The Puppy Blues

Malinois are cute, fluffy, and full of energy. They're also a lot of work. If you've recently welcomed a new Malinois puppy into your home, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

At first, it's all rainbows and sunshine. You spend time cuddling, taking thousands of adorable pictures and your puppy is sleeping 80% of the day. But as the weeks go by, the honeymoon phase starts to fade. Suddenly, you find yourself exhausted, covered in bite marks and scratches, and constantly picking up accidents.

One of the most tiring things about having a new puppy is the lack of sleep. They may be small, but Malinois have boundless energy and seem to think that 3 a.m. is the perfect time to play. You'll find yourself stumbling out of bed, bleary-eyed, to let them out to pee or to play with their toys. And just when you think you've finally gotten them to sleep through the night, they decide to wake up at the crack of dawn to start the cycle all over again. I have raised many Malinois puppies over the years and they have all left me feeling exhausted along the way.

Training a Malinois puppy is a tremendous challenge and a lot of work. They're like little sponges, soaking up everything you teach them (and sometimes things you don't want them to learn). Potty training can be especially frustrating, as you'll find yourself constantly reminding them to "go potty outside" and cleaning up accidents. And let's not even get started on the endless chew toys you'll have to buy to keep them from gnawing on your furniture. If you are struggling with potty training, I highly encourage you to crate train your puppy. Here is a full video I put together on crate and potty training your Malinois puppy. Click this blue link to watch the video now.

One thing I don’t hear people talk about enough is something I call, “The puppy blues”. This term refers to the depression, doubt, and exhaustion that creep in during the puppy stage. Trying to raise a well-balanced Malinois can be overwhelming. There is so much to do and think about as you navigate the decisions you’re making to ensure your puppy grows to be a stable, well-mannered, genetically fulfilled dog. I would be concerned if you DIDN’T feel overwhelmed at times! To alleviate the stress and burden you’re feeling, it may be a good idea to enlist the help of a professional trainer. They can help you set and manage appropriate goals for you and your new Malinois puppy. Or if you’re looking for comradery and respite from one Malinois owner to another, I suggest you follow my TikTok account or find me on Instagram where I post informational videos and a lot of satirical videos poking fun at the challenges that come with Malinois ownership.

Still, despite all the challenges, having a Malinois is also incredibly rewarding. They bring joy and laughter into your life and become a beloved member of the family. So if you're thinking about getting a Malinois puppy, just be prepared for some sleepless nights and a lot of hard work. But trust me, it's worth it.

- Maligatormom