Winnipesaukee.com Community: Meet My 9-Month-Old Belgian Malinois Puppy Tanto

[georgetkingiv]

Tanto pronounced taan·tow like the Lone Ranger's sidekick is a purebred National Kennel Club registered Belgian Malinois puppy who we had had for about a month and a half. We purchased him from a Filipino family in Swampscott, MA who were looking to rehome him because they were moving back to the Philippines and unfortunately, they were not going to be able to take Tanto back home with them. We have since got him his dog license in the city of Laconia as well as all of his recommended vaccines from Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic in Gilford. The next logical move was to look into having him trained and a lot of research went in to where to do that.

There are a lot of dog trainers out there, but we specifically wanted to place him with somebody who specializes in training 'working dogs' which essentially encompasses any dog breed that was developed for tasks like guarding, rescuing, pulling, and protecting. After lots of research we finally decided on placing him with Kjersti Dåbakk who is a Norwegian woman in Concord, NH that trains dogs for a living. But not only does she just train dogs. She specializes in training working breed dogs and competes all over the world with them. In 2017 she won her first national American Working Malinois Association championship which is a huge deal. Aside from that she also trains lots of K9's for both local and national police departments. In fact, she currently has a very close working relationship with the Boston Police Department's K9 Academy and has trained quite a few of their dogs.

We are so happy to be working with her and to be honest her prices for a three-week board & train were quite reasonable compared to some of the other quotes we received. Please wish my Tonto luck. We miss him dearly. It has been so weird eating dinner lately without him looming in the background staring at my meal in hopes of receiving a taste.

P.S. If anybody out there would like their dog trained by Kjersti as well. Here is a link to her Google business profile which includes her contact information as well as reviews you can read / check out for yourself. Also, one last thing in my experience texting her first works best as she is usually busy training dogs for a fair part of the day. When she gets a free moment, she will text you back then guys can set up a time to call each other and talk on the phone.

Nordic K9 LLC in Concord, NH.

Regards

George

[georgetkingiv]

Here is a little more information about the Belgian Malinois breed for anyone that may be interested in learning more about them. Furthermore, if anybody out there does some research on the breed and decides thy want to take the next step and purchase your own puppy. I recommend you reach out to Michelle at Battle Road K9 who is a well-respected Belgian Malinois breeder from Massachusetts who just so happens is currently in the process of building a home in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as well. She brings 40 years combined of law enforcement experience to the table and is well versed with the breed. In fact, a lot of police, military, and personal protection dogs for clients in and around new England and the country come from Michelle's breeding program.

Anyways, here is some more information on the Belgian Malinois breed.

The Belgian Malinois - everything you want to Know #malinois #belgianmalinois

ALL ABOUT LIVING WITH THE BELGIAN MALINOIS

Belgian Malinois — Majestic And Hilarious Videos And Tik Toks Compilation

Hero Dog in Action: Belgian Malinois Jumps In to Save a Life! 🐕🌊

Belgian Malinois High Jump and Extreme Attack #dogshorts #shorts #malinois #belgianmalinois #doglife

Kingston – Fearless Belgian Malinois Personal Protection Dog | Ultimate Control & Protection Skills

This Belgian Malinois Will Risk Everything for His Boy! 🐕🔥

Belgian Malinois protects female owner! ❤️✅

[BillTex]

Let me start by saying we are dog people. ALWAYS have a dog as part of our family.
One of my best friends has had MANY dogs, as many as 6 at a time. He and his Wife are great with dogs.
About two years ago they got a BM. This is a pedigree dog, very $$$.
All i will say is they have their hands full. This is not a pet, this dog is a weapons system.
I met the dog recently, i am very comfortable around any breed.
I would not be alone with this dog.

I hope you know what you have got in to. These dogs need a job. They are K9, security, or similar.
These are not pets. My friend Mike would be the first to tell you he regrets getting this dog as a pet. Be careful and understand the liability of owning an animal like this.

This dog has bonded with my Friiend’s wife and has attacked my buddy 3 times. They are that protective.

[georgetkingiv]

Hi Bill,

I agree with you this breed of dog is not for everyone but having said that the same can be said about many other breeds out there as well. For example, some people out there are not comfortable around Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, etc. Yet many people own these breeds and have them as pets. In my opinion and a lot of other people's opinion. The key to owning and raising a Belgian Malinois or any other working dog breed for that matter is early socialization and training. These are very high energy dogs and require structure. They are highly intelligent and need a job hence the title 'working dog'. They desire and require both physical and mental stimulation or they can become bored and manifest unwanted behaviors. That is why early socialization and training are essential. But once again having said that the same sentiment can be applied to many other dog breeds as well.

