The Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are two of the last true “working breeds” we have left. They continue to excel beyond the Rottweiler, the Doberman, and even the German Shepherd due to their persistent high drive, high energy, athleticism, and mental and physical toughness. This requires an approach entirely different from standard “pet dog training” and an entirely different skillset from the trainer and the owner.
It takes a specialized trainer to help these dogs reach their full potential rather than becoming a danger or a nuisance to those around them.
To the typical pet dog trainer, many of the most valued qualities of a Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd appear to be problematic or unnatural.
For example:
- Mistaking drive for anxiety or trauma. A high drive working dog displays an entirely new level of drive compared to a high drive pet dog. To those inexperienced with true working dogs, this level of drive is often mistaken for anxiety or a troubled past. As a result, the trainer tries to teach the dog suppress their drive rather than developing a satisfying outlet and teaching the dog to have an “off switch”.
- Dealing with high pain tolerance. A quality working dog typically has “high pain tolerance”. This does not necessarily refer to how they receive pain, but simply how responsive they are to physical stimulus. This means that a Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd may be more prone to dangerous behaviors such as escaping confinement or running through fences because they do not feel the physical consequences in the same way another dog would. It also means that they are less responsive to leash pressure or common “corrections” such as a leash correction. This makes for a challenging training program for the average pet dog trainer.
- Failure to foresee an increase in strength. A strong Malinois or Dutch Shepherd should be highly resilient to challenges, quickly overcoming what they were once unsure of. This means that training might only work temporarily if not executed with perfect consistency and reading of your dog’s psychology. For example, a vibrating collar may work at first… until your dog decides they actually do not mind the vibration.
- Lack of understanding of how the Malinois at hand was bred. It is critical for the trainer and the owner to understand what their Belgian Malinois was bred to do. There is a variety of Malinois lines and purpose breedings. The vast majority of high quality professional dog trainers have no experience, or even exposure, to protection dog training, military K9 training, detection or tracking training, or other working dog sports such as herding, barn hunt, or dock diving. A trainer can simply not understand a working dog for what they are if they have never seen them work. This is equivalent to getting advice about your supercar from the Ford mechanic versus a race car driver.
Another common mistake made when training a Belgian Malinois or a Dutch Shepherd is the use of positive reinforcement only without any other methods or equipment. This is more likely to be dangerous, limiting, and frustrating than it is effective. Positive-reinforcment-only training relies on your dog listening to you in hopes of receiving a treat or toy in exchange. This is a tricky game to play for most dogs, but particularly for the high drive working dog.
Mother Nature will have more power over your dog’s behavior than their motivation for a treat or a toy.
Although most Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are highly food and toy driven, their instincts to chase, bite, or herd are stronger. Not only are their natural motivations stacked against you, but a strong working dog will actually block out verbal and physical stimulus when they are “in drive”. This means it is critical to use a range of communication and consequences to hold your dog accountable. This keeps you, your dog, and others around you relaxed and safe! Your training should be based on clear communication, consistency, and consequences, both positive and negative, to maintain a positive relationship.
All in all, a Belgian Malinois requires a trainer that understands the purpose and the value of a strong working dog in today’s world. Rather than suppressing their drive, we should provide Malinois with a regular outlet and an awareness and control of their instincts.
The right trainer will also help you recognize the beauty of your dog’s unique traits, and be honest with you if your dog’s needs aren’t being met. The Belgian Malinois is not a pet, and requires ongoing opportunities to work or participate in sports. However, with the proper guidance, handling and training your Belgian Malinois can be a joy unlike with any other breed!
We are working dog Owners, Trainers, and Handlers.
Across our team at Traction Dog Training Club in Colorado and Texas, you’ll find competitive working dog handlers in bite sports, scent work, and other working dog sports. We are working dog enthusiasts who continuously study the drives, history, and trainability of the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd. We even actively seek out the remaining “off breeds” (namely Dobermans!) and compete with them as well!
Read more about trainers Tina Chavez (Denver), Victoria Davis (Boulder), Juliet Ortiz (Denver), Jeremy Sebree (Austin), and Mara Soo (Austin).
Belgian Malinois Resources At Traction Dog Training Club
Overnight Boarding for Aggressive, Intact, and Working Dogs in Austin, Texas
As a band of working dog owners ourselves, we needed a well equipped place to board our dogs. With a lack of suitable options in Texas, we opened Traction K9 Kennels in October of 2024. Our facility accommodates dogs that are highly trained to work or compete, are not spayed/neutered, or are not friendly towards strangers or other dogs. We designed individual luxury indoor suites with 24/7 dog door access to a private outdoor patio. Each suite is indestructible and inescapable, with 24/7 eyes on each dog on and off site. Our Behaviorist Ashley Blackburn directly provides all care.
Overnight Boarding In A K9 Handler’s Home
Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and other working dogs can stay in a Traction trainer’s home pending a free behavior evaluation. If your dog exhibits a lack of training that requires additional attention from the trainer, you may be required to add training services to their stay.
Schedule a free phone consultation with Mara to schedule our free boarding evaluation. In-home boarding is typically with Tina in Colorado or with Mara in Texas.
Protection Dog And Bite Sports Training
Weekly and monthly protection dog training is available in Austin, Texas with trainers Mara and Jeremy. We gear bite and protection training either towards sport training that is purely a game, or towards developing true controlled aggression. Read more about our protection training program here.
Veterinary Services for Difficult Dogs
Coming soon to Austin, Texas! We have partnered with 6 Whiskers mobile veterinary care to provide specialized vet care to difficult or working dogs. Veterinarian Dr. D’sa will be providing care with the assistance of Behaviorist, Trainer, and Vet Tech Ashley Blackburn.
Private Obedience and Behavior Modification Training
Of course, all of our standard in-home training programs and board-and-train programs are available as well. This includes basic obedience training, advanced obedience training, sports training, and behavior modification (fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression). When you schedule a free phone consultation, we will pair you with the Traction trainer most experienced with your goals.
