We got our Mal a puzzle. It has three types of compartments to unlock and you can put a treat in it. It’s really engaging. At first he was bad at it, but now he’s really good at sniffing out the correct compartments for his treat and unlocking it the right way.
This is what we gave. It’s a good toy.
As already mentioned the mini educator and the ez educator are amazing and the best thing I've ever purchased for a dog. I haven't started using it on my Mal yet because he is too young... but it did wonders with my Rottweiler. It was the little break through I needed to improve on his training. As mentioned here I love the 0-100 settings and feel too many other e collars have too few settings and start way too high. My 100lbs Rottweiler worked at 5-6 to learn and 18 on walks when I wanted a last resort I know he will respond option.
I also can't recommended Larry Krohn's book enough on how to use e collars correctly. I agree with everything he says and he goes from zero experience to well trained use.
Everything you need to know about E Collar Training https://www.amazon.com/dp/1521126550/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2aSkBb8RP0D7R
It's $10 on amazon, it's written as a how to. It covers so many things. And I feel it sets you up for success. So many people go about ecollars wrong and use them as a punishment option when they should just be a way to communicate with the dog in a way they understand.
Probably the best harness I have ever used when you consider the price. It has held up to a lot of abuse, including when my dog jumped out of my 4runner to grab a stick....(he's okay, and has a seatbelt tether now).
The harness has a chest loop and a back loop so you ca clip the leash to his chest or his back. It also has a grab handle. Its very sturdy.
Bear pulled a lot when we first started walking, he wasn't leash trained. So far, through lots of abuse and several hundred miles of hiking, the harness has barely showed any wear.
When he wears it, I clip the leash through the front loop, ad then run the leash over his shoulder through the back loop.
When he would pull, it would force him to turn towards me, making pulling futile, which eventually taught him to not pull.
Plus, running the leash through both loops gives you a reinforced attachment point that makes the dog more secure, and allows you to manipulate his direction easier in case of hazards.
Likewise, you can also grab the section of leash that runs over his shoulder, which effectively gives you control the leash with 2 leads by folding the leash in half. It allows you to pull the dog really close to you, as well as give you 2 leash lengths to "steer" the dog with.
It's hard to explain, so I can post something later to show you how it works.
She actually doesn't destroy them, but that's a good point, kinda surprised she doesn't! I think she has gotten a little less destructive after turning /us getting a second dog.
This one is our favourite
Our Mal loved Jolly balls. They’re horse toys but durable so we could tug as much as we wanted without really worrying much. They also lasted pretty long. The link is for a larger one that’s 10 inches, but they also make them smaller with 8 inches.
https://www.chewy.com/horsemens-pride-jolly-ball-horse-toy/dp/133690
She looks 💯 like a malinois to Me. But they have DNA testing where you can find. https://www.chewy.com/dna-my-dog-breed-identification-dna/dp/156764?show-search=1&msclkid=66b91dbc75b71b1be9b47ef9d504d7a6
Yes. Is there a buckle right in the spot? Any other jingling things there? Velcro? Check the other side as well.
Why did you leave the harness on all day?
If it’s the harness, I’d monitor and use this. Vetericyn Plus All Animal Wound and Skin Care Spray. Cleans and Relieves Cuts, Abrasions, Irritations, and Sores. Non-Toxic, No Sting Formula. (16 oz)
https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Relieves-Abrasions-Irritations-Non-Toxic/dp/B00425DZTM
If it’s not the harness, I’d go to a vet.
I've had luck with these squirrel toys. They're intended to go in a stuffed toy log, but that hot destroyed immediately. The squirrels however live on. I don't know where they go but all of a sudden they will reappear. One of the few items the queen will deign to fetch. squirrel toys
I tend to avoid fabric toys cuz my girls will invariably demolish them. The only thing that has lived… and I mean lived (9months and counting) is this thing…
VESEOY Dog Chew Toys for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G97R9TR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It squeaks, bone shaped and neither my Mal or APBT/GSD can make a mark on it. And lord do they try.
