I have a puppy malinois and it is the second time that he is limping after playing fetch, so in my experience this is very true! I will replace fetch with these exercises from now on! Thank you so much for this video!
I found my forever dog training channel. Heading to patreon. Sooo much noise on yt around training. This is the most informative and succinct content I've seen.
Andy...this is great food for thought. I'm trying this in my training. May I ask what command in French are you using to send Jasper to go for his tug...I can't quite understand what your saying. I'm training my 2 girls in French also.
Thirst time post. Awesome instruction/information that I will implement. I will be getting a Malinois in the next 6-12 months and so excited. Just one constructive criticism...you speak of "animal cruelty" from 1700 to 2200 and I absolutely agree but just a bit long. Keep posting!
Im a huge fan of you buudy! your content is creative fun and educational! its really an honor that I got you by my side!! Id love to show us some bungee work and some control work when decoys are out! it would be really fun seeing you guys working on those things! Great level of work!
Hi Andy. Firstly how old this crazy athlete called Jasper. He is gorgeous. How old is too old to start training this way my dog is almost 8 I’m older and not as mobile I’d like to be due to a malfunction of a spinal surgery 😢 but I do ehat I can. I encourage my boy to find his toys around the yard. He leaves them laying around snd I ask him to find it. Then he chooses which one we will play with. But after a few minutes he just goes to his bed snd plays chewy on his toy. I’d like him to have more exercise so what can I do to encourage That. Thsnk you for your videos bi love to watch you at work either your Mal ❤️❤️
Another thing I wanted to afk. Are the commands you use in German or Belgian. Snd is that standard for all dogs or just GSD’s and Mals?? Thsnk you again ❤
I have a working German Shepherd. She hits the ground HARD when she gets the ball. And she's not a malinois, skinny little guys. She's a thick, chunky German Shepherd and I am always scared she will seriously hurt herself. Maybe I'll try this technique, thanks!
@@cretudavid8622 training doesn’t make the dog make whining sounds…my mal isn’t trained this good and she does it all the time. It just happens when they get excited
We’re currently doing some research before keeping a stray Belgian malinois puppy we found and we want to know what types of activities we can do everyday in our backyard. So, I understand that playing fetch is a no-no. But is fetch similar to playing frisbee? We’ve seen a lot of videos with Belgian malinois playing frisbee. Would that be safe for them?
Frisbee is the most dangerous activity you can do. I’d strongly recommend finding a local credible trainer you can work with weekly for at least a few months. You need to master the basics in obedience first and foremost 👍🏻
Teach your dog how to be human? I go the opposite way. I try to become a dog and act like a bigger dog. My dog understands when I growl at him he's in trouble. Just the way a dog would make him listen. Dogs will go into a thorn patch with no thought of pain. They only hurt if it's a shock to them.
I’ve realized since learning to train is peoppe look at a trained dog like they do most things. They say “I want a dog like that!” But they don’t wanna put in the training hours and work to get a dog to that point. Just like they say “I wish I had abs” but won’t learn and diet and work out. “I want a Ferrari” but they won’t work overtime.
also, change the place of the toy....the dog should never learn the spot. you are teaching here " go to place " command. Always change the spot, and you need to indicate the direction where he should go!
That’s actually a great point. I certainly wouldn’t use the word wrong. But the average person chucking a frisbee for a Malinois is a terrible idea. BUT, if someone with a lot of experience, technique and respect for the dog can perform frisbee tricks safely, that’s their right as a dog owner. I’d probably call frisbee an activity not a sport, but understand your point. I’ve also seen people with years of experience playing frisbee almost cripple Malinois with reckless practices. So I guess that all just depends.
By his logic yes, but in this case his dog is not a professional disc dog. If you do disc seriously then of course you accept the risk because it's part of doing it. Ring sport is tough as hell and dogs get hurt all the time, so it would be really stupid to risk a career-ending injury on something as banal as fetch. It's like if a young guy just got drafted to the NFL then decided to also take up bull riding. Halfway through the season he goes to a rodeo, gets tossed, screws up his back, then gets permanently benched. Was playing a cowboy worth throwing away his future in pro football?
