Hi,
My female working-lines Malinois, Tikki, is now three and a half months old. I go alternately to a general obedience class or to the beginners part of a 'Canine' club, here in France. (Depends whether I am in Paris or Lower Normandy.) I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of having her though it is very time-consuming. From what I can gather from the trainers, we're all (husband, self and Tikki) doing well enough.
My stupid beginners questions... Why do people bother with 'show' lines if, from what I read in various posts (Doyle's posts about his GSD), they degenerate a dog breed??
Is it usual/unusual for a dog to 'showoff' in class in that she behaves better in front of the trainers - and some pretty badly behaved much older dogs - than she will in a social situation, like on a visit to someone's house? Or in class, is she trying not to let the side down, so to speak??
Is it usual or unusual for a pup to control a number of toys at the same time? Even to gather them together. Is this the Malinois herding instinct? Is she usual/unusual when she plays a sort of 'billiards' game with three or more tennis balls in the corridor. She gets them to hit/bounce against the walls and against each other by whooshing them with her nose or by throwing them in the air. She will also re-direct them with her paws.
In playful mode, Tikki will crowd around one's legs and place her tennis ball/tug toy or whatever on a foot as you - shuffle - it along. What does she want?
I've had dogs all my life, but never one that interacts the way she does with people or seems so involved with objects.
Berenice

I love Malinois but I'm not sure about the show question. I have heard though that the breed has not been ruined as much as it's popularity is just becoming more and more therefore less people to breed just to breed. I dont believe it is comparable to the GSD's problem at htis point.
I can tell you that my male GSD does not have any of my toys unless I am playing with him with it...but at times I have been playing 2 ball or another toy was on the ground when I threw the main one.... and he would see both, put them both on the ground together and grip one and then the other...sometimes really fast...funny to watch...?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
The obedience classes are good for socialization but I would do imprinting on my own at that point on a young dog. I dont know if you are or not...but I wouldnt teach ob in a group...the dog will have alot harder time understanding what is expected of him and making connections.

Hi Patrick
I got fixed on the idea of the Malinois some months ago when I was researching a new companion house-dog. Our Husky died two years ago. We visited a number of kennels and the 'show' Malinois were very weird. Hysterical barking that didn't stop. Overly suspicious and aggressive etc. Warned that I'd be out of my depth with a working Malinois, I felt extrememely nervous but went ahead.
Tikki is now almost four months in fact. The obedience classes are indeed for socialisation. When you talk about 'imprinting' - I'm sure I should know, but I'd appreciate clarification...
She has her toys around all the time. Being an 'only' dog this seemed OK?
Berenice

I only have the toys out with me. It is for working purposes...builds a stronger bond. The dog looks at it as anything fun there is to do is with me. Some dogs may blow ya off if they have toys all the time...why do they need you to play when they have fun by themselves. You'll notice a difference. Depends what you want though.
Imprinting is basically motivational obedience with a puppy. Sitz, platz, hier, etc for food...I use hot dog pieces. Your "imprinting" these exercises into a young pup so it's almost 2nd nature when they are older. Short sessions, no more than 2 mins 2-3 times a day. Also I found they learn even faster if you put him/her in the crate right after the lessons with no distractions.

I see...
She works with praise and 'feel good' factor. Food gets her so distracted she doesn't listen. I leave her stuff around. It keeps her - just a bit - out of my hair. She seems an odd mixture of highly emotional and very into biting. Her breeder (Michelle Ponthonne) thought it would be a shame for Tikki to lose her interest in what they call here 'Mordant' for Michelle found her highly motivated as a pup. Michelle by the way sells many of her dogs to the police.
Are you from the 'awl sod??? I was born and raised there. Came here as a student (a while ago).
Berenice

I am American. i don't know 'awl sod. New York born n' raised here. Central NY that is.

Patrick

'awl Sod= Ireland

Thanks Richard-
Well then 6 generations ago...my family came over. You would think I would know that. :rolleyes:

It was only 3 for us.