We have a Belgian Mallionois

[AllenK RGV]

Beautiful mal! Now, I am a shepherd person, but I have always loved the mals as well. I have met a few and have been told that males are always a bit "goofy" just like with GSD's.

As for the food aggression. I would try the NILF method. No feeding in the bowl. Measure his food out and he gets it throughout the day as treats when he preforms tasks or does something you like. After a few weeks on NILIF, introduce the bowl again. Either with a muzzle, or an e-collar on(On vibrate!) If he growls at you, stiffens up, or barks, place your hand on the bowl(only if he has a muzzle and you are comfortable with that) until he calms down. Then you can reward with a treat, but remove the bowl of food and go back to NILIF. Or you can hit the vibrate on the e-collar(Vibrate works for most dogs, if it doesn't on him I would just go with the muzzle) then they are usually pretty surpised and move. Walk over. Remove the bowl. Put him in a down, sit, whatever, and give him a new treat, but take away the food bowl. Again, go back to the NILIF. Repeat.

I know a lot of people wouldn't be comfortable with that though. A powerful breed dog can be scary! That is just what I learned after working with a Army vet that runs a dog training facility near me. It has worked on most dogs. If it doesn't, he simply refers them to another trainer and/or a behaviorist who can better help.

You pup sounds like a great guy though. Glad you got him off the chain and in a good home.

Getting him out of the chain was all we ever cared about. He is a great dog now but that was a bad situation. He could be the laziest thing and we will still love him. That isn't a Mallinois though.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I wish he was at a place you could mess with his bowl.

He isn't a shepherd he is a mallinois. As a former Shepherd owner there is a huge difference. Sheppherds are easy. I think it will take me a year to hand feed this dog.

He is still cute, works and takes commands.

Definitely didn’t mean to touch or move his bowl.

 

[Gallimimus]

Getting him out of the chain was all we ever cared about. He is a great dog now but that was a bad situation. He could be the laziest thing and we will still love him. That isn't a Mallinois though.

I'm sure! And dangerous too! If he had food and for whatever reason, a child or unsuspecting person came up, he probably wouldn't get another chance at life. Makes me sad when people get these kinds of dogs and don't realize what a huge commitment it is. They are not a dog you can just get to "Protect the house" like many people want. They need so much exercise, stimulation, and training. Without that, they can get out of control and even become dangerous. They are not for the average person. I wish people understood that before getting a puppy and then they end up how your boy ended up. Your boy got lucky! Some don't and end up put down. Always makes me so sad to see

 

[AllenK RGV]

You're awesome for rescuing him. He is super handsome! I'm a long time German Shepherd owner, but I've never had a mal. I have heard they can be pretty intense! Why do you think yours is not smart? I've always thought they seemed like an intelligent breed. Have you done any training with him? Does he get exercise? If he hasn't had much training, or he's having behavioral issues, you might want to get a good trainer to help you. Be sure the trainer is experienced with working breeds though. If you have a protection dog/sport club near you, it might be a good place to look for trainers experienced with mals and other similar breeds.

I am sorry I missed this he is the smartest dog I have ever owned.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I'm sure! And dangerous too! If he had food and for whatever reason, a child or unsuspecting person came up, he probably wouldn't get another chance at life. Makes me sad when people get these kinds of dogs and don't realize what a huge commitment it is. They are not a dog you can just get to "Protect the house" like many people want. They need so much exercise, stimulation, and training. Without that, they can get out of control and even become dangerous. They are not for the average person. I wish people understood that before getting a puppy and then they end up how your boy ended up. Your boy got lucky! Some don't and end up put down. Always makes me so sad to see

I agree our Mallinois need what a Mallinois needs. I am just happy our pup is home. He has a brilliantly unruly heeler to keep him in check.

 

[EverythingDucks]

When I got my Yorkie pup she would always go crazy when there was food. I think it was from being with her siblings and being worried she wouldn't get enough food. Don't get me wrong, the breeder too great care if them and was sure they all got enough food, but Rosie didn't know that. We gave her a little bit throughout the day, partly because she inhaled everthing, and partly because Yorkies can get low blood sugar throughout the day, but she eventually learned that she would still get food all the time. We hand fed her as well a lot. I worked on a lot of training at an early age so she was hand fed treats too.
Of course, she was a 1lbs yorkie at the time. We also pet her a bit while she was eating so she knew she was safe and we went going to take her food, so she's always been good and I can do whatever I want with her food now, even when she's eating.
I'm not sure if I'm even making any sense but maybe he's still a bit unsure and it will just take some more time for him to trust you when he's eating.

In the meantime I would just work on rewarding any good behavior. I know a lot of people here use traditional training but I think positive training would work good for him. I always prefer to use trust over fear. Show him what you do want him to do, and what you do like. You can build a great bond over this

 

[ColoradoCarol]

Mals are not for most people. They are highly intelligent and high drive dogs. If you aren't careful the dog will work you instead of you working the dog. They are not a breed that does well with boredom and absolutely need a job to do or they will find something to do - and its usually something you don't want.
We have both working (my husbands police K9)
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and pet (our current foster) mals.
View attachment 2248431
You will find daily training, walking, and providing a job will go a long way to controlling the “crazy”.

Please thank your husband for his service for me! I have a friend who is a deputy that used to be a K9 handler. I also volunteer for a group that raises money for a local police department's K9 unit. Mals are such gorgeous dogs.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I'm sure! And dangerous too! If he had food and for whatever reason, a child or unsuspecting person came up, he probably wouldn't get another chance at life. Makes me sad when people get these kinds of dogs and don't realize what a huge commitment it is. They are not a dog you can just get to "Protect the house" like many people want. They need so much exercise, stimulation, and training. Without that, they can get out of control and even become dangerous. They are not for the average person. I wish people understood that before getting a puppy and then they end up how your boy ended up. Your boy got lucky! Some don't and end up put down. Always makes me so sad to see

Yes he is a dangerous animal to have just not to us. He still works hard on the property. We do know this about him and he is cute. He most likely will snout someone to death liking on you. Regardless, people do not show up here unannounced. We have one dog named "Midnight" or Emma who will not let foreigners on the property. He makes a good backup for her. I have no idea why people drive past my property looking for dogs to steal. They just do and keep on driving seeing our pack. We live in bait dog country.

 

[orloffer]

Good luck with your dog! Belgian Malinois is one of the breeds I would like to have, but would not suit my lifestyle or level of expertise.
I know some Malinois owners like using food puzzle bowls to keep their dogs entertained.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Good luck with your dog! Belgian Malinois is one of the breeds I would like to have, but would not suit my lifestyle or level of expertise.
I know some Malinois owners like using food puzzle bowls to keep their dogs entertained.

Tug toys are our thing. He likes telling me how tough he is with it. He is such a goof. I now own an extra hole in my hand as my knuckle was knicked playing. I still cannot believe a 3 year oldish dog still likes to play as much as this guy does.