To address your concern. I am well aware of what I got myself into as I did my research on the breed before I purchased him. That is why I am working with one of the best dog trainers in our region with him. As far as your buddies dog goes. That I cannot speak to. What you're saying might very well be true. As you know some dogs just have a bad temperament or unfortunately were not socialized enough or trained properly. As far as this breed of dog being protective. That is part of their identity as they were originally bred to protect flocks of sheep from wolves and other predators. That is why the make great guard / personal protection dogs.

Regards

George

[BillTex]

Hi George,

I wish you luck, these are very aggressive dogs and certainly need a “job”. As noted, my buddy has owned MANY dogs, never a BM before. This dog has him a bit overwhelmed.
He is working with a trainer so maybe he will calm down a bit. Beautiful animal, but more of a weapons system than a pet.

It’s a lot of responsibility/ liability having a dog like that. I hate to think what would happen if he ever got loose.

Best of luck, enjoy your new buddy. He is handsome!

Bill

[georgetkingiv]

Thank you Bill. I appreciate the kind words. As you know owning any dog comes with responsibility. We love Tanto and he truly is a good boy. We most definitely want to see him succeed, thrive, and live a full and happy life with us here in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. That is why we are doing everything within our power to set him up for success and that takes time, patience, dedication, understanding, love, and money. It is so important to socialize them early and training is not an option when it comes to this breed. It is a must. And when it comes to training you are not going to want to just pick up the phonebook or search Google for a 'dog trainer' because there are thousands of dog trainers out there. You want to connect with somebody who specializes in training Malinois and or working breeds dogs. That way, you are assured that your particular dog trainer is extremely familiar with the breed and, therefore, can handle anything your dog can throw at them because they have seen it a thousand times before.

Regards

George

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Let me start by saying we are dog people. ALWAYS have a dog as part of our family.
One of my best friends has had MANY dogs, as many as 6 at a time. He and his Wife are great with dogs.
About two years ago they got a BM. This is a pedigree dog, very $$$.
All i will say is they have their hands full. This is not a pet, this dog is a weapons system.
I met the dog recently, i am very comfortable around any breed.
I would not be alone with this dog.

I hope you know what you have got in to. These dogs need a job. They are K9, security, or similar.
These are not pets. My friend Mike would be the first to tell you he regrets getting this dog as a pet. Be careful and understand the liability of owning an animal like this.

This dog has bonded with my Friiend’s wife and has attacked my buddy 3 times. They are that protective.

While I understand your sentiments, Belgian Malinois certainly make great working dogs but also can be great pets. Our first shepherd was a Belgian Groenendael, next was GSD mixed with Mastiff.

Hawk is our 2 year old Malinois. He is an amazing dog- smart and hard working. We walk and work him (scent). he wears a Fi collar and his step count is between 30k and 85k daily. 2 of his brothers live in town and they are pets also. I have no doubt that he would protect us with his life but I would have no problem with him being with anyone. Best dog I have had!

[IMG]"C:\Users\jharrington\Desktop\Hawk Beach.jpg"[/IMG]

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by georgetkingiv

Tanto pronounced taan·tow like the Lone Ranger's sidekick is a purebred National Kennel Club registered Belgian Malinois puppy who we had had for about a month and a half. We purchased him from a Filipino family in Swampscott, MA who were looking to rehome him because they were moving back to the Philippines and unfortunately, they were not going to be able to take Tanto back home with them. We have since got him his dog license in the city of Laconia as well as all of his recommended vaccines from Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic in Gilford. The next logical move was to look into having him trained and a lot of research went in to where to do that.

There are a lot of dog trainers out there, but we specifically wanted to place him with somebody who specializes in training 'working dogs' which essentially encompasses any dog breed that was developed for tasks like guarding, rescuing, pulling, and protecting. After lots of research we finally decided on placing him with Kjersti Dåbakk who is a Norwegian woman in Concord, NH that trains dogs for a living. But not only does she just train dogs. She specializes in training working breed dogs and competes all over the world with them. In 2017 she won her first national American Working Malinois Association championship which is a huge deal. Aside from that she also trains lots of K9's for both local and national police departments. In fact, she currently has a very close working relationship with the Boston Police Department's K9 Academy and has trained quite a few of their dogs.

We are so happy to be working with her and to be honest her prices for a three-week board & train were quite reasonable compared to some of the other quotes we received. Please wish my Tonto luck. We miss him dearly. It has been so weird eating dinner lately without him looming in the background staring at my meal in hopes of receiving a taste.