You don't need to go from recall and some basic commands to scents and protection. There's a large space inbetween to work his mind. Grab these (or similar), record some words or commands and get him pressing buttons for actions/rewards.
Place one button in one room, another in a second room, and tech him to press them in a specific order for a reward. Then add a third button, teach another order and so on.
Get the Hyperflite Jawz - hyperflex edition. They are $20 but they are indestructible and throw super far. The hyperflex ones are made of semi soft rubber and is super easy on the mouth. If your dog is good at catching I recommend the competitive version which is harder but throws further. My dog goes HARD and even gnaws on these discs/plays tug of war and we still have her original one.
Try one of these. Mine destroyed pretty much every toy in minutes. All he could do to this one was put a few teeth marks in it.
The only toy I’ve found that won’t be destroyed in a few minutes by an aggressive chewer are the black kongs. The red ones hold up for a little while, but the black ones are harder and last for months.
Here’s a link.
https://www.chewy.com/outward-hound-non-skid-plastic-slow/dp/113714
Pretty inexpensive. Less than $20. Our snuffle mat was 30ish but we bought from Etsy. You can also sprinkle kibble in a box with crumpled up paper. Encourages using the nose and foraging :)
I got a couple of beds from amazon which my dog doesn't destroy. It seems to work because they aren't really fluffy. Other ones all got destroyed.
Here’s one option I was looking at for the leash:
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash for Medium and Large Dogs – Professional Harness with Reflective Stitches for Training, Walking, Jogging and Running Your Pet (Blue, for 1 Dog) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01K513BN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_63VWZC7APDVMYX1V6STN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax (7 Oz): All Season Pet Paw Protection Against Heat, Hot Pavement, Sand, Dirt, Snow - Great for Dogs on Trails and Walks! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002XIZXY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_VNTG8HYYB5R5DWW77DMN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Helps to heal pads a lot quicker. Had my Mal rip 3 out her 4 pad a few weeks ago while chasing my coworkers RC. She heal in about 2 weeks. Just make sure use antibacterial cream as well and keep the area clean.
Amazon, great quality!
JiePai Military Dog Collar... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F692J1D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The vest is only for the car but still
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness ,2X... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K3FP994?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Body suit. It’s the only thing that worked on our girl. Woke up during the night to get nawing at her stitches and bleeding everywhere. She had a better one than this from the vet
Get one of these. My Mal loses her shit for that frisbee. I had to roll it on its spine the first few times to get her to chase it, but once she locked in on it that was it. She runs with full energy output to get that thing. 20-30 minutes of that and she’s good for a few hours. We take her out to play morning, noon, evening, and night pretty much every day (weather permitting) and go for a long walk (3+miles) for 60-90 minutes and that’s all. It’s nice to get outside more because of her and we feel a lot better walking a lot. Weekends we’ll do maybe 5ish miles of walking split up in to two walks and play fetch a lot. Mix in some training and that’s it lol. Basically, I hope you’re cool with your new hobby being your dog. If you’re ok with that then y’all are gonna get along great. It’s definitely a lifestyle change, but it’s worth it. Once you build a bond and understand how to communicate with each other and you see how fucking badass they can be it’s super fulfilling.
This stuff is amazing. I have 3 German Shepherds that have had injuries to their pads. Clean the wound with mild soap and water, Pat dry, and apply salve. If you can keep it covered after the salve it’ll help keep it on.
Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy, 14 Inches/Extra-Large, Purple
That’s the ball she is playing with.
Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy, 14 Inches/Extra-Large, Purple
That’s the one we have.
LOL..great! If you need a pretty chew proof toy, try this. My last Mal would destroy toys in seconds, but he couldn't do more than put a few teeth marks in this one.
IceFang Amz Link It's an IceFang, I tend to not buy the expensive stuff for going into the woods and general goofing off. But it's a good quality and I have another in Tan (6 Buckle Harness IceFang) and it's also pretty solid and comes in Orange also. I got this one because I wanted something smaller that I can use in the warmer months and he can be visible especially during Hunting season and dawn/dusk.
