Living with a Belgian Malinois 

When you said "I run their lives, they do not run mine"....I had to just pause it and sit on that for a minute. I REALLY need to work on this. So much of everything I do, plan, schedule, etc....revolves around "well, I have to make sure I get home for play time" or whatever. My every thought is around my one mal and what he needs. I clearly need a change of mindset.

"Mom, I'm seven!" That baby is listening to every word you say!

The "mom, im seven" got me good lol, all too familiar...

I love you are just being "i dont feel like it" sassy and very genuine. ZERO pretensions. love it! new subs here. =)

„Do not allow your dogs, to run your life…“ Hell yeah!!! Great video, great attitude, you are awesome!

Wow , I needed this. I have a 7mo gsd and I have been suffering with anxiety and guilt(like I made a mistake) like I’m not doing enough … and this spoke peace to me …

“Because I don’t feel like it” 😎 ballin

I also loved how your daughter is so good with the dogs! It is so important to teach your children how to act around dogs especially certain breeds! You are doing a fantastic job!!!

I got a Belgian now and he’s just amazing ! GSD and Bel Mal lover for life ❤

Really impressed with Malligator Mom: she really knows what she is doing, is a firm but fair disciplinarian with her dogs, and has tons of great knowledge to share. EXCELLENT VIDEO!

I have had and been working with my mal since day 3 of getting her at 12 wks old. She is now 8 mos old. I agree with you about having a structured life for her as well as myself.. My day begins between 4 to 5 am, that is M - F, and yes its very structured. So I do appreciate your video of your typical day and explaining that it is ok for me to put her in her crate while I am able to get some things done. I know at first I felt guilty, but I also know at her young and impulsive age I still dont trust her completely yet. Its not that I am not training her every day I am, but she is strong in some commands and not others yet. At the same time she is mischievious as well. Therefore with time and patience as well as constant work she and I will develope a better and better working and understanding relationship. So I want to thank you for sharing truthful honest way life is with not just one mal like myself but three of them and a family to manage as well. We do have a basic training class with other dogs once a week. Its more an agility class to reinforce the use of basic commands and then we have a private lesson with a trainer who deals with mals to help me understand a little more of the actions/personality/behaviors. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your truthfulness regarding your mals and life with them.

We rescued, what turned out to be a BelMalX, off the street. Don't know where she came from or how old she is, but judging by teeth and that fact that she hadn't had her first heat, we're guessing around a year. Initially I tried to get her into a rescue, but none would take her. Eventually I decided to keep her as my own. I have had many dogs, but none like this dog. It has been an education. Nice to see how you live your day-to-day life with your Maligator crew.

I am SO GLAD that you are teaching your kids how to dog!! I know so many people and children who don’t know how to read animals so they get bit or have a needless fear. I’m still trying to teach my 7yo. I learned at a very young age what working dogs would or wouldn’t deal with (my dad had cattle dogs). Keep doing what you’re doing! I love it! I just got a Maligator and I love her!! Would love to sit down and have a coffee with you one day!

my 4 year old daughter trains with my 18 month old mal. Its the cutest thing. Its pretty cool to watch this pint sized human work a young and intense dog and see how successful she is. They are both my pride and joy so I love seeing her go through her obedience routines.

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, as a new Maligator mom myself! Thank you!!

I have a 14 month male Mali and I want to thank you so much for your videos and comments!! Great dogs!

This video is very informative and I appreciate the fact that you showed any prospective Mal owner that they absolutely CAN be managed and live happy healthy lives in a full family with busy schedules. My Mal was def a handful his first couple of years but settled down big time by 2-3 years old. A lot of people try to scare you away from owning a Mal but just as was stated in this this video as long as you have them live on your schedule and not you live by their schedule then everything should be fine.