P.S. If anybody out there would like their dog trained by Kjersti as well. Here is a link to her Google business profile which includes her contact information as well as reviews you can read / check out for yourself. Also, one last thing in my experience texting her first works best as she is usually busy training dogs for a fair part of the day. When she gets a free moment, she will text you back then guys can set up a time to call each other and talk on the phone.

Nordic K9 LLC in Concord, NH.

Regards

George

Awesome!! They are amazing dogs!! I literally just had three running around me 15 minutes ago. This is my Hawk- When yours comes home, I will be glad to get them together. He loves all dogs!

[VitaBene]

He likes beer

[georgetkingiv]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Awesome!! They are amazing dogs!! I literally just had three running around me 15 minutes ago. This is my Hawk- When yours comes home, I will be glad to get them together. He loves all dogs!

That is awesome and sounds like a plan! Thanks for reaching out VitaBene. Hawk is a handsome boy. 🐕

[georgetkingiv]

Will Your Dog Protect You on a Walk?

Dogs Tested to See Whether They’d Defend Owner During Home Invasion

Dog protecting their family

[georgetkingiv]

Don't Get A Malinois Until You Watch This Video!

[BillTex]

An update on my buddy’s BM. A group of us met at his house this past weekend to go for a hike. The dog attacked one of the guys, clamping down on his forearm, he bit 3 times, tearing through several shirts/sweatshirts before the owner could get him off. Several stitches were required.
I know all dogs are different. I have NEVER met one like this. Again, the owner is very experienced with multiple other breeds. At one time he had six dogs. He has his hands full with this dog.
If this had been some stranger that was attacked, and not one of our friends, the dog would be confined and probably facing a firing squad.
This animal is a weapons system, not a pet.

I love animals, especially dogs! But this dog is nuts. I wont get anywhere near him.

[BroadHopper]

My daughter is single and lives alone. She purchased a purebred American German Shepard and had her trained by a well-known German Shepard trainer in Concord NH. The dog is obedience to her commands. Believe it! The commands are in German! Many of the family members are quite comfortable around her. I babysit her often, and she is a great dog!

One night she had a party of folks over to her home for music and drinks. In the course of the evening a gentleman was playfully physically teasing my daughter. Immediately the dog sprang to action and bit his arm. Daughter had to restrain the dog.

Certain mix of dogs are very aggressive. Be careful what you do around them.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

He likes beer

My Dachshunds loved beer, but the carbonation had to be shaken out.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by BillTex

An update on my buddy’s BM. A group of us met at his house this past weekend to go for a hike. The dog attacked one of the guys, clamping down on his forearm, he bit 3 times, tearing through several shirts/sweatshirts before the owner could get him off. Several stitches were required.
I know all dogs are different. I have NEVER met one like this. Again, the owner is very experienced with multiple other breeds. At one time he had six dogs. He has his hands full with this dog.
If this had been some stranger that was attacked, and not one of our friends, the dog would be confined and probably facing a firing squad.
This animal is a weapons system, not a pet.

I love animals, especially dogs! But this dog is nuts. I wont get anywhere near him.

There is no question that Malinois are focused and strong. Unfortunately it sounds like he may have a poorly bred dog or it needs too much work. Sorry to hear about your friend who was bit.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by BillTex

An update on my buddy’s BM. A group of us met at his house this past weekend to go for a hike. The dog attacked one of the guys, clamping down on his forearm, he bit 3 times, tearing through several shirts/sweatshirts before the owner could get him off. Several stitches were required.
I know all dogs are different. I have NEVER met one like this. Again, the owner is very experienced with multiple other breeds. At one time he had six dogs. He has his hands full with this dog.
If this had been some stranger that was attacked, and not one of our friends, the dog would be confined and probably facing a firing squad.
This animal is a weapons system, not a pet.

I love animals, especially dogs! But this dog is nuts. I wont get anywhere near him.

Lucky it wasn't a child. Presumabaly, the homeowner's insurance paid for clothing replacement under liability and stitches under Medical payments coverage The following policy cancellation severely limits the ability to buy insurance from someone else at standard rates. Maybe a fire policy without liability coverfage, which your mortgage holder can place at 3x rates?
Nobody will write an umbrella poilicy, even after the dog is gone because the owner is the responsible party and to the imnsurance industry, demonstrates an unacceptable risk. (25 years in the industry for me)

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

There is no question that Malinois are focused and strong. Unfortunately it sounds like he may have a poorly bred dog or it needs too much work. Sorry to hear about your friend who was bit.

My buddy’s Wife recently passed, the dog was “hers”. Or i should say bonded most with her. She was home all day with the dog.
My buddy still works, so the dog is home alone all day. Not a good situation for this breed (or any dog IMO).
So the dog is acting out…in negative ways.

