our training

  • Training Begins BEFORE You Even Have a DOG!

    Love Belgian Malinois subscribes to the training methodology used by 2x World Champion Ivan Balabanov and his Training Without Conflict® program. If your puppy application is approved, you will then pay your depost and purchase Ivan's "Ultimate Guide to Raising Great Puppies." using this affiliate link. This is a very informative video set covering the basics to raising smart, healthy, confident puppies, and will set you on the path to success. Even the most experienced dog owners will learn something new in this guide! The cost of the training class is deducted from the total price of the puppy.

    Note: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Great Puppies class is also included in Training Without Conflict's Perfect Puppy Bundle (see below). If you wish to purchase the bundle, only the cost of the required class will be deducted from your puppy's price. 

    Why Is This Required?

    Love Belgian Malinois wants to set you and your puppy up for success from the get-go! This video gives you an idea of how puppies should be raised; from the time they are whelped, until the day they go home with you. You will learn about the initial training they receive from their mother, and their littermates. You will also learn about the importance of diet and how to meet the future needs of the dog, including trust during stressful times like vet visits and nail trimming. It also addresses crate training, house training, confined spaces, and boredom. You will learn how to puppy-proof your home and begin to set rules and boundaries, which will be the puppy's foundation for learning. We want you and your puppy to succeed in your long life together!

  • Puppy Training

    Puppies' brains are like sponges! They are eager to learn and please their people! Training starts on day one and continued reinforcement will last throughout their lives! There are millions of training vidoes on the Internet teaching the basics, but puppies and people learn best when they are having FUN! If you make your training fun, both you and your puppy will thrive. Find your puppy's drive and make it the foundation for your training! You will get the basics in The Ultimate Guide to Raising Great Puppies, and even more if you purchase the Perfect Puppy Bundle! Learning through play is the core component of the Training Without Conflict® program.

  • House Training

    House training begins at birth. If you ever watch a mother dog, she is constantly cleaning up after her pups. Dogs don't want themselves or their area to be dirty, nor are they "spiteful." A dog does not "choose" to go to the bathroom in your home. If they do, there's something that needs to be addressed. It could be lack of training, you missing cues or waiting too long, stomach upset, UTI or illness, or some other reason. If a dog uses the bathroom inside, ask yourself why. Most likely, if the dog is not sick, it's your fault. Proper house training is key to you and your dog's relationship, and is discussed in The Ultimate Guide to Raising Great Puppies!

  • Crate & Muzzle Training

    Crate, kennel, or "space" training and muzzle training is of the utmost importance in dog training! Every animal should have a crate, kennel, bed, or space of their own where they feel safe and comfortable.  Making sure your dog succeeds requires a good foundation and adaptability in unfamiliar or stressful situactions, and this includes having their "safe space" to go, as well as wearing safety equipment if and when it's needed.

    If your dog requires vet visits or overnight stays anywhere other than your home, crate and/or muzzle training may be necessary to keep everyone involved comfortable, reduce stress and anxiety and feel safe. Not to mention getting your deposit back if renting a temporary stay somewhere!

     

General Training & Behavior

  • Choosing a Dog Trainer

    Many prospective owners want the malinois they saw in "that" movie or on "that" video. The awesome antics you see on screen require YEARS of training and dedication from the owners as well as professional trainers! In most cases, this WILL NOT be your dog! NOT EVER!

    And, there is a reason malinois are called "maligators!" These velocoraptor-like demons will destroy anything if given the chance! At the same time, they are the smartest, most fun and loyal breed of any dog on Earth! But, they need training and a DAILY outlet for their energy! Remember, you only get out what you put in!

    Buyers MUST understand that the Belgian Malinois is unlike most other dog breeds. They are highly motivated working dogs! They must have a job, they must be given an outlet for their energy and they must be worked daily! Otherwise they can cause chaos and destruction. Dogs who are not trained or socialized propery can be hyperactive, destructive, aggressive or deemed "reactive." Many malinois end up in rescues, shelters or worse due to uninformed owners or lack of research, training and exercise.

