I have heard that as a whole the malinois is a handler sensitive breed. Is this true or are they falling victim to the rumor mill that all breeds go through as they gain and fall in popularity? I am aware of the fact that there are good examples of the breed and bad examples. I have seen a few being worked in Schh but each dog and handler was different. In one instance the the dog and handler were so intuned to each other that the handler would give only the slightest correction and the problem was solved. In one case the dog and handler were so...out of sync that the dog would be done with the second mistake and into the third before the handler would correct the first all while stressing out dog and handler. I have a friend that said he would give a correction and his dog would sulk for days. What are your opinions?
My Malinois is sensitive to corrections. Too much, too fast, too hard, you name it, and it will affect her. I have to be stern, but too much and she will shut down.
We do have a good bond however, and she knows when she has made a mistake. Sometimes a simple look will be enough when she is off leash, or a low growl to get her back on track.....if she really messes up then a firm verbal correction will usually suffice. When she is on leash a quick and firm pop of the collar will usually do and she remembers.....sometimes it takes a little more.
Bottom line, each handler and dog team will be different. Some have the bond and the communication that comes from it.....some don't...From my experience it takes a strong handler to work a Malinois. I have handled my dog since a pup, but have had to learn as she has learned......we have learned together, so it has been an alright deal......typically a Malinois is not a good dog for the first time handler.....I just happened to luck out.......
Originally posted by D.Harris: I have heard that as a whole the malinois is a handler sensitive breed. Is this true or are they falling victim to the rumor mill that all breeds go through as they gain and fall in popularity? I am aware of the fact that there are good examples of the breed and bad examples. I have seen a few being worked in Schh but each dog and handler was different. In one instance the the dog and handler were so intuned to each other that the handler would give only the slightest correction and the problem was solved..... What are your opinions?
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I have to say it depends on the dog. My first was a GSD. Great dog all around, but not real high drive. Now I have a malinois. Totally different dog. As high drive and tough as this dog is, he is much more handler sensitive than the GSD was. This is not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned. I just have to make sure I dont over react when giving corrections. A slight correction is usually all thats needed for this guy and everything is fine after that. A strong "look" is even enough in minor circumstances for him to get his head right and get back to work.
John
in my opinion, it depends on the dog, not just Mals but other breeds too. some dogs are just sensitive and some are not. one thing i believe to be important is the vibe with the handler and the dog. handlers without the vibe with their dog won't be able to bring out the best in them! that's just my observation though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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