So I am looking for my first dog to train in personal protection, so far the stand outs are GSD (German and Czech Working bloodlines available in my area), Cane Corso (No working bloodlines available, but reputable breeders with well tempered dogs with favourable charecteristics available in my area) and Malinois (proven service, schutzhund dogs also available in my area).

I have another thread open regarding the cane corso and the GSD in another section on this board.

I haven't mentioned the malinois there as I have been warned against them by so many people as a first time PPD owner.

My question is, is it really as bad as everyone says, they seem like the most beautiful dogs out of all 3, I have researched and put down the ground work, know what to expect, have already lined up trainers and schedules. And I am prepared to put in the work.

I realise they need multitudes of exercise a strong leader and a capable handler and I believe I can be all of those things with the preparations I have made and the support I have sought through professionals.

When people say, Malinois are not for beginners, is this because the majority of 1st time PPD owners don't know what they are getting themselves into and are not prepared to do the work and put in the time with the dogs. Or because the dogs themselves are just totally uncontrollable and of such a nature that it is nigh impossible for anyone but a trained and experienced expert to handle them full stop?

I am in love with these dogs and it kinda breaks my heart a little bit to think that I would have to discount them completely from my selection process just because there is a stigma surrounding beginners not being prepared to deal with them appropriately

I'll open the questions James.
What is your background enre to dogs? How many dogs have you owned and do you have any train experience behind you? The answers to those couple of questions will probably sum up whether or not starting with a Mal is a good idea.
The Mal owners will let you know.
Randy

I did look into getting a malinois, but I chose not to after speaking with different people. There are a lot more to it than you spend time doing research from the book and internet. When it comes to own a malinois, inexperienced mali owners are unprepared for their reactive outburst energy, and little gator behaviors. Also, I have been told that they have little room for human errors and might not be very forgiving if you are making a mistake.

If the GSD puppies didn't impressed you enough, you can always look outside your town.

Lindsay and Randy are pretty much on the mark here.....

Do you have time to devote to a dog that will (not may) eat your couch if not enough physical and mental exercise is provided.

Like has been stated before, yes, you can find mals with minimal to no drive, but if you want to get into sport work, you need a dog with good to great drive.

Geoff Empfey, I believe, has a nice little first time Mal and from what I know, he is doing really well with her. Hopefully the other Mal owners jump in here.

I am not a big promoter of Mals as a first time dog.......but, then I had to take the plunge too and there were times that I just sat with my mouth agape and asked "Oh My God....what have I done?"

Don't do that anymore, but I will say my Mals keep me on my toes more so than any other dog I have worked before.

I have owned and trained the following dogs in obedience and agility:

German Coolie/Koolie
Border Collie
Long Haired Alsatian
APBT

My father is also an ex-protective services unit officer and has owned 2 GSD service dogs. Which I was exposed to from a very young age, I was not involved in the training in any way, but I am more than aware there is a certain way in which you must hold yourself around these kind of dogs and the attention and respect they deserve and require.

Also, when I say I have researched, i dont mean I have read books and surfed the internet (although I have done my fair share of that also) I have been attending PPD Training without a dog to observe ask questions and participate (where possible) with 2 local clubs and have been conversing with one of the most highly respected trainers in my area on a personal basis (racking his brains for info basically) for around 6 months.

1st hand experience in THIS PARTICULAR form of dog training, I do lack, and have no problem admitting that.

I have however handled dominant and energetic dogs in the past (even one very dominant and animal aggressive APBT before they were outlawed in this country).

Question is: Is this enough experience to handle a Malinois, considering I have already prepared myself with professional advice/assistance. Prepared family members for the way the dog will be treated and trained (no pet policy etc.) Readied my home and yard, purchased crates and other training equipment etc.

I dont take this decision lightly hence wanting to get as much input as possible, and I realise this is much more than a novelty/weekend hobbie, its a full time committment to me and something I cannot wait to partake in.

I would say that you have the right avenue to have a Mal, and you sound like your serious and would be dedicated. I would make sure to verify the breeder you intend to buy from.
I am sure people at the club you go to will help you.

Sounds like you a significantly more prepared for it than most. I'd not only get advice from club members on breeders, I'd bribe one (beer works great) to tag along and help with the pup selection as well.
Usually the breeder will select the right one, but sometimes there will be two or so to choose from of similar tempermet/drive.

 Quote: Cameron Feathers

Sounds like you a significantly more prepared for it than most. I'd not only get advice from club members on breeders, I'd bribe one (beer works great) to tag along and help with the pup selection as well.
Usually the breeder will select the right one, but sometimes there will be two or so to choose from of similar tempermet/drive.

Ooops, that is what I meant by verify....should have explained that one better....

http://malinois.net.au/

Breeder I intend purchasing from, one of, if not the most, reputable breeder of Working Malinois in Australia.

I have already sent them a questionaire with abotu 40+ questions regarding their dogs and past litters.

They are interstate but I dont have a problem flying (or even paying for one of the trainers to come with) to inspect the litter personally and select a pup.

I have 2.5acres of land, fully fenced and gated (6foot chain link and 8 foot electronic access sliding gate) an undercover outdoor area, separate shed (for crate training) and approximately 6 hours or more a day I could devote solely to the dog - more on weekends. He would be out for more than 6 hours a day with indirect supervision (on lead or long-tethered) whilst preparing meals, doing work etc.

I've already prepared and thought about varying surfaces, grass, tiles, pebble, concrete, bitumen and have access to an abundance of tools and materials (I plan on constructing some basic balance horses, A-frames and obstacles for agility training.)

I have facilities to do wet floor and wet stair training also open water (largest dam in the state - less than 1km away) bushland and a sports oval all within walking distance.

Im not too worried about having the time, patience, determination and funds as such to train the dog, its more a question of - are these just an absolute no go for beginners.

eg. If I would have purchased my APBT before any of the other more mild mannered dogs I have owned, I probably would have had to hand him in (very stringent laws here on owning an APBT) or re-home him as when I got him (2 years 6months) he was extremely animal aggressive and very very suspicious of anyone but family members, including children. (He was a rescue and used in dog fights prior to me taking him in - he turned out to be THE BEST dog I have owned, he just needed the right kind of attention).

Edited: typo's :S

 Quote: Carol Boche

Geoff Empey, I believe, has a nice little first time Mal and from what I know, he is doing really well with her. Hopefully the other Mal owners jump in here.

Hi James yes I was a beginner handler and got a a prey monster when I was looking for a pet. I wasn't really prepared for what I got and learnt as I went along and know I am a very happy with my dog. I compete and train in French Ring Sport and really enjoy that plus my dog excels at it.

I'm only going to say that looking for a PP dog a Malinois may be to prey oriented or it may be easier to find a Czech Line GSD that would fit better for a PPD.

To me a Malinois is a better sport dog but as a PPD for the most part you will have a harder time to find a Malinois to do that type of work vs a real GSD.

I love my Malinois and I can't ever see myself not ever owning one now. Once you've found your breed .. thats that!