    Who is the BEST Trainer?

    The short answer is YOU! You are your dog's person and they will be with you for many years. Once they leave the breeder, you should be their primary teacher! 

    The easiest way to determine the best training for your dog is by asking  "What is the goal for your training?" Do you want to go to the world finals in a sport? Do you want to have a protection dog? Do you want to have a family companion? Do you want a foot rest or snuggle buddy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a malinois may be a good fit for you! However, you cannot push "play" and have a trained dog. You must find the right trainer, and you must put in the work.

    There are many different methods to dog training, but why not make it fun? Training Without Conflict® puts an emphasis on your dog's genetic predisposition, or "homebase," and most importantly, teaches through FUN & GAMES!

    Many puppies cannot start formal "training classes" until they have their second set of vaccinations, but you don't need a formal class and teacher to start training your dog. Basic behaviors and commands can be taught in your living room, and everyone in your home should participate in the fun! Keep in mind, if you've never trained a dog on your own before, a malinois is probably not where you should start.

    Which Format is Best; Classroom, Private or Board-and-Train?

    Basic training can be done in any environment. Classroom settings are better if you are not regularly out and about socializing your dog, or simply want a group environment for you and your dog to learn. Private lessons are great for one-on-one sessions or more focused training. Board-and-train options are as close as you'll get to the "plug ang play" option for training, but can be costtly.

    All training formats have their benefits and drawbacks, but it really comes down to your personal preference and goals. Do your research and find a trainer familiar with your breed, with reputable references, and teaches in a style that you can emulate.

  • Ethical Training

    Wouldn't it be great if we never had to use the word "no?" Just like in life, not everything is always sunshine and daises. Dog training is no different. As with people, some dogs learn quickly what results in success and reward and what will result in punishment or correction. Other dogs, however, may take longer to recognize and avoid unwanted behaviors.

    We believe that training should be conducted using the LIMA method - Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive. Using the LIMA philosophy, training remains a positive experience for the dog, but also teaches the dog to avoid unwanted circumstances or behaviors. Aversive consequences can range from a simple "no" or loss of the owner's attention, to leash-based correction, use of different collars or harnesses, or correction via stimulus. Identify your comfort level and commit to using it for your training. All options are useful tools when used in the right setting and environment, with the right dog.

    If you choose to use a stimulus collar, please seek professional training on the proper use of these devices BEFORE placing it on your dog. Love Belgian Malinois does not support "working level" stimulation training. It is counter-productive and cruel.
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Ivan balabanov's training without conflict® program

  • Love Belgian Malinois is a huge fan of 2x World Champion Ivan Balabanov, and his Training Without Conflict® Academy. In addition, he hosts a very informative podcast on Youtube We are affiliates of his program and hope to enroll in his certification program this fall. Ivan offers classes online from puppy training, to competition including IGP, Schutzhund and MondioRing, to professional trainer certification. If you are interested in any of his training classes, please use the links below and we will receive credit for sending you there! .

    We have the Training Without Conflict® products listed from beginning training to competition and certification...

Beginning Training
  • Chase & Catch - Ivan's version of "Fetch"
  • Introduction to Leash Walking for Puppies
  • Teaching the "Out" Command
  • The Possession Games
  • The Ultimate Guide to Raising Great Puppies
  • Treat Chasing 2.0 
  • The Cornerstone Collection - Includes: Chase & Catch 2.0, The Possession Games, and Teaching the "Out" Command
  • The Perfect Puppy Bundle- Includes: Ivan's Guide to Raising Great Puppies, Introduction to Leash Walking for Puppies, Chase & Catch 2.0, The Possession Games and Treat Chasing 2.0

  • TWC® Certification Programs
  • Practitioner Certification Application (for owners & prospective trainers)
  • Professional Certification Application (for current trainers)
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