We got ours a cot bed and it's the only one we've gotten her that she doesn't eat lol worth a try if you want, it's not too pricey. Although there are probably better quality ones for more, this one works just fine for us. Coolaroo The Original Cooling Elevated Pet Bed, S to L Sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HX426W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_SF5V9C30WBVWSCEP7NMF?psc=1
Thank you! Just search up Starmark durofoam ball, the ball is pretty much indestructible but I wouldn’t leave him alone with it as the rope can still be destroyed. You can buy them on Amazon and in some pet stores.
https://www.amazon.com/StarMark-Fantastic-Foam-Ball-Medium/dp/B003YHB8D4
My mali carries a toy with him 24/7. These only last a few weeks but he’s noticeably more gentle with these and they’re like a security blanket for him. He inevitably rips them to shreds but they’re still our go to toy
https://www.chewy.com/kong-squeezz-stick-dog-toy-color/dp/38424
I don’t use a prong collar. But I have a service dog that uses this: https://www.chewy.com/halti-nylon-dog-headcollar/dp/117351
That keeps my service dog from pulling. It also allows me to feel her head movement so I can focus her more easily.
It was his first time donning the hat and was definitely a “really, mom?” moment. Now he legit smiles like a derpy derp when he wears it lol. Harness is from Icefang on Amazon. It’s been AWESOME so far. I’ll link it below:
My Mal would destroy a toy in seconds. I got him [this]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088BHKX2M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and he not only loved it but as hard as he'd try, he only put a couple of teeth marks in it. He'd play with this for hours.
Seconded! My GSD has yet to destroy this. He loves Jolly Balls but they only last about a week before he takes a chunk out of them. https://www.amazon.com/Goughnuts-Interactive-Large-MaXX-Black/dp/B00MBQ12QW/
It’s best if you remove the anti-privacy tracking bugs from that URL. It can be stripped down to the essentials and still be fully functional:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0899QVLPQ/
Plus, it ends up being less intimidating and more user-friendly.
HIKISS Long Dog Leash Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead with Thickening Material for Large Dog - 15ft 20ft 30ft 50ft 100ft Training Leash (Black 50ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0899QVLPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6KRR49A145RB71JZ5ETP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this long line and it’s been great so far. Even made it through the teething phase 😅
I have a 2015 bmw x5 and this backseat cover fits absolutely perfect and looks really slick too.
Lassie Dog Car Seat Cover for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DXXYSYV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I understand if you don't want to copy and paste a link from a rando on reddit so search on amazon for "Lassie Dog Car Seat cover" and you should see an option that starts off with "Dog Car Seat covers for backseat"
I’m in the process of desensitizing my doggo. So far we have gotten as far as holding the dremel next to her nails and giving high value treats.
But I found these a few weeks ago: EAVPORT Lick Mat for Dogs, Dog Bath Peanut Butter Lick Pad with Suction Cups, for Slow Feeder, Distraction, Dog Shower and Grooming https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSKHVKN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VQNZWFRD864N32ZQ65EW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use the lick pads for their baths right now and it completely distracts them.
One at a time! I often have two to three people help. Always leash the dogs so they cannot run away, have one person to keep the head occupied and feed them treats or peanut butter or the such to distract them while they stand, then your 2nd person brings the foot backwards like you are shoeing a horse and only trims one nail. If you have a third person, they can be there petting the dog/keeping it still. Then throw a giant party and get the next nail tomorrow! Do Not allow yourself to say "just one more!" And push the dog too far. Also, if one is just too much, do some mock trims to get the motion down, just touch the nails, separate the toes, ect.
Aww, thats so cute. It’s bc she loves you, and I’m sure you lover her too. Its called “Omega Paw Treat Ball” On Chewy I think its even cheaper
Make sure the sardines are in water! This is what I buy. It’s in water, non-GMO, and no salt added. Best prices I’ve found for such a large quantity.
Literally the one from your picture:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086ZWGK7P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a pair of them in my 4Runner (on the front seats and back seat to keep the dogs in the middle). Works great, easy to install. I left the left most expansion panel off on the front one so my Mali can stick her head through and lay it on my shoulder while I drive.