Two years late to the party 😔 46 years with GSD's and 25 yrs with English Springer Spaniels (and a few rescue x breeds) I started this about a year in with my very first dog. For the dogs health and safety and as additional training time. I know GSD's who have suffered stomach torsions from twisting violently to grab a high bouncing ball whilst running at full throttle. I have witnessed one Springer spaniel impale themselves in the chest whilst trying to grab a thrown stick as it bounced end to end, and another knock out an incisor and cinine whilst trying to scoop up a moving ball on hard gravely ground. Not to mention broken and ripped claws on dogs that are skidding to a halt. So glad that you use your profile to bring this to the attention of those who don't know. All my dogs are my fur kids, as their daddy handler I am responsible for their health and safety, it is for me to keep them safe from dangers they don't comprehend.
Andy, thank you so much for your well thought out video. I have trained dogs for 67 years, and close to 40 different breeds with some hybrids mixed in. This is my first Malinios. I started at the age of ten with my 1st dog training of basic obedience and lots of tricks. In my later years, my training progressed to Schutzhund training. My 1st Schh III dog was a Lab X Doberman. She was 85 lbs and lived to be 14&1/2 years old. She was the finest example of hybrid-vigor. She was the 1st and only mix-breed to be Runner-up at the Southeast Regional Schutzhund Championship. I can truly say that she was my dog of a lifetime. I’ve trained German Shepherds, Dobermans and Collies since then. Now I have a Mal, and she is fantastic. I really like your training and am so glad that I found your videos. Thank you so much for making them available.
I totally agree with you on playing fetch with the ball. My GSD is 6 an loves to for me to throw the ball, however I've seen her stumble, twist an even fall trying to get it. I'VE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE not having any injuries. Tomorrow I'm changing it up . I see more benefits in doing it this way. A lot less chance of injury, more personal engagement between me an my dog an much needed exercise for me. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge an experience with us Andy. 🐾
Well my first malinois pierced her throat, caching up with a stick. I went to the vet, and there was nothing to see. We went mountain biking, swimming, many activities the coming month... The dog was a bit out of it, so after a month during an operation they pulled out a stick the size of a pinkie that was through her throat. Only balls after that! These dogs are too hard for there own good, and they wint tell you there hurt!
Interesting, at first I thought you were being silly, but after reading people's testimony of this I realized why my 6 month old GSD hasn't gotten hurt: when I throw the ball it bounces off a know barrier so it's always generally in the same area, he slows down to get it 🤔 and when I throw it in an open field, my dog slows down to search for it which is interesting as that definitely explains why he hasn't been injured. Thanks.
I took a dog training course and took my dogs to training. I also study dogs/behavior, etc and enjoy watching these videos. I REALLY want to be able to train like that! My timing sucks!
You can do a variant of this exercise by setting up a basic fly ball style run. Place 4 Low jumps at 10 ft intervals & place the reward toy on a cardboard box 15 ft from the last jump ☺️ 🐾🐾
I needed this video! Thank you! I have a 1 year old female rottweiler and she is insanely high drive and very fast and 90 lbs. I changed our play time based on this video. What do you call the bag you are using in this video?
If people don´t understand why fetch can be dangerous then they maybe never experienced a really fast dog. Maybe it´s okay for their dogs then. I had a doberman with lighning speed + high drive even for a dobi and she would have killed herself over almost everything if I had let her.
100% agree with the entirety of this video! I have an 11 month old who Ive been playing/training fetch with for 8 months and Ive noticed him limping or hurt someway a few times already. This all makes sense, def not doing fetch anymore! Thanks Andy! Once again you provide priceless insight =)
Jasper is really a talkative vocal guy isnt he? Just like my dog... sometimes its getting anoying man hahahaha. The drive inside them are telling them GO ATTACK YEAH GO GET IT FULL SPEED FULL THROTTLE
Question, completely off topic but,could you please answer or make a video on the subject. How do you address “Whining” ? I have a 2yo Corso/Rottie mix , he is very well behaved and does almost all that is asked of him. But if it is something that he doesn’t want to do he will whine about it before, and during that task. Example; ask him to sit/stay at door before we leave, and the whining starts as soon as he’s asked to sit and doesn’t stop till I break him. Example #2; while walking if I notice another dog approaching I call him to heel, as soon as he notices the other dog the whining starts. He will remain at a heel and continue walking with me, even if the other dog is aggressively barking/growling & lunging at us, but he’s doing so while whining. Example #3 and the worst; While preparing his breakfast and dinner, he is asked to place and down in our living room while his meals are prepared in our kitchen. He does place/down/stay perfectly but he does so with whining. I must mention that his whining is extremely high pitched and loud . During his meal times I have tried waiting him out before I break to eat, the first 2 times that took about 40 minutes. The next 2 times I stood there for more than an hour until my head and ears were exploding. And the rest of the evening I was laying down with my eyes closed and my head throbbing. Please help!