This breed needs to work 8-10 hrs/day. They are working dogs, not pets.
I don’t know the lineage, but the dog came from overseas. They did a lot of research and paid $$$.

I don’t know how this is going to end. I would like to see him donate the dog to LEO.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Descant

Lucky it wasn't a child. Presumabaly, the homeowner's insurance paid for clothing replacement under liability and stitches under Medical payments coverage The following policy cancellation severely limits the ability to buy insurance from someone else at standard rates. Maybe a fire policy without liability coverfage, which your mortgage holder can place at 3x rates?
Nobody will write an umbrella poilicy, even after the dog is gone because the owner is the responsible party and to the imnsurance industry, demonstrates an unacceptable risk. (25 years in the industry for me)

Very lucky it was not a child.
No legal issues, as we are all close friends.
I will say, my buddy that got chomped on is not happy.

[georgetkingiv]

Originally Posted by BillTex

An update on my buddy’s BM. A group of us met at his house this past weekend to go for a hike. The dog attacked one of the guys, clamping down on his forearm, he bit 3 times, tearing through several shirts/sweatshirts before the owner could get him off. Several stitches were required.
I know all dogs are different. I have NEVER met one like this. Again, the owner is very experienced with multiple other breeds. At one time he had six dogs. He has his hands full with this dog.
If this had been some stranger that was attacked, and not one of our friends, the dog would be confined and probably facing a firing squad.
This animal is a weapons system, not a pet.

I love animals, especially dogs! But this dog is nuts. I wont get anywhere near him.

I am sorry to hear that. It sounds to me like your buddy bit off more than he can chew with his particular dog, pun intended. I strongly advise he reaches out to a dog trainer who has experience working with Belgian Malinois and or working dogs in general because if that behavior is not corrected immediately, it will manifest again and again because the dog will be under the impression that type of behavior is acceptable. Which it is not.

[georgetkingiv]

Originally Posted by BillTex

My buddy’s Wife recently passed, the dog was “hers”. Or i should say bonded most with her. She was home all day with the dog.
My buddy still works, so the dog is home alone all day. Not a good situation for this breed (or any dog IMO).
So the dog is acting out…in negative ways.

This breed needs to work 8-10 hrs/day. They are working dogs, not pets.
I don’t know the lineage, but the dog came from overseas. They did a lot of research and paid $$$.

I don’t know how this is going to end. I would like to see him donate the dog to LEO.

It sounds like there are many factors at play here. But a huge red flag is the fact that his dog is being left home by himself all day long. As you mentioned yourself these are working dogs and require a fair amount of both mental and or physical stimulation. I would be willing to guarantee that is definitely a factor in why some of this behavior is occurring. IF he ever does decide to rehome the dog. Please tell him to post his intention to do so in the following thread over on reddit rather than just dropping the dog off at a local shelter.

Belgian Malinois in Need of Adoption

[georgetkingiv]

P.S. I recently created an Instagram page for my dog Tanto. Feel free to check it out and follow him if you like. I will be adding more content regularly.

Regards

George

https://www.instagram.com/tantothedoggo/

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by georgetkingiv

It sounds like there are many factors at play here. But a huge red flag is the fact that his dog is being left home by himself all day long. As you mentioned yourself these are working dogs and require a fair amount of both mental and or physical stimulation. I would be willing to guarantee that is definitely a factor in why some of this behavior is occurring. IF he ever does decide to rehome the dog. Please tell him to post his intention to do so in the following thread over on reddit rather than just dropping the dog off at a local shelter.

Belgian Malinois in Need of Adoption

Absolutely the alone time is a big factor. But that is his life right now as he copes with losing his spouse.
Unfortunately there is no easy answer.

He would never drop this dog at a shelter. I doubt he will give up the dog at all for a variety of reasons. (But the best option may be to put the dog in a better situation…)

I thought I would contribute my experience as i have never been close to this breed previously. I can tell you I wont ever get close to this dog. To unpredictable. And i am the Guy that never passes a dog without scratching his ear-just ask my Wife! I love dogs.

Good luck with your Belgian. They are a unique breed.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by BillTex

My buddy’s Wife recently passed, the dog was “hers”. Or i should say bonded most with her. She was home all day with the dog.
My buddy still works, so the dog is home alone all day. Not a good situation for this breed (or any dog IMO).
So the dog is acting out…in negative ways.

This breed needs to work 8-10 hrs/day. They are working dogs, not pets.
I don’t know the lineage, but the dog came from overseas. They did a lot of research and paid $$$.

I don’t know how this is going to end. I would like to see him donate the dog to LEO.

Yes it is not a good situation, they definitely need to work more than other breeds.