Paw Lifestyles – Dog Treat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DN07JUM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use this one and have a round plastic Tupperware I set inside that I have the treats in. I have put a tennis ball under the Tupperware a couple of times.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08315PBM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
In my opinion, well worth the price. He absolutely destroyed the traditional wire crate in his first night home as a puppy. He hasn't even tried to get out of this one and enjoys going in there for naps and bedtime.
I have been lucky enough that my maligator doesn’t destroy things when left alone since she gets an hour of exercise before being left unsupervised but I have been wanting to leave her bully sticks to keep her busy. One thing to invest on are there bully stick holder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YNYFXTP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_V3N4CT5MAN2AG1A22M6B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 so you won’t have to worry about it being too small for them to choke on.
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness ,Hook and Loop Panels for Patch,Working Dog MOLLE Vest with Handle,No Pulling Front Leash Clip,6 x Buckle (M (Neck:16"-22" ; Chest:25"-31" ), Coyote Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F3QWN1X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RCJZPBJG0RR5G4JZJYMM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
hmm...
might show a bit too much of my redneck side but hear me out.
get a good harness with lots of MOLLE webbing
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K5D57YN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
get two (maybe four) MOLLE pouches
cut out styrofoam blocks to fit inside pouches and then boom! you now have a tactical life vest
https://www.amazon.com/Bedsure-Orthopedic-Memory-Extra-Large/dp/B0828NLZ35/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dog+bed+bedsure+xl+dog+bed&qid=1618905808&sr=8-3 I think this is the one I bought and I'm very happy with it. My girl loves it. VERY comfortable. Her elbows don't sink down far at all unlike the eggshell junk. Washable liners, and the bottom is nonslip so if you step on it while you're drunk you won't slip and fall.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W2P3QF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My mal really likes this. It cleans her teeth and I wedge treats/peanut butter into the teeth and down the middle. Might help? Good luck!
Eats toilet paper rolls, lol. I have also started using this, https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0719Q89XH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_F4CSZAAVZRW6MRP2184T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. I found it on the r/reactivedog in a post about nose work. I have to say it is really well built and heavy. My guy would destroy ones from the box stores in one night. I have had this for a month or so and it is very sturdy and seem to be lasting very well. They have different levels of difficulty available. I figure even if I have to replace yearly, it’s cheaper than a vet visit.
I keep tug toys separate from "chomp" toys. More specifically, tug is a game my Mal and I do together with a tug toy; chomping is something she does alone with a chomping toy. She does not get the tug toy unless we are playing tug.
This one is her favorite, and mine too:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQ27SMT/
She seems to like how easily she can sink her teeth into the pillow part, she likes it much more than rope toys.
I like that the part for her teeth looks very different than the part for my hands, so there's never any confusion about where her teeth or my hands should be. (Far apart!!) I also love that the handles are a little springy, so when she hits it hard there is less stress on my arm and her neck.
She will do ANYTHING I ask for a chance to play tug with one of these. It's her absolute favorite thing in the world.
I don't have a Herm Sprenger; my Mal is part Pyrenees, so we just used our other dogs' old prong collar not knowing what size we'd need when she was fully grown. She finally seems to have stopped growing, but now we're at the point where we work with a martingale and vibrating collar for the most part lol.
She's big for a female Mal (~75 lbs), but is still the runt of the litter (one of her brothers has a good 30 lbs on her last we heard), so the 3mm was fine with her, but I've used a 2.25mm on a foster dog and it was significantly easier to get open, which makes sense since it's not as thick. I prefer the smaller size if the dog has some fur on their neck to make it less intense, and like you said if they aren't just a huge dog.
I haven't tried that buckle style in a prong collar, but the martingales we have use the same concept and I love it. Makes it super easy to get on and off for training or grooming. Don't think I could go back to the over-the-head style we used when she was a puppy.
I've heard that the Quick-release version made by Herm Sprenger is not very reliable; haven't tried it, but there are some versions that modify a regular Herm Sprenger collar and add a regular quick-release buckle (some plastic, some are metal).