I live on 15 acres w 4 children. My wife and I have been thinking about getting a mal after having German Shepard’s the last 20 years. This video was great insight and information. Well done ✌🏼

I love that you came flat out stating that exercising your mals 3-4 hours a day isn't necessary or realistic. This is very honest and accepting of reality and most people's lifetstyles. You balance this fact well with creating outlets for their needs that they can use on their own. Pretty cool. I have had an Australian Working Kelpie for many years. Not bred to bite like mals do, but some can be nippy as herders, and absolutely in need of things to do. Luckily mine was not a nipper, but he's easier than many kelpies, and I still DID spend 5 hours a day typically, training and exercising him, for many years. And if you looked at him after that, you would never think he had had even 30 minutes of activity. IOW, it's never enough, so you may as well set limits and teach self-soothing.

this is so encouraging, my fiance and I just adopted a malinois and literally alllllllll the information I managed to find up until finding your channel is that basically you cant have a mal without them running your life- thank you so much for sharing!

I like the fact that you have taken time to stress that the dogs do not run your life and you run their life. I am a Pedigree GSD owner and i worked hard to train my dog so she could be obedient and well trained in the home with my 2 boys and i try to let her live her best life as a dog but i make sure that she does not run my life. Keep up the work you do, and i know it is not easy. You once did a video on the challenges of owning dogs and the “tough days” that we don’t see on camera. I liked the real talk in that too. Keep it up👏🏾👏🏾

When this amazing lady speaks, y'all shish and listen. Her knowledge and experience says it all. God bless her for what she shares

Fantastic video. And thanks for giving us useful informations. 👍

You are a great mom! Kids, humans and dogs need boundaries and expectations! Thanks for finally stating what should be obvious to every dog owner (not even just Mals): dogs revolve around our schedules. Nicely done.

Awesome day to day living video. Realistic and to the point! 🙌

This is a great video. We have a half-Mal/half-Husky (talk about high drive working...) and use so many of the same management techniques throughout the day. Thank you for showing that these dogs can live as family dogs with proper training and management. As I comment, my 16 mo is curled up sleeping on the ottoman at my feet, waiting for her 10'ish - 11'ish am walk time. No 7am walks here either!

Another Great Video Kay !! I just love seeing Eve ( Mom I’m 7😆, so cute ) work with them . Routine is definitely a key to success!

Holy smokes, the dogs sure are motivated. You also showcase structure as a way of managing all that alone through the day. I love how your very clear and concise on your expectations

My malinois was never crate trained because of the job she was trained to do but she does use my office room as her bedtime, nap time, and relax time whenever she wants. She has a bed there.

Excellent comments. I truly admire you and the way you put it together. I have a high drive Trev puppy and have come to a similar understanding about his needs and also being in the house. I don’t have three pairs of eyes but find your comments on structure to be in excellent accord with day to day routines. And to keep in mind that some days are what they are. Thank you.

This was so great!!! Thanks Kay!

That was super interesting! Thanks for sharing Kay. Your daughter was adorable 😊

You deserve every subscriber that comes to this pages! You brought so much reality to life with this video! I’m a young Belgian owner , I love the breed but this video really brought so much peace and balance. It confirmed exactly what I see in my dog! If I would have listen to all the other videos I would have never got this amazing breed. Thanks so much! And those are so incredible dogs!

Thank you for this video. I appreciate this insight 😊 this is my first malanois I was gifted her so your videos have been really helpful for me to realistically integrate her into my family and schedule and also seeing realistic expectations of her and of myself

This is SO helpful. I just subscribed. Thank you for showing that this breed / type of dog can flourish without 3 full hours of hard core exercise per day. While working, caring for a cat too, and managing a household (a fixer-upper house) and healing my own body post-covid, I simply can't run five miles per day with my dog and also spend hours at a park. He gets ball play a couple of times per day and a couple of walks, as well as training, but I will now stop feeling guilty for not being able to do more...

One of the best vids I saw. You're still in contol. Nicely done ... these animals are still Beasts. Handled them in the military, handlded them at home. Environment (and age) makes a big difference. Still one of my best friends, always can rely on her!!

definitely enjoyed this video and thank you for a peak into your daily routine with Mals...

Great video, Thanks for sharing. I haven’t gotten a mal yet but have spent a lot of time with my retriever. He’s trained to full hand signal and blinds level.. I find that structure also gives expectations to the dog. Thanks again

Great info 👏🏼

I have a 2 year old mal that I’ve had since 12 weeks old I do no competitions or anything but I always thought I had to spend a minimum of 3 hours a day to keep her maintained and it’s put a lot of stress in my relationship glad to see this video

Only seven minutes into your video and I love it! After a five-minute potty break, Zeus and I have our "bed and bonding" time for a half hour or so and it's so relaxing with some "rough house". The remainder of the day is hiking in the forest, playing frisbee, practice (training), agility training and cutting and chewing fire logs. Keep up the great videos!

