it is difficult to stop him. He is not angry or frightened, just determined to grab. This behavior occurs during walking, usually just after leaving the house. I have purchased a muzzle for the short term, but would like a long term and non bruising solution for this problem. Thanks!
You could give this dog a predictable obedience behavior to perform, like heel. In the interim, I'd probably just give him something to carry in his mouth. This is typical over excitement behavior and for me, giving the dog a toy to carry takes away all the conflict of correcting him or allowing him to get all wound up and in a wild state of mind.
I've owned many dogs like this over the years, my current dog (now 5 years old) has always had this tendency and now that he's older I can stop him with a verbal interruption. When he was a puppy and young dog, I simply chose my battles and just gave him something to hold in his mouth. It's worth a try.
Cindy Rhodes
Thanks so much for the helpful advice. He is my first Malinois. I am glad he is finally well and strong enough to get excited, just not on my arm.