Like this one.
Also, what size Herm Sprenger are you using? Unless your Mal is super big, I recommend the 2.25mm size (not the larger 3.0mm). You may have to buy a few extra links but I think it's easier and safer on my Mal's neck -- I think the 2.25mm requires less hand strength to pinch too.
Amazon!
Legendog Dog Bat Wings, Halloween Costumes for Dogs, Pet Costume, Bat Wings for Dogs with Dog Leash and Pumpkin Bells, Pet Bat Wings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VKKFH8P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6lXNFbS3X9TG3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Its a "poy pet" harness off Amazon. Its cheap but its been really durable over a few hundred miles of backcountry camping and backpacking.
Its got 4 buckles so its easy to remove if necessary. Its a "no pull" design with a front and rear clasp, and it has a handle on the back too.
This is the harness. Its been an amazing value. It could easily sell for $60+ and its better than what Ive found in big box stores.
Bought this one about 6 weeks ago:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08315PBM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Super sturdy and easy to assemble. We haven't had any issues yet. We used a standard wire crate before this and our boy turned it into a hunk of mangled metal. It opens from the top as well which is convenient. I put him in through the top the first time and now he gets extra psyched up for me to pick him up and put him in that way before bed.... so now that's the routine. Mals are goofy.
I got it on Amazon! I have two Siberian Huskies and a Belgian Malinois and so far so good. Washes easily and stays in place. I've had it for about 8 months.
Do you have another dog who the puppy would be sleeping near in his crate out of your bedroom? Dogs are pack animals and want to be with their people or other dogs.
I would be feeding him all his meals in the crate. You can get some of these puppy kongs and soak some of his kibble to soften it up then stick it inside the kong and freeze it. It'll take him 20-30 minutes to eat his food that way.
If you start with feeding him with the crate door open, then move to feeding him with the door closed, then go in and out of the room while he's eating, then move up to feeding him and leaving the room. You should be able to Google frozen kong and crate games for some more ideas about how this works.
Signing him up for a puppy kindergarten class is a good way to learn about these and other issues that you just haven't started having yet. Most puppies go through a lot of the same problems so teacher should be a good resource and the best thing that you can do for your puppy right now is to get him socialized (just please don't take him to the dog park).
Mine loves the chuck-it brand toys. They make all kinds of stuff from frisbees to cubes and large balls for kick-fetch. All of them have glow in the dark versions too.
Theyre pretty expensive but the durability is worth it. Id rather buy one toy for $25 that will last a year or more than a bunch of $5 toys
Edit; amazon has the large ones on sale for $11, theyre 25 at the pet store. Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball Dog Toy Interactive Play 2 Sizes,Max Glow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QT4GNFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0WI2Bb6023HH5
Amazon! They're actually for people. I tried an Animal Planet bat dog costume but the XL size was waaaay too small for her.
Here's the link... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KL9MTV?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
We ended up getting a 36"L x 23"W x 27"H one for the car.
I'm pretty sure it's this one, but we paid less at PetSmart oddly enough. I'm sure the situation in Brazil is a little on the crazy high priced side though. He's 4.5 months right now and he's got a ton of room still. Another Mal owner we know keeps her full grown one in the same sized carrier still without any issue.
Hope that helps!
I believe I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Training-Replacement-Outward-Hound/dp/B0042I5G2I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499884677&sr=8-2&keywords=flirt+pole
The included squeaky toys definitely don't last, but you can just tie your leather rag on when you get that.
Like /u/Schnitzngigglez said, buy a chuckit ball launcher. You won't regret it. I can throw a ball hard and fast enough with it that my boy can't even track it visually yet (he's four months, so I know that'll come in time). Also, if you can, I'd mess with his expectations--throw the ball in unexpected directions so that he has to run farther/longer when he makes an assumption and takes off in the direction he expects it to go instead of where it's actually going.
The biggest thing my dog has taught me is that owning a Mal is like playing chess all the time. Always got to be thinking of ways to subvert their expectations and outsmart them.