Belgian Malinois

A dog collar and a dog leash are musts for any type of dog, including the Belgian Malinois. A collar provides a way to display your pup’s identification and vaccination information, and also serves as a tool for training and to keep him safe while walking.

When selecting a collar for your Mal, fit is extremely important. Make sure that you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. Also, the material, as well as the closure should be considered. A durable material, such as leather or paracord, will prevent the collar from being damaged by the dog’s strength, and a snap closure offers will prevent the chances of the collar being pulled off.

For training, e-collars, such as the Educator E-Collar and this Rechargeable Shock Collar, are great tools for a Mal. They can be used to teach your dog several commands and tricks.

A dog harness can be used with a Mal for walking and training, if you prefer. Harnesses distribute weight evenly and prevent neck injuries. Just like a collar, the size and construction of the harness is important. For instance, a collar made of nylon that features a padded interior will offer comfort and support.

For a leash, choose something that is functional and comfortable to handle. For example, if you are training a puppy, a shorter lead will prevent him from walking too far and ignoring commands, while a longer lead offers more freedom for a well-trained adult dog. Strong materials, such as paracord, nylon, and chain, are recommended, as they will withstand the strength of this dog.

You are definitely going to want to invest in a crate for a Belgian Malinois. Not only are they great training tools (and this breed absolutely requires training), but they also offer the security of a den, which this breed enjoys.

When selecting a crate, size matters. Choose one that will allow your dog to stand and turn around comfortably. Measure the size of your dog from his nose to the tip of his tail, and from his head to the floor, and add 4 inches to each measurement to determine what size crate you’ll need. Also, keep in mind that if you have a puppy, you’ll need to adjust the size as he grows. A cost-effective option is a crate that features a divider that can be used to change the amount of room inside the crate.

For a bed, opt for a pillow or bolster, such as this Pillow Dog Bed or the JOYELF Dog Bed. Mals like to spread out while they sleep, and this type of bed will allow your dog to do so. Also, the material should be durable, especially for puppies, as they like to chew and dig.

For dogs that spend a lot of time outside, a dog house will provide necessary shelter. Again, consider the size of your dog when selecting a dog house, as well as the climate of your region. In hot locations, a house that features operable windows will offer ventilation, while in wet, cold areas, a raised house will keep your dog up and off of the ground.

You’ll want to offer your Belgian Malinois a lot of different toys to choose from. As mentioned, this breed is very intelligent and requires a lot of activity, and toys provide them with both mental and physical stimulation.

There are several different options in the toy department that will work well for this type of dog. For example, dog balls made of rope or rubber are durable and great for fetch, while rope toys can be used to play tug-o-war, as well as fetch.

Toys that are designed to assist with training are also great for this breed. Interactive toys, such as puzzle toys, encourage your dog to search use his smarts and sense of smell to search for and reveal a treat. Treat mazes also work well for training, as do sticks with ropes attached to them.

Some great toy options for a Belgian Malinois include:

• Interactive Dog Toy
• Trixie Pet Products
• Giggle Ball
• Interactive Tug of War

A Mal’s coat is made of short, straight, and dense hair. Their coats are made to protect them from the weather and they shed all year long; though shedding is more heavy in the spring and fall seasons.

To maintain his coat and remove any dead hair, brush your Mal twice a week. Doing so will also promote the health of his skin and remove the buildup of dirt and debris. For bathing, only do so when necessary. Excessive bathing can strip the dog of his natural oils that are meant to shield him from the weather. Use a hypo-allergenic, perfume-free shampoo and towel dry as much as possible.

His nails should be kept trimmed. If you hear them clicking on the floor, they are too long. Use a high-quality nail clipper to prevent injuries, such as GoPets Nail Clippers or Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer.

You’ll also want to pay attention to flea and tick control. Since these dogs have such dense fur, they are particularly susceptible to pests. There are several control options available, including collars, baths, dips, topical applications, and pills. Some great flea and tick control products include SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula, Frontline Plus Flea and Tick, and Flea and Tick Squeeze-On. However, if you aren’t sure what type of product you should use with your Mal, speak to your veterinarian, who will offer the best advice for your unique dog.