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I like the possesiveness, and will not do anything to squash it at 15 weeks.

Jeff, I agree I like the possiveness also, but to me it's like giving my son the car for the night(not that old <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. When he is out with his friends, that is his car, and he better protect it like it's his and not let his friends be messing around with it or let alone take it out for a drive. I expect him to protect my car from others, but when he gets home and I say, Son hand over the keys, he better not think twice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I just believe there is a way to communicate this to my dogs I have been successful with getting this message across without a problem. Will knows about my little Fontaine D'or pup, she was very nasty at that same age, and at that age I started letting her know the "CAR" is mine, and I'm the rankingest SOB in this Den. All without crushing her spirit. So I believe it can be done.

BTW, I'm a member of your crusade <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.
<holds up 2 fingers in the crusades honor>

Well then fellow crusader, there is a Mondio trial in San Antonio that is shaping up to be the largest in U.S. history. If everything goes well money-wise I will be there with both my dogs. There are talks of a three day trial. The judge is Daniel Bernueli (sp?) from france who also breeds real nice shepherds for all you shepherd people. I am nearly having a fit! Soon, my evil empire will encompass all of North America! MU HAAAAA HAAAA HAAAAA MU HAA HAAA <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Will, you surely settled the "who's the boss" thing with EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION you had with your dog from his puppyhood...WHILE letting him think he was God's gift to creation. You know what to do already, and you've done it and seen it a bunch. I might add that some powerful, agressive dogs simply have NO rank issues with their owner.

Grant, I think that if this is your first Malinois, and he's not mindful of you...AND you don't expect to be competing in upper levels...AND your dog is also going to be a house dog...AND if there are other members of the family to consider... ELIMINATE the baloney from your dog WHILE you can still handle him (any way YOU want) safely. This latter part may not forever be the case, because when hormones kick in, some dogs stiffen up very easily. I think - for you - it should be first and foremost to have a safe dog.

The into my arms thing is OK, but it's not what will make your dog "concede" his toy and learn that it's not necessary to be super possesive WITH YOU...it's primarily designed to do the opposite...remember "Developing drive, grip and focus"...your dog will REALLY want his toy. Furthermore, it teaches the dog that "out" is surreptitous. I strongly disagree with that. I would go for exchanges for a while...it may take a while. If you don't get anywhere, open your dog's mouth FIRMLY, remove the toy, give the "let go" command, give him some food. After a bunch of reps, say the command at the same time as you open the mouth to remove the toy, and finally try it just saying the command and using your hand as a gesture to open the mouth. It's not a bad thing to have a dog that RESPECTS his owner.

Additional to that, you should plan on spending a very large amount of time with a HIGH POWERED Malinois. Find and use situations where the dog may feel a bit uncomfortable and stressed, to your advantage.

Don't get angry with your dog, but don't wuss out...and don't worry too much. If you clear up the "who's boss" thing right now, you can then tackle channelled drive building later on.

If your dog will be strictly a competition dog, kenneled, there are no significant others to think of, and you're ready for the challenge...by all means develop possessiveness in your dog. It will help in the object guard tremendously...and teach you the finer points of human body language <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

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Soon, my evil empire will encompass all of North America!

Not to get off-topic, but I'm curious as to whether or not this new world order will be stretching its evilness across the 49th parallel....way overdue for a little revolution up here... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Quite possibly, the revolution could be televised. Look at all the goofballs that watch rodeo. Lets face it your life is in definate jeopardy of being over when you enjoy watching people get mashed by stupid farm animals. "LOOK PA JOE BOB JUST GOT HIS FACE CRUSHED BY THAT BULL'S HORN...ISN'T THAT GREAT?
Soon, we should get our beloved ring sports on T.V. Got to be better than getting strapped to a raging farm animal for 8 seconds. (hopefully) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

It is cold up there.....right? Well in frosty Nov. there will be a Mondio trial of superhuman proportions in toasty San Antonio!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I highly recomend warming your toes in the beeeutiful S.A. this Nov. I am going to go and attempt the elusive brevet with my two dogs. I will be easily recognizable... I will be lying on the ground twitching and frothing at the mouth. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I would contact the USMRA about starting a club in your area.....place.

Ok, little update.

Shortly after my last post I got ready for my night shift and was getting my pup ready to go. (he comes to work with me) and he had picked up a cat toy from the ground on his way out. My hands were full and once out the front door I was going to get it from him and then put him in the truck. Anyway, I had him on a lead as I brought him through the house to load him into the truck and we went past my GSD. Upon seeing her he started mouthing the crap out of the toy and when we got within 10 ft. of her, he spat the toy and lunged at her growling and snapping. When he ran out of leash he came back and snapped up the toy and growled away as I lead him out of the house. Once outside I went to take the toy and he simply tugged a bit, but then relented easily when I gave him the "done" command. No argument or anything. So anyway, I think this was a good indication of where I stand in his mind in our pack and I'm more certain that his aggressiveness after/during working is simply him pumped up in prey drive.

Jeff,
I agree with a lot of what you said about the into arms. I'm going to take a break from it and leave him alone in drive. I do like his possessiveness and would rather build it than break it. We don't do the circle thing in our club either. A ring dog can't win the decoy and carry him around so why bother letting him carry anything around in circles? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Grant

I think that a lot of what you see at that age is just immaturity, and not being able to deal with it appropriatly. I figure if I don't make a big deal of it, it will go away. I am not really good at verbalizing what I do in what situation to explain some things I do with bratty puppies. Most of the time I leave it be, and it is gone rather quickly. If I was able to do this I would have a best seller for sure! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

>>IMO "in my arms" would be a good thing. You need to get across to him that your the pack leader, and then transfer that to "in my arms" where he can learn that he doesn't have to be worried about loosing the toy, or you being near the toy. Right now he has anxiety about you being around him and the toy, you need to calm that, and in your arms is one way to relax him.

***Completely agree Chris!

B

Agree with you as well Jeff...a lot of good advice here to get the average Mali over their 'quirks'...Many times the best method is 'no method'...IOW, ignore it...'this too shall pass' <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .