I have a question that I hope someone familiar with this area can answer.

It seems like that when adult malinois (both titled and untitled) are imported to America they are a little edgier and more intense than dogs raised in America. I have read the statements about the “crazy” KNPV dogs. Also, the same edge/intensity in some of the Belgian Ring dogs (i.e. B’Torro being shot by his owner for aggressiveness). I have raised a malinois from a puppy from strong KNPV lines and a Dutch Shepherd from KNPV and FR lines and while both are intense I don’t think they possess near the intensity that a European import would. I have also read that the Dutch wait for formal training until a dog is close to 1 yr. old and I don’t know about the Belgians.

My questions are: Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me? What accounts for this- the way they are raised from puppies, the lineage of the dog?

Now, I am not trying to insult anyone so please no one take offense, I am just trying to understand. I have seen some of the KNPV Championships and Belgian Ring Championships (on video) and it seems the Europeans may be more heavy handed on the correction side of things and am wondering if this has something to do with it?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Randall

I could be wrong but my opinion: It is the decoying & the life styles.
I have learned that training to Europeans is a life style, Most are true die-hearts and they have many in the organization that decoys well with fine techniques. They will wash out any canine that does not work well In that particular program it is in. It can be dection or protection. If it doesn’t perform to the standards it is out.While us as americans do not. not all, but most. By the way, I don't think crazy is what you meant It's probally hard dogs. I buy leerburgs tapes & I do see that their dogs hit harder than most american dogs , if that what you are talking about. I agree. It's the decoying durning training.

I feel strongly it is the daily dedication to the dog, the program!

I have yet to find a European that keeps thier dog in the house. It is kennel only. I think that this may be part of it as well.

I have yet to find a European that keeps thier dog in the house

jeff oehlsen: I agree as well with your post. That is a worthy part as well. It is the only way I will raise my service canine. I love him more than any but, He is kenneled when not working. People that I train with says that my dog Is more of every thing than thiers & I raised mine from a pup this way. It a combination of all to bring the canine to it full Genetic potential

There does seem to be a tendancy for heavy handedness overseas, but the timing is usually flawless. Besides that if they screw it up, they can always get another without spending a fortune.

This is only an idea so dont bash me. In some parts of the world people eat dogs and are happy to do so. On the flip side here in America people spend millions of dollars to pamper their dogs and make them feel loved. With that being said here in America people consider their working dog prospect something of an investment and will try their best to train the dog to its potential. Now in parts of Europe the only dogs that they invest time in are the dogs with the very most potenetial. These being the dogs that we see. Anything less than awesome is "removed" from training early as they have the luxury of being able to replace the dog quickly and cheaply.
What does that have to do with people that eat dogs? Im just pointing out the extremes in attitudes towards dogs. In America people that buy a working dog feel obligated to stick with the dog through thick and thin and make the best of it. In Europe they feel obligated to spend their training time on the absolute best prospect from their larger pool of dogs to choose from.
Not meaning to take away from all the years of training knowledge over there and the amount of training clubs and participation.
Just an opinion/idea.

David Morris has just spoke the gospel! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />