| Mackie writes: | | | | require a lot of work ON YOUR PART to learn how |
| My good friend who is a dog trainer offered me his 5 | | | | to handle this dog. You're going to need a lot of |
| year old Belgian Malinois for adoption. He is trained as | | | | training... one-on-one style... to successfully integrate |
| a protection dog so he can guard his master, bite on | | | | this dog into your life. It's like driving a Ferrari or a |
| command, release the bite on command, stay until | | | | race car. The car already runs great, but if you don't |
| released and others. He has a trophy as third placer | | | | learn the right way to drive it, you'll end up killing |
| in Level 1 protection in a protection dog competition. I | | | | yourself. And just because you already know how to |
| have two dogs at present: A one year-old and a nine | | | | drive a Subaru doesn't cut it... we're talking Ferrari, |
| month-old Labrador... both are females, obedience | | | | here. And the Belgian Malinois is a Ferrari with the |
| trained and not neutered. | | | | tricked out Turbo engine. |
| I would like to adopt him and I know I can take care | | | | 2. The breed is an extremely HIGH DRIVE breed. |
| of him. Will he accept me after being my friend's | | | | This dog needs TONS of exercise and mental |
| favorite dog for 5 years? My friend assured me that | | | | stimulation. TONS. Please take the time to recognize |
| he can transfer the loyalty of the dog to me. He is a | | | | that adopting this dog will be a major responsibility. |
| fierce dog when in competition but a very quiet dog | | | | If you decide to do it, and you are successful, you'll |
| when outside the training ring. In fact my friend | | | | have an amazing companion. The breed is quite |
| brings the dog with him all the time and I know of | | | | healthy and you can be content in knowing that you |
| several occasions that the dog is off leash. He is | | | | own a KING OF KINGS as far as working dogs are |
| giving him up because he wants to replace him with a | | | | concerned. |
| younger dog. | | | | Part of me has always wanted what you're thinking |
| Should I take him up on his offer? | | | | about getting. But my lifestyle and dedication to the |
| Dear Mackie: | | | | exercise and training requirements are something I do |
| Yes... the dog will transfer his loyalty to you. | | | | not have at this current point in my life. |
| Here are two major issues you should consider | | | | P.S. Make sure that the dog isn't dog aggressive |
| before adopting this dog: | | | | before you decide to take ownership. |
| 1. The Belgian Malinois (especially one that is bred and | | | | That's all for now, folks! |
| trained for bite work and protection dog sports) will | | | | |