I've had to control fetch for my last two dogs the last 15 years or so to keep them from killing themselves. The female I have now I have taught a whoa, before she gets to the toy . I like the barrier idea, but we travel a lot and I'm not sure she's smart enough to stop when her brain isn't on. She's a great old mans dog, but she's not the brightest bulb on the chain of lights. If you aren't worried about your dog getting hurt you haven't trained long enough.
This is so important! Our dog has suffered physically in his adult years in part from our playing fetch with our very intense Rottie. It all seemed so harmless and fun to watch his amazing athletism and drive. We feel terrible that we did this to our dog- unknowingly. We will never do this again in the same way and have changed our play/training with him and our other dogs.
🤣😂🤣. You’re the man Andy I’m disappointed you didn’t bring up my comment, about stimulating the dogs brain and using its nose to search. Yes your dog was definitely playing fetch getting the tugs, he’s a good looking boy bro. If my dog got hurt you better believe I’d feel, they’re taking care of and eat better than most dogs I know. If my dogs hurt I’m hurt worse. I’ll also go out to my field and hide balls so the dogs can get warmed up and go search for the balls before we begin tossing, I understand your point and if I had a wreck less dog willing to break it’s neck to get the ball I’d stop, but I haven’t ran into that problem. My dogs are smart we train for psa. Good luck to buddy keep up the great videos.
@AndyKrueger - Why does Jasper let go of the pull toy when you call his name? Is this a form of "let go?" Do you only call his name when using the tug toy, so that he will let go?
Never thought about the risk of injury, but, I can definitely see the potential. My GSD loves playing fetch and my 5 month pup loves chasing her and often crashes into her, furthering the chance of injury. Dam, I need to change up my game! Thanks Andy.
Great Contents with practical and useful info!!! TOP I used to fetch the to my Maligator and it hit a light post on the run to the ball 🤦♂️ Had some issues with the tendons because of the quick sprints and "brakes"... Stopped that. Se now we run together several times a week at the same Pace and my girl is perfectly well 👌💪 Thanks and Hello from Portugal
I know I already commented but I have to add, with working breeds, this problem is much, much worse. Along with the fact that my GSD will keep playing until she collapses. So of course it's the handler's responsibility.
So happy I seen this video. Just got my boy home yesterday from top breeder in the country and this is exactly what was happening. Just doing flips bec he couldn’t control him self… Going to be starting this tomorrow. 🤝🏽
Hey Andy, couldn't agree more!! Question. I used to live by the ocean. I used to play fetch with an inflatable toy and also tow one behind a canoe. My working sheppard got so muscley and fit from it I thought it was really good for him. Thoughts? Thanks fo the best you tube channel!
I can see how that keeps him from getting hurt. Very good 👍🏻 Oh, 😮that recall is awesome. I need to teach that to my Malinois he's 12 weeks old. His mother is a Magnum Belgian mal. So my Jax is super fast.
This is an awesome video. I only wish I had known this information before my Belgium Malinois hurt her hips, jumping for a tennis ball. I will never make that mistake again. I hope everyone takes this advice and keeps their K9 healthy.
Ok cool I got him to slow down as he’s picking up the tug. How do I get him to slow down as he’s bringing it back to me!? Lol I taught my dog to do what Jasper does on recall, goes through your legs then comes back out your legs again. I had to do away with that though because l had a bad experience. Let’s just say that my Mal is pretty tall and he didn’t clear his head all the way as he was going through my legs!! Am I supposed to be wearing a cup?! Lol I just have him go around me now.