I love your videos and it helps me a lot and keep updates

Hi there !. Watching from 🇬🇧. Proud maligator mum of an ex military Belgium malinois shepherd dog. Best breed ever, formidable, hard working, loyal, can't fault my boy , he's changed my life for the better, mad as a box of frogs on LSD but brilliant. It's been two years with him and I'm ready for another to join the pack. Thank you 😊 looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Beautiful trio tribe ❤

Thank you for sharing. In future, i will use some of your advice for my dog.

Great advice i agree with your understanding of the dogs thanks for the video have a great day.

I have a mal on accident. I thought I was getting a German Shepard but she has all the characteristics of the Mal. She is a good girl and full of energy and I feel guilty not having time and energy for her. I’m a nurse and I work long hours but I live my time with her when I’m home. She is so high energy but also sweet and loving

MOM. God Love You for your energy and commitment. I Train Malinois and Labs for Service Work for the elderly here in Florida. I use climbing ramps and "lookout stations" in the 6' fenced in yard to wake up the "watch dog", I use department store shopping carriages to train them for "Come Ahead" "Go Left", "Go Right", "Back Back back", White rags hanging from the latched doors to open. I teach them to remember which doors to access supermarkets, HD, Lowes and my truck. How to remain focus in line at the checkout. I empower them through "choices training" to become "Street Wise" and safely walk their Alpha across the street. After 10 consecutive successful crossings they become Blind Qualified. My dogs are with me 24/7, shopping, DR. Visits, riding shotgun in my pickup truck and loving life. I train short leash, mid length and Patrol Length prior to Off Leash walking. I provide a nice mesh bed and NO cages. I use a harness and only use the neck collar when I need a correction during "Off Leash Training" They understand it instantly and train them selves. I also walk them 3 times a day. 1/2 mile, 1/2 mile, 1.6 miles nighttime and a session for a tennis ball and teaching them to patrol the perimeter of my home. They really love to run protection scenarios around their home. They also love to learn cat like stealthy hunting instead of brash barking and charging at prey animals like rabbits, squirrels, (safe) snakes and possum. During DR. or restaurant visits if I don't move for 60 seconds she lies down at my feet. Basically I fine tune them from their Warrior Genetic codes to protect and share their strength and wisdom with very fortunate disabled Vets and medical care takers. For you or anyone in your orbit have Malinois that are confident or dominant, I would love to discuss adoption possibilities. Please contact me for rehoming any misunderstand warriors. Again: God Bless You. Thank You for giving these special Warriors a nice home. Capt Jay Murphy (US Army Ret.)

I really appreciate your videos! I've been doing all the research I can to prepare for adopting a Malinois/Shepherd puppy I fell in love with. So many people within the Mal community have used a lot of scare tactics surrounding the breed, telling me that they could NEVER be family dogs, aren't good with small children, etc. (I live a single, active, fully remote job lifestyle now, but eventually I do want to have kids and a family). Rather than scaring me off, your videos are very educational, and give me motivation and inspiration that, if I put in the work and training with my dog, we can achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle and forever bond.

Love this! Very helpful! Thank you!

I really enjoyed the video and I really love your attitude an how straight forward you are my your dogs an family life

My dog will put himself to bed (go and hang out in his crate) every evening until last-call potty brake. It is super cute. I agree 100% structer with expectations and follow through is key to a happy home.

My daughters Malinas is the sweetest thing. He was a rescue : )

Great video and helpful information. TY

I agree with what you said here and I’m a subscriber now. I see all these videos and ads scaring and misleading people about German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois dogs and it’s absurd. My German Shepherd died of old age and from the time I got him at 10 weeks he learned quickly to be respectful of my space. I spent time daily walking him, saying a firm no when I didn’t like a certain behavior, teaching him commands and setting boundaries . After 2 months as I walked him down the street people would stop to ask me about him because they noticed his behavior. It’s all about YOU as an owner and how you interact with your dog and set and reinforce those boundaries. 💯

Great video! Thank you!

