What influenced your choice of dog breed? Plenty of thought and research or the latest popular movie? Whatever breed your attracted to, do your homework first to make sure that your new dog and you are a good match.
Have you seen the Dog film yet?
A movie came out this weekend called “Dog”. It stars Channing Tatum and a highly trained Belgian Malinois. It’s the story of a troubled army dog named Lulu and the army ranger tasked with transporting her to her former master’s funeral.
I fear that, just as films such as Lassie, The Incredible Journey, Marley and Me, 101 Dalmatians, Turner and Hooch, and The Dobermann Gang created a surge in demand for the breeds involved, people are going to want a Malinois. But rescues all over the UK (and elsewhere) are already overflowing with poorly bred Malinois after films such as Max.
This breed can be amazing in the right hands but they require a lot of training, attention, mental stimulation, exercise – a lot of everything. They are high drive, working dogs, commonly used in police and army roles. And their puppy nickname of Maligators is very apt, to say the least.
Think about what you want from a potential pet dog
Whenever you are thinking of getting a dog, do your homework. Find out about your preferred breed. What were they bred to do? What do they need to be happy and satisfied? Make sure your dog will fit well into your life and your household. Go to local rescues, meet and talk to other owners of the breed you have chosen. Watch and read the section on our website about getting a new puppy.
Far too many people buy a dog because they like the look of them without doing their research.
Be honest with yourself about the amount of time, energy and experience that you have to dedicate to looking after and training your chosen breed and whether you have the time and energy to devote to giving them what they need.
Where to get your new dog from
If you’ve done all that and are still determined to get a pup, make sure you source your dog from one of three places:
A local rescue centre
A breed rescue, or
A registered, ethical breeder
Researching and finding a good breeder is hard work, but an ethical breeder will have bred their dogs carefully and require that you return the dog to them if you can’t keep it.
DO NOT get a dog from the guy down the street. Don’t help backyard breeders and puppy farmers line their pockets.
And remember that pure bred does not equal good breeding.
Working and herding breeds need a job – or they’ll find one. And that may not be one you want them to do. Perhaps they’ll start guarding you and your home, herding visitors, barking at anything and everything, or reacting and lunging at other dogs, people, objects, or whatever.
Behaviour problems such as reactivity can be addressed but there’s no magic cure – it requires dedication and hard work from you. You’ll need support and help.
The earlier problems are dealt with, the easier it is. Life isn’t a film with a happy ending. Don’t bury your head in the sand and hope the problems will go away. They won’t. Instead, commit to changing your life with your reactive dog.
If this is your life now, then come join my new, extended, ten week Resetting Reactivity course. You get:
- Two live group sessions a week where you’ll learn about why your dog behaves as they do and what to do about it
- Unlimited training video reviews and help
- Daily support through WhatsApp
- A personal telephone call every fortnight and
- Unlimited email support throughout and after the course
Success will come, if you do the work. I’d love to see you at the next one.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
