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Originally posted by Brigita Brinac:

Like I say to everyone...IF you can survive a Mal's adolescence...You've done extremely well and that was half the battle! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

We should all be wearing T-Shirts that say: 'I'm owned by a Malinois...and I'm a SURVIVOR!' lol

I would have to agree about Malinois childhood being very challenging! BUT with that said, my current young dog, Raine(who just happens to be out of Brigita's breeding <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )is one of the best house dogs I have ever raised. Second only to my old favorite-dog-of-all-time Elka. that is saying a LOT!!

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't leave her loose in the house at this point. (she's just 6 months old) but she is really learning what's hers and what's mine.....Karmen was here for a week over the holidays and can vouch for her excellent house manners. She will lay on her "place" in the house and play with her favorite toy and basically be neutral to what's going on around her. AND this dog has drive out the wazoo when it's time to work so I won't say she is just a low drive dog....she's the perfect balance, IMO.

Some other Mals I have raised were HELLIONS at this age and you couldn't take your eyes off of them for more than 30 seconds. I just like to say they are very 'curious' and 'busy'.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My most recent litter that was born in September seems to be more like Raine, laid back and calm inside and able to turn on the drive when necessary.


To be fair though, any young intelligent dog is likely to get into things they shouldn't if they are left unsupervised. As Ed says, "it's not a dog problem, it's a handler problem"

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My most recent litter that was born in September seems to be more like Raine, laid back and calm inside and able to turn on the drive when necessary.

Cindy, hopefully the ones from this year will be as great <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Can't wait...Can't wait... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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Originally posted by Karmen Byrd:
Even if I got up to get something to eat (which was a lot that week <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) she wouldn't even bother looking up.

LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I have 2 Terriers that I walk (or run) twice a day for 1 hour (ie: 2 hours exercise a day!) - plus we have brain games (find objects, do tricks & ball chasing).

Maybe I should get a Mal for a break *LOL* :rolleyes:

I have 2 Terriers that I walk (or run) twice a day for 1 hour (ie: 2 hours exercise a day!) - plus we have brain games (find objects, do tricks & ball chasing).

Maybe I should get a Mal for a break *LOL* :rolleyes:

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Originally posted by Brigita Brinac:
We should all be wearing T-Shirts that say: 'I'm owned by a Malinois...and I'm a !' lol

Add to that...... but my personal property is not!

My Mal has a particular craving for my furry winter duty hats……the ones they wear in cold places like Fargo. I’m on my third one now……. Somehow he has been able get it through the gate and into the back of the car kennel where he rips it to shreds. Every time I find the poor hat’s remains I’ve been ready to strangle him but I get greeted with that proud, “See what I did just for you because I love you Dad” look. Dang Mellonheads. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cindy,
So what's Raine's favorite toy? Hopefully I'll soon have one of Brigita's wonderful pups in my house and I need to stock up on toys that can hold up to the abuse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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Originally posted by Jeff Cox:
Cindy,
So what's Raine's favorite toy?

Her favorite toy is this dumb little monkey with rope arms and legs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> she adores this thing and carries around and will play tug with it. for some reason, she doesn't try to destroy it!
BUT that monkey-man is her special in the house only toy, and never goes in her crate with her.

She really likes most any toy I have offered with a Jolly Ball being a favorite outside kennel toy.... She will tear up anything she can though (except for monkey-man) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Cindy for mentioning the Jolly Ball!
For those of you not familiar with it, it's made by Horsemans Pride (checkout their website) and is THE BEST TOY I've ever bought. My GSD loves it so much I donated one to my local rescue. This ball is so great, there should be a whole new thread on the topic, seriously. The 'Push'n Play'
(large size) is wonderful out in the field...the dogs herd it around at full tilt. The 'Teaser Ball' is great for indoors...if you don't mind that sort of thing, lol.