I really enjoyed your video, I'll be 69 years old in April & I've always had & raised dogs, I started with a Brittany spaniel which I trained back in my early pheasant hunting days, I had a Rottweiler, a great Pyrenees mountain dog, a bull mastiff and then I raised pit bulls, I haven't had a dog now for probably about 12 years, I've been divorced for about 10 years & over the past four years I've had 9 surgeries which prompted me to have to retire four years ago this coming May, I wanted to get a Belgian Malinois but I don't get around physically as much as I used to, watching your video makes me kind of realize I could deal with one as long as I had somebody to help me get a lot of the training for obedience out-of-the-way in the beginning

Thank you, great video.

I'm new to ur channel and I just love everything u have done with ur dogs. I'm so thankful I found u. I hope u have a wonderful day, tc much love to u and ur family and dogos

Thank you for the video!

That's exactly what every dog owners need to do, treat them like kids and train them in their behavior, amazing job this requires a lot of patients

I really appreciate this video. I feel like many people (with good intent) make it sound like you should not get a Mal unless you have hours a day to give them physical and mental exercise, or will be using them as a working dog. I think that this presentation is happening because so many people do get these dogs and have not properly researched what it takes to raise them and they end up in a shelter.

You are so right with the amount of exercise I yave a rescued malinois husky mix....just 2 sessions a day of playing and obedience with just 30 mins each my dog is very chill and doesnt destroy anything very sweet pup I got

You are one BIG Mama-linoa!! First of all, great video. Second of all, great discipline practice. Third of all, great org chart. As someone who owns male Malinoa, this is by far great explanation to all less informed owners, as a malinoa can be a VERY dangerous dog. You shed just a proper dog and routine practice and i thank you for devoting your time to bring the breed closer and maybe push away inappropriate owners, which is very important! You got my subscription 🙌

I love it when you said that you are the one who is directing their lives and providing srructure. Not what others said, that their Mals are one that dictates their daily routine. Not in my case, I am the alpha. You earn a sub.

Thank you !!! Very helpful!! 😄

Wow, you're impressive: 3 Mals, 4 kids! Brings a new meaning to "having your hands full !".

some good and practical info

My malinois like an ultimate running machine 💞🐕

Loved it thank you

Thanks always from 🇵🇷 💙💙💙💙#Blue. I just want to say since i got my Malinois is the best thing ive done my intire life. Love and light🙏🏻

For those of us who have owned Mal's, they've fully owned our hearts. They'll never be another breed. Although Dutch Shepherds are a close runner up. Great vid MallyMom. Thanks 👍

Great video, enjoyed. And subscribed

Finally!!! Thank you!! Your video is nothing but positive proof that the Malinois is suitable as a family pet for new owners or curious future parents of the Mal that nmight be fearful from the other videos posted on the breed. I watch probably 50 of them. They do need a structured repetitive routine and your management system makes sense. That 3 hour window of down time is what I am lacking, it will be implemented tomorrow. I just wanted to shout out a big Mally Thank You to you for showing a different side of the breed. I answered a post about this cute 3 month old puppy that was found roaming the Southside of Chicago. I was chosen and I took her in, Riley didn't had no training, no chip etc. The first week was a get to know ya, welcome to your new family ( just me and my Pointer/Boxer mix that is 18.5 years old (not a typo), I noticed that something was different with her, special kinda, her eyes reminded of chimpanzee eyes and the level of intelligence was beyond normal for a canine. Someone commented Oh she's a Malinois chuckled and wished my luck. WTF is a Malinois, so I started researching and researching while everything I sought out was not neccessarily negative it was all leaning to an elite breed, a working breed, special military unit favorite, with videos showing them climbling trees, walls, tight walking ropes and so on and thought OMG what have I done. Well, if that what I have then I am going to make the best of it and train the crap out of her. I struggled, I still am but I have the best dog I think I have ever had and by far the best in my neighborhood. By 6 months old she was jogging along side me while I rode my bicycle, she listens to all basic command, walks 2 foot high concrete lawn barriers evn turn the corner on them, fetches tennis ball, plays frisbee and will bring me her leash after she rings the bells hanging from the door indicating she wants to go potty. All that in a matter of a few months and a bonus is that her and Luke my 18.5 yr old absolutely love each other, eat together, play tug of war, ball (well Luke tries but it's not really running anymore at his age, it more like a hopping movement. Riley is aware of his age, I can tell the difference in the amount of strength she uses in play with Luke vs neighborhood dogs at the park, Anyway, I am absolutely in love with Mal Riley, I think she is mixed with GDR (reddish version) her coat, ears and her swagger walk is not of a full bred. I was told that the ears will point on their own by 11 months old if she is full breed. She has the black face, tail tip, the white markings on paws, the energy, intelligence, eyes and most noticable trait of the Malinois is the snap, wow is she fast with that jaw grab. It doesn't matter, she is perfect as she is she could be a poodle and it wouldn't matter but glad she's not. LONG LIVE THE DOG!