It really depends on the breed as you sad on the biggening. Of course with a lightning fast and tall dog this is a risk. Thankfully my fog is at about ground level by default and he is not nearly fast enough. However I will try this thing just for as something different I might end up liking it.
you are doing it all wrong. if you dont say "Stop", that dog needs to jump the fence and keep going!!!!!. go out in a field with no barrier and work it without visible landmarks... thats the correct send away
I don't play fetch. My dog just runs away with it and chews on it, but if I place it in a ground with out her looking then give her the command "find it". She looks for it and gets it, but always brings it back for more.... Why do you think that is? same ball and everything.
Great video Andy. Training is also managing risks! Will try aiming for you technique of placing the Tug at a distance and getting my Mal to fecth....key point we place the tug together so she knows walking back her awesome tug is there...release and got get the tug!
I just wanted to add that it isn't always catastrophic injuries. My dog loves fetch (frisbee) and is INTENSE! Now at age 3 we are dealing with bicipital tendonopathy, essentially tendonitis in his shoulder that will require 8-12 weeks of exercise restriction followed by months of rehab to heal. (Not easy for a super active dog) Wish I had seen this video earlier. Wish there were more videos out there on how to work dogs without causing damage!! Thank you for demonstrating a safer fetch alternative!
My dog runs over his ball, slides, rolls... etc... once at the dog park another dog ran in front of him and he sprained his leg trying to stop himself from running into the other dog. So I know exactly what you mean.
Awesome video!! Looking forward for a third part. Generalization on the send away (location, tug placement...) that would be great!! Just an idea 😉. As somebody said our limitation is due to constipation of imagination! Great way to incorprate training, play, relation building... In one sesion.
I’ve been watching your vids for a while. great job your videos are making me less nervous to get a malinois. Also do you have any training tips for me?
Yes, I have a working line German Shepard. We play a lot of Frizbee. He flies through the air and I do for it is his favorite thing. Done it for years but just ran into an issue with his shoulder. Think it might be what you are talking about.
Andy you convinced me, since the first video; I've been throwing the ball, hitting my chest, and when my dog jumps up I catch him and then I run to the ball. That's a workout.
Just a great video. Spectacular dog, great training; and, just as important, all your reasons for the training made perfect sense. Getting a working lines GSD this year and based upon your advice I'm changing what I did with my last GSD to incorporate your advice. Thanks.
Hi. I Appreciate this informational piece about fetch and the dangers of possible injury to a dog. Your method of fetch makes the dog get his exercise without jumping. Thank you.
Watched your video from Northern Ireland 🇮🇪 😀 love watching your dogs and training your explanation of dangerous fetch was brilliant. I have a working cocker she is fast I now see and understand what you are saying. I will try this
Thank you for replying, brilliant dogs 🐕 she is a welsh working cocker work cut out for me very busy breed she is a year old 😀. Keep sending those brilliant videos oh by the way have you ever trained this breed take care
Good info. If the dog is properly warmed up then fetch is ok. Dogs are athletes so proper warmed up will help their muscles. I do a lot of activity for my dog but i don't have a malinios. I have a Labrador that I use for waterfowl hunting. We teach similar concepts for hunting and hunt test. We have a thing we call blind pile where we send the dog to the pile but they don't see the pile or how far we go. Once they know where the pile is then it is a pattern blind. Very similar but we always starts with thrown training dummy to teach concepts of seeing where the dummy land so they can hunt the area or go to where they saw the dummy fall.
Jasper laying there watching dad talk thinking to himself....."Yeah...you say that now Dad! Remember that one time I went hard into the fence! Oh was I not supposed to say that on the video?" LOL joking!
Very true These types of high drive dogs will push themselves to the point of injury during play, training or real protection. Any injury may take your dog out of training or competition for a month if not the rest of their lives. Anything we can do to reduce or eliminate injuries is our responsibility.
Really appreciate you taking the time to make this content, I've learnt a lot from your vids! Would love to see two future vids: One about your dogs' relationship with your kid and how you made sure there's no risk given their bouncy energy? The second about some basic tug toy techniques like when you tap and when you stroke the dog and the thought process behind this. Many thanks and look forward to your future content.
I have a doberman puppy 5 months old and I NEVER even considered him getting hurt playing fetch! Bad Owner! I will make some changes ASAP. I also subscribe to your patreon. Many thanks Andy for the education
