Robert!

You've just been around the WRONG Malis! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Ditto what Brigita says!!

 Quote:

Originally posted by Robert VanCamp:
They are annoying as hell to be around, period.

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All I have to say on this is consider the source...


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I admit, I have low thresholds for annoyance. . .but any breed that will produce a dog that will target, charge, and hit an OAKTREE!!! 30 yards away because it sways in the wind. . .and almost knock himself clean out in the process. . .isn't the easiest breed to be around for someone as grumpy as me.


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That explains why you only have one terrier left. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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I have to say I'm with Brigita on this one. Mals do have their place, and again it all comes down to what you want the dog for. They are not for the inexperienced handler UNLESS you have a good trainer and training program. Our K-9 unit purchased our 1st Mal back in '96, and because of the tracking/and street arrests with him, we initiated an in-house breeding program. Now we are the only municipal dept in Canada with a breeding program. Four litters later, and 8 dual purpose Mals, we've haven't gone back to the GSD. The Mals have served us well and are tracking machines. A rural track is like a sprint with these dogs. But again, it comes down to the proper training. Its a different ball game then training a GSD; similar to training 2 dogs, what works for one may not work for the other. I think anyone that has seen a poor working Mal, hasn't seen one that's been trained properly.

Rob, that's great to hear! Yes success!

I have a lot of K9 connections through training and through various boards and the ones who weren't successful; all refused to modify their training methods and handled and trained the Mal in the same manner as a GSD. Well a few handlers were bitten...It was a complete failure. They all went back to the GSD. The tracking again is about the methods one uses. One method just doesn't work for all breeds. No, ONE size does not fit all regardless of what one may have heard! lol. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Modifications have to be made. If they're willing...then they'll be successful...if they're not...then why even attempt it with a Mal? Then stick with what you know works with that program.

It's not the dog/Breed in most cases w/respect to the Mal...it's the experience, training and handling that determine you success or lack of...

But seriously, how many are going to admit that they don't know how to train one? Or how many are going to take the time (not looking at exceptions such as yourself or your dept.) to modify and age old existing program, or create another training program specifically for Mals. The mentality in most cases is that the dog is expected to adapt to their way of training. Well it doesn't work with this breed.

A well bred and TRAINED mal should be able to do any working program out there. Without a doubt. But experience and knowledge of this breed is a MUST.

Congrats on your success with the Breed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

PS By the way mine are also absolute tracking fools! I've trained some in area searches and others in the more disciplined Sch style tracking...not a problem. They devoured the track! lol

Mals are about half of our K9 force here they are becoming popular because of price and health issue. I think these are the major factors for their rise in force on police forces along with their temperment.

And I fully agree with the people saying that 1st time owner should stay clear of working Mals buy a pet level Mal or another breed. But a working Mal will drive a rookie owner crazy, I've heard (GSD experienced) Police K9 handlers that have trouble adjusting to Mals.

A GSD is rated on a different standard then a Mal, if a GSD snapped at a child for steping on its foot or falling on it. This GSD would be considered sharp or too aggressive, where as a Mal would be considered just being a Mal and keep the kid away from the Mal.

I'm generalizing I'm sure there is a Mal somewhere that would not shake a child for making these mistake. But its expected of a Good GSD.

Both are good patrol dogs if from the right breeding program, one is just more predictable IMO. But Crazy works if the situation gets Crazy.

I think that one of the largest misconceptions about Mal’s is their tracking ability. I have had more people say, “Mal’s can’t track.” Than I can shake the proverbial stick at.

I think many of these misconceptions come from lack of exposure to “good” Mal’s and just plain old bad training. I recently saw a really nice Mal who came from Holland, great obedience, great tracker… but he wouldn’t out. He would take massive corrections then his eyes would roll back in his head and he became a pain impervious zombie. “Bad dog” everyone kept saying… “Typical Mal”. Five minutes later we had him playing “two ball” like a champ and set the foundation to help fix this problem. Poor training and a lack of understanding about how these dogs function produce all of the horror stories that we are all so familiar with.

Mal’s are easy to goof on however…… mine has gotten his head stuck under car dashboards on more than one occasion….. ate two of my “furry trooper hats” last winter….. he’s a Mal… what can I say? :rolleyes: