The Belgian Malinois was initially bred for herding purposes. But now, it is commonly seen as a protection dog, police and military dog, and most importantly, companion dog.
The Malinois is an intelligent, athletic, and intense breed that has lots of energy and loves physical exercise.
If you are planning to buy a Belgian Malinois, and you already own a dog, you must be wondering what some common traits of this breed are? Do they socialize? How are Belgian Malinois with other dogs?
To get answers to your questions, read till the end because I am going to discuss various aspects of Belgian Malinois’s social life.
Do Belgian Malinois Get Along With Other Dogs?
No, Malinois dogs are usually not good with other dogs. This dog breed is very protective of their family, especially their owner, which makes them very jealous and protective of their territory. However, they can do well if introduced and socialized with other dogs when they are young, and rewarded for appropriate behavior.
Malinois are not suitable for most families who already have another dog, so if you want them to get along with other dogs, it may not be an easy task. However, it’s not a mission impossible either.
Their temperament is affected by different factors that include their genetic makeup, training, and socialization. So if you want your Belgian Malinois to be friendly, it will need early socialization training.
The Importance of Socialization for a Belgian Malinois
Socialization is vital because the malinois puppy needs to learn how to get along with other dogs, cats, children, adults, mail carriers, other animals, traffic, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, joggers, skateboarders, cars, etc.
The puppy needs to experience normal life situations, so he does not become aggressive, fearful, or apprehensive of normal things in life. All of these normal situations will prepare the puppy for experiences that he will have in the future.
Socialization can be done at a variety of places such as the dog park, gym, parks, and any other place. However, it is advisable not to force the dog into socialization and let it follow you and be part of the action.
The earlier the socialization the Belgian Malinois is exposed to, the better it is.
Socialization can also be done in a house. Interaction with the dog should be done in a fun and positive way. Never scold or hurt the dog in its socialization, so it can grow up to be a well-rounded dog.
Since it is a pet dog, the Malinois needs to socialize with other people and pets.
Introduce them to other dogs or animals at a young age so that they can become familiar with them. Otherwise, Malinois dogs will treat them as strangers and might want to attack them.
You definitely won’t want your one pet to get hurt by another so, be careful and remember that early social training is needed for this dog to become friendly.
3 Ways to Get Your Belgian Malinois to Tolerate Other Dogs
- Dog classes: Dog classes are the easiest way to make your dog tolerate other dogs. The professional trainers in the classes conduct personalized sessions according to the personality and behavior of each dog.
- Dog parks: Dog parks are the most suitable place for social training. Since Malinois dogs take time to get friendly, dog parks are the best way to let your dog mingle with others for a limited duration.
- Exercise: Malinois are energetic dogs by nature. If you keep your dog busy in plenty of activities, they will have little or no energy left to tease other animals in the house. When malinois dogs don’t get any way to spend their power, they usually become aggressive and can throw tantrums towards other dogs.
How to Properly Introduce a Belgian Malinois to Other Dogs?
To help your dog start socializing properly, you will need to be the one to introduce him to other dogs properly. It will help if you prefer open spaces like parks for this first encounter.
When a Malinois dog is introduced to another dog in the house, he may feel the need to protect the family and therefore may become aggressive towards the other dog. This would be an excellent opportunity to help them start their social life on a positive note.
Tips for Introducing a Dog to Another Dog
All dogs have a unique personality, and some have a tendency to be more aggressive or dominant than others.
Here are a few tips for introducing a new dog to your family.
- Step 1: Choose a neutral location. The best place for introducing a dog to other dogs is a park, since it has a lot of open space.
- Step 2: Use a leash. This will make it easier to control your dogs, especially if a serious fight breaks out. Bringing a helper with you is a great idea!
- Step 3: Let your dogs sniff each other. Allow them to get a good whiff of each other before introducing them for a walk.
- Step 4: Walk around. Let your dogs walk together for a while to get used to each other, and then let them pull you in opposite directions to see how they react.
- Step 5: Separate them if they start fighting. Try to separate them by walking them in opposite directions if they start fighting. If they continue fighting, take them home.
- Step 6: Repeat the process.
The Ideal Type of Owner for a Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a great dog with some remarkable characteristics. This dog breed is a knowledgeable, active, and energetic dog that craves company all the time. If you are planning to adopt or buy one, make sure you fulfill the requirements of an ideal owner of a Belgian Malinois.
- Have prior experience in dog keeping.
- Ready and willing to invest time and energy in dog training.
- Be passionate about physical activity.
- Able to keep the dog accompanied most of the time.
- Have a patient personality and tolerant nature.
- Have plenty of open space in the home.
FAQ
Are Belgian Malinois Territorial?
Belgian Malinois dogs have very strong territorial instincts. They have an inbuilt nature of protecting their family and their property. Hence they show intense aggression towards incursion from other animals. They find it hard to get along with other dogs or strangers. They need time to accept others and share their space with them.
Can You Train a Belgian Malinois to Be Good With Other Dogs?
Malinois dogs are very obedient and responsive. If Malinois dogs are well socialized from an early age, it gets effortless for them to be good around other dogs. You can either train them by yourself or seek the help of professional trainers in this regard.
How Do You Socialize a Belgian Malinois?
To socialize your Belgian Malinois, take your dog frequently to dog parks. Have people over in your house and monitor their behavior. Consult professionals if you don’t see any progress in their attitude.
Can Two Male Belgian Malinois Get Along in The Same House?
Belgian Malinois can get along well with other dogs if trained well. It’s difficult to say whether your dog will get along with another Malinois because all dogs are different. But if you have made up your mind to buy another Malinois, make sure you have enough space in the house for two. Also, it is important to consider the affordability factor since Malinois is a high-maintenance dog.
Do Belgian Malinois Get Along With Small Dogs?
Unlike other small animals like hamsters, cats, and cage birds, the Belgian Malinois may get along well with other small dogs. However, it would be best to introduce them gradually so that the Malinois gets properly familiarized. Otherwise, small dogs may fall prey to Malinois dogs because of their prey instincts.
Conclusion: How Are Belgian Malinois With Other Dogs?
The Belgian Malinois is a dream dog for many dog owners because of its remarkable characteristics and virtues. However, people who already own a dog should think twice before bringing home a malinois because this dog does not socialize very easily.
The Malinois is an incredibly loyal, protective, stubborn, and very dominant dog, and needs a firm, secure and consistent owner who can train and socialize him properly.
You will need to put a lot of time, effort, and money into training them for socializing. Otherwise, it can be a great family dog and a great companion.
If you are about to buy or adopt a Malinois, make sure you know all the important information regarding this breed. For further information about Belgian Malinois, click here.
