A Malinois won't fix you
The Belgian Malinois is a beautiful and highly capable breed, but they are not the best choice for people who are looking for a dog to motivate them to be more active. These dogs require a lot of time, energy, and commitment to keep them happy and healthy, and they are not well-suited for people who are not already living an active and motivated lifestyle. If you’re thinking about getting a Belgian Malinois, it is important to carefully consider your lifestyle and readiness for the commitment required to care for this breed.
To put it quite bluntly, getting a Belgian Malinois with the hope that it will serve as a crutch for your desire to be more active is not a responsible or fair approach. Owning a Belgian Malinois requires a significant commitment of time and energy, and these dogs will not make the lifestyle change for you. Instead, it is important to make the necessary lifestyle changes before bringing a Malinois into your home.
If you are considering getting a Belgian Malinois, it is important to be honest with yourself about your current level of activity and motivation. Are you prepared to commit to at least one hour of vigorous exercise per day, as well as regular training and mental stimulation for your dog? Are you willing to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle to accommodate the needs of this high-energy breed?
It is important to understand that if you are not already living an active lifestyle, getting a Belgian Malinois will not suddenly change this and make you more active. In fact, attempting to keep up with the high energy and training needs of a Malinois without already being active and motivated can be overwhelming and lead to disappointment for both you and the dog.
When people fail to meet the needs of a high-energy breed like the Belgian Malinois and are unable to provide the necessary exercise, training, and mental stimulation, the dog may develop behavioral issues, such as destructive behavior or aggression. This can be frustrating for the owner and can lead to the dog being surrendered or ending up in a shelter.
Getting a Malinois in the hopes that it will help you become more active is not a fair approach for the dog. Dogs deserve to be in homes where their needs are met and where they can thrive. If you are not ready to meet the needs of a Belgian Malinois, it is better to wait and make the necessary lifestyle changes before bringing one into your home.
- Maligatormom