I’m getting a mal when my beagle pup is older. I love mallys and sheps so much

I subscribed at the part where you said "I dont feel like it" 😂 so relatable

what a beautiful video, I appreciated every minute of it ! I realize I have very little structure in terms of meal time and exercise schedule (about 2 hours spread out during the day) for my sherperd/lab mix, adopted in a shelter a year ago. And he actually struggles with dog to dog agression, and I also find him pretty anxious. Would you recommand implementing a more structured environement ? Thank you.

Great video!

outstanding.....definitely a different perspective....and obviously works well......

Great Video!

“Cuz i dont feel like it”, “they dont run my life, i rin theirs”. Love how blunt and honest you are. New subscriber

Glad it works for you. I have an older male German shepherd and a young female malinois. Borh are rescues and neither has been in a crate since they have been with me. Her favorite resting place is on my bed, touching my leg. She has learned how to behave from the shepherd. She is a sweet, busy dog that focuses on me. Never in a crate.

Longer video, but very informative for tons of folks

I can hear Robert's insights through your words, so refreshing... thanks for Sharing!!

i love it when you said i dont feel like it

My 8 month Mal has changed my life!! He’s Such a good partner to run with and also very smart. He’s the Best Boy ever :) Hanzo 🐕

You have a later start than me lol. I am up at 5am, walking the dogs at 6:30am before I have to help the kids with online school. I have working Kelpies and a Border Collie

This video changed everything for me!!! I run their life. Dogs are on my schedule! I love it! Thank you so much. Now, can you give me some tips on what to do & how to train rescued Malinoise ? Or is it not a good idea as first time Malinoise owner?

Im getting my first mal girl soon and im so excited she is brindle color 12 weeks age and i would love to get to train her like yours i ordered my first muenster food and made a deal with my local butcher for the future just incase if i wanted to make her have some raw goodness 😅 at some point i wish you make your own online training program for all of us new first time owners best of luck MaligatorMom from a huge fan 🙏🏻🍻

Very interesting. Ty

You told the truth I love it

Great video

This particular video gave me the reality check which I feel confident to decide to get Malinoise. Thank you Kay and tons of praise for your strong confident attitude for those men telling you that you have no business getting a Malinoise. You are my role model!!!

Nothing happens with my dogs until my wife has her coffee. Nothing, no even me.

thank you for the insightful video. Meena from Japan.

Thank you for this extremely helpful video. This really puts the reality picture of how my life would be if I get my Malinoise. Thanks. Would you have downloadable PDF timetable ? And downloadable training suggestions? I would be glad to pay for prelude written timetable. Watching your video helps but having a paper on refrigerator door is even better. Thanks for considering this request.

I’ve had a 120 lb German Shepherd and I got to say,pound for pound my 70 lb. Mali is just stronger ,as impossible as that might sound ,I am stunned by his strength and energy! He is an absolute tank! Always a measuring and calculating. Mind blowing creature!

what cages do you keep them in? i need to get a bigger one for my mal and the ones you have there look great!

Thanks for all the tips. Btw, where did you get your dog kennels from? Thank you

Awesome video!! Great pearls in here!! When storm is free in house do you keep a leash on to have better control of behavior?

Great video!! 👍🏽👏🏽Helps me get an idea of a routine.