I consider myself Belgian Malinois Wolf mix pup, untrained and non-domesticated, exploring and growing into the independent and fearless spirit of who I am. Here’s some interesting reads in the links below relating to Wolfy/Malinois aspects that I resonate with as a humanpup – I’ve highlighted the text that I feel needs to be shared.
How To Make Friends With Wolves
Wolfpup tend to be shy and selective about who they consider as friends.
They take some time to warm up to strangers but there are some people that pup will warm up to right away.
Wolfpup usually warms up much more quickly to unfamiliar female energies than those of male.
Move slowly and deliberately and not directly towards wolfpup. Rather make wolfpup curious about you.
Hats or glasses are very off-putting. wolfpup may try to make a grab for these.
Staring directly at wolpup will be taken as a threat.
Don’t assume that you can pet/touch wolfpup without permission. They’ll stand close to you or paw you if they want scritches.
Be patient and friendly.
https://www.braveheart.co.za/the-famous-cousins-of-the-security-dog-industry/
Relating to the following traits of the Belgian Malinois mentioned in this blog:
“High drive for rewards, willingness to learn, and eagerness to have a purpose. (oh hell, yes)
Cant tolerate being alone
Plainly put, the Malinois is your Duracell compared to other batteries – being considered one of the most energetic dog breeds in the world. Their energy levels paired with traits like confidence, aggression and being hard working makes this breed one of the most recognized working dog breeds in various countries worldwide.
Very protective towards their owners/handlers, and are known to have a particularly strong bond with their human families.
In a domestic environment without the right amount of exercise and stimulation, (Mal) can become destructive, and develop negative neurotic behaviour.
The Malinois is the more sensitive breed, and is known to suffer from anxiety disorders when neglected. These dogs need constant positive reinforcement when it comes to training; and the training also needs to be on a continuous basis for the dog not to get bored and develop bad behaviour.”
Providing sufficient socialization can be rather challenging when training a wolfpup.
There could be a tendency for wolfpup to be shy and fearful of strangers, especially in a large crowd.
Using positive reinforcement will help wolfpup see new people and places as good things.
Work at wolfpup’s pace, make use of rewards and treats as they remain relaxed and calm with new people and places, even if at some distance.
Wolfpup tends to be quite independent and expecting them to focus on Handler during training will take some work to convince them to respond to the training.
Wolf pup is easily distracted, especially in outdoor environments. Start with quiet, low distraction environment such as indoors, and gradually introduce to outdoor environment as their focus improves.
Some creativity may be needed to keep their focus.
High value treats to keep interest and motivation such as chicken pieces, marshmallows and jelly tots goes a long way.
Keep training sessions short with breaks for play and cuddles to ensure good feels, and less stress.
CARING FOR YOUR WOLFPUP
Prepare yourself for a serious commitment in working with behavioural and containment challenges, allow for fun and chuckles.
Learn how to read and interpret wolpup’s behavior and body language.
- Respect the elders
- Teach the young
- Cooperate with the pack
- Play when you can
- Hunt when you must
- Rest in between
- Share your affections
- Voice your feelings
- Leave your mark
Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd dog share a background as working dogs and even were bred to do similar jobs herding and guarding livestock and later people as well.
Today, both dog breeds are used extensively in the military, police, and private protection and security.
Belgian Malinois have protective instincts and intense owner-loyalty but are not considered “pet” dogs in the traditional sense, and will need focused, positive, ongoing socialization and special training.
Belgian Malinois breed needs constant, vigorous activity every day
They do not adapt well to life as a “pet” and will need a lot of special training to cope with visitors to the home or the presence of strange animals.
Wolfpup hybrids are going to be intensely demanding to train, exercise, and socialize. Dogs are people-centric to start with and wolves are genetically pre-programmed to live in packs.
This means a Belgian Malinois Wolf mix will transfer all of their “pack life” needs onto their human owner and keeper.
These animals cannot be left alone ever and even well-trained, well-socialized wolfpup hybrids can display very difficult traits
https://www.shopforyourcause.com/dog-breed/belgian-malinois/wolf/mix
Malinois are working dogs, happy to have an assignment — whether it’s agility, herding, tracking, obedience, therapy, rescue, or military or police work.
Malinois needs activity, and this cannot be overstated.
They do best with owners who lead active lives themselves and want a dog to share that with, boredom can make them destructive, and have a have a strong prey drive.
Wolves develop strong social bonds within their packs, have a complex communication system ranging from barks and whines to growls and howls.
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/
Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. To deny a Mal activity and the pleasure of your company is to deprive him of his very reasons for being.
Exercise, and plenty of it, preferably side by side with their adored owner, is key to Mal happiness.
Malinois need to be actively engaged with his owner, both mentally and physically.