You aren't listening. I have been around and involved with BCs and BC breeders and BC rescuers for many many years, Steve, that's not the issue. My point is the guy likes Mals he didn't ask about BCs, he didn't ask about a breed that is anything like BCs. If he wanted a dog that looked and acted like a BC that would be one thing but he didn't, he wants something like a Mal not a BC. If I were the OP, for someone to suggest a breed nothing like the breed I was interested in would be pretty much the same thing as not listening to me and rather insulting. The Terv is a breed that fits with the description of what he wants, not the BC.

 Quote: ALEX KUPRATTY

Hey y'all
I am interested on adding a new member to my family in the form of a Malinois. My interest goes beyond companionship as I am a very athletic person and looking for a companion to train with. I am interested on obedience and agility training but want nothing to do with teaching my dog to bite a human. I am a father of a 2 year old boy and his well being is an important concern for my wife and I. Are there competitions out there that do not involve biting and if so what is the right age to begin training a puppy?

IN THE FORM OF A MALI - Tervs are very similar to Malis in both looks and nature.

I would take my time and research all I could on whatever breed considered. sleep on it. Dont get in a hurry .sleep on it .sleep on it. sleep on it.

I for one am finding the conversation on the realitive differences between the Belgian Shepherd lines kind of intriguing. Not ever owning any of the breed myself and having only met a few, its fun to listen and learn from the people that know them.
What I find conspicuously absent in the conversation is the op. Hello Alex, are you out there? Are you a first time dog owner? If so, is your heart absolutely set on a Mali? Because of looks, high energy, general demeanor, you know someone who breeds them or what? It doesn't matter to us here, not really, we may think they are not the best reasons, we may not think it's the best fit for your family but we will help the best we can from afar. We do however need imput if we are to help. Give an update on some guestions some posters have posed.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

I was divided on 2 breeds. after 2 years I finally decided on which one I thought would suit my needs needs best, in a couple years Ill let you know if I made the right decision.

 Quote: alex kupratty

I am interested on obedience and agility training but want nothing to do with teaching my dog to bite a human. I am a father of a 2 year old boy and his well being is an important concern for my wife and I.

This part of your opening post hit me most when I initially read it and is still jumping out at me, so I will comment...

Someone else already succiently described dog sports involving bitework, in that they teach dogs specifically when to bite and when not to bite.

I just want to reiterate, a dog, properly trained in a sport like schH is actually a more balanced dog.

It just seemed to me there was a negative connotation you may have about dogs involved in bitework.

THis is the real point I wanted to make in response to your post...I don't know what kind of hopes you have for a puppy living with your family...your 2 year old human child...but

As the mother of a 3 year old boy child AND a high drive GSD dog (training for SchH) I am just now, after 9 months of having the pup (he's 11 months) starting to be able to be having the human child interact on a regular basis with the dog, and of course it is still closely supervised.

Prior to this, the puppy was, yes, bitey and unpredictable, clumsy and...too much puppy to hang out with the boy child. (hell, too much puppy to be hanging with me sometimes!!! :grin

A mal pup (IMO) is going to be much like my pup only "more". In otherwords, IMO, don't plan on having this pup be able to be the "cutsy-wutsy" lil dog hanging with the kid for a calendar picture.

I think it's awesome that you are researching prior to getting this dog, and it goes without saying, but you definately have your priorities straight, IMO, putting your kid first.

Yes Susan' and you are not listening. I have been around BC for 20 year,s plus. So i do know what i am talking about with those Dogs.

you have been around this breed and that breed for years so that makes you an complete expert on Dogs well at least you think so ,it matters not what others think. ----- than yourself as if i was a village idiot because it is one battle you will lose with me,
Read his post again he mentions a Mal then he is not sure if it is the right Dog, thats the way i read it and if he was sure then he would not be asking on this forum,
So a BC is an alternative which may or may not do him fine, No wrong in mentioning that to the Fellow, -----

Ok guys, please keep the personal slamming to a minimum. I do not see a reason to get upset because someone recommended a border collie instead of a terv. Let it go. Both breeds have their merits, neither is what the OP asked about.

In other words...

"LEAVE IT"

Hi Deanna
Your right, its not worth the hassle, because at the end of the day the Guy will pick out what he thinks is the most suitable Dog for his needs. My last post on this subject

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"Knock it off" means just that.