FAQ

Why is it that un-vaccinated ‘holistic’ raised puppies don’t get sick?

That vaccinations are needed to raise healthy dogs is a misconception. The truth to raising healthy dogs lies in being true to the dog’s biological nature by providing key nutrients, keeping parasites in check and eliminating ‘immune debilitating’ toxins from the dog’s environment. The dog will naturally build immunity required against viruses, bacteria and other illnesses such as Parvo. A truly healthy dog doesn’t require vaccinations. Read article ‘The Dangers of Vaccinations”

How did holistic healthcare came about?

As avid learners, we are always on top of our game in relation to working with healthy and top-performing dogs. Because its in our best interest to get the most years out of our trained working dogs before retiring them, we have studied and worked along with holistic veterinarians and experimented by trying different methods to prolong the lifespan of our dogs and keep them as active working dogs as long as possible. And we have found it very beneficial to the dog’s health and quality of life to be on a holistic lifestyle.

What are the benefits of not vaccinating a puppy?

Longer living dog, less illnesses as the dog ages, less likely to develop cancer/autoimmune disorders/allergies/diabetes/skin issues, less heavy metals in your puppy’s system, smarter dog, and finally its just doesn’t make sense to submit a dog to all the toxins and chemicals found in vaccines. This has been our experience.

Will I ever need to vaccinate my puppy?

In our experience, no. As long as you continue with a healthy holistic lifestyle no vaccinations will be needed, however its wise to consult with a licensed holistic veterinarian for a more accurate response. The only vaccination required by law in most counties is the rabies shot. And there are a few herbs you can use to remove the toxins safely from the dog’s system afterwards.

Are Holistic Puppies raised in Kennels or Home Raised?

Raised in homes. Whether its at our home or fostered in another home, they are home raised. We have experienced that home-raised puppies are more connected to their handler and easier to train when grown. We don’t like kennels nor cages, and we don’t use them.

If I don’t want to follow the holistic lifestyle, can I decide to vaccinate my puppy and go the conventional route?

There is no obligation to follow our natural approach to dog health. We can only share our direct experience and knowledge of what has worked better for us in relation to healthier, longer-living dogs and you make the final decision. Although we secretly desire for more dog owners to follow the healthier alternative.

What books do you recommend on holistic lifestyle for dogs?

On the menu of this website, there should be a tab to find books to get you started on holistic healthcare for dogs.

Is a Belgian Malinois good with family?

A Belgian Malinois with the correct temperament to match its handlers’ can be very good with family.

Are first-time Belgian Malinois owners considered for placement of a puppy?

It depends on other breed experience and activity levels of prospective dog owner as well as puppy’s energy and intensity levels. The only way to find out is to fill out questionnaire.

Will a Belgian Malinois make a good couch potato or lap dog?

Not at all. Not as a ‘couch potato’ or ‘lap dog’ as its sole purpose. Although many Belgian Malinois do enjoy having a good snuggle moment with their handlers after exercise, and some to a higher degree than others, don’t expect them to be a ‘lap dog’. Get a Bull Dog or a Pug instead if that’s what you’re seeking. Malinois are rather for the active, outdoorsy, sports oriented family or for trainers/dog handlers.

Will a Belgian Malinois make a good PTSD dog?

A properly picked puppy with the right temperament for PTSD can be a great service dog for veterans and non-veterans sufferers of PTSD.

Will a Belgian Malinois protect livestock?

A properly socialized and trained Malinois can protect livestock.

Will a Belgian Malinois make a good guard dog?

As long as its physical and mental needs are met, they will be great guard dogs for homes. Keep in mind they will need mentally challenging activity as well.

Will a Belgian Malinois destroy my house?

If you don’t stimulate a Belgian Malinois enough to meet its mental and physical needs, then yes. They will more likely destroy your house. However, if you have its exercise and mental needs met, that shouldn’t be an issue at all. That’s why its important that you are matched with a puppy with the energy levels that match your activity levels. If you are very active, then a more active dog will fit you right. If you are more relaxed, then a lower energy dog would be better.

Is a Belgian Malinois hard to train?

Not at all. Its easier to train a Malinois than most other dog breeds. They are intuitive by nature.

Is it true that all Belgian Malinois are too much to manage for the normal person?

The only way this can happen is by not properly matching the handler’s lifestyle with the dog’s energy levels. If you are properly matched with a suitable dog, then this will not be an issue. However if someone made the mistake to choose a Malinois puppy based on looks rather than personality, then more likely they might have overlooked the intensity levels of the dog.

What are the advantages of a Belgian Malinois over a German Shepherd?

In our opinion, many to list. A Malinois is more compact in size. Risks for Hip problems are minimal compared to the German Shepherd. Malinois are a healthier breed overall. Have not been overbred, or ill bred as much as German Shepherds. Lines in Malinois tend to be more pure, not many people have them. Have shorter hair, easy grooming. Adaptive to cold and hot climates. Are willing learners. Are associated with being police dogs by strangers making great thief deterrents.

What are the breed’s genetic health risks?

Belgian Malinois are overall a healthy breed. However as with all breeds, there are genetic tendencies, and some of those are hip dysplasia and eye problems. Although the risks are minimal, they are still there, though nothing compared to the health risks of other popular breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds.

Can a Belgian Malinois be good with children?

If properly socialized and chosen, yes.

What’s the difference between kennel raised puppies and home raised puppies?

We think that puppies are better raised at home because they are immersed 24/7 with people and to what people do regularly home on a daily basis (since people is who they are going to live with anyways for the rest of their lives). Kennels as used by commercial breeders to store, house and raise puppies are not recommended because the ‘human factor’ is removed. Further- in our experience, home raised puppies are the easiest dogs to train due to having developed a close human connection and are able to better read human facial gestures, voice tone and body language. A puppy raised away from people at hours at a time can become harder to train and are often disconnected from their handler.

Why are puppies placed at a minimum of 10 weeks old instead of at 7-8weeks old?

There are many things that is needed to do to make sure puppy is imprinted properly before its ready to go into its permanent home. There’s no rush to place puppies. Its better to take the time and allow puppy to develop fully in a healthy environment before deciding which home to place with. Also, the extra 2 weeks allows puppy to be exposes to different areas and public places and make sure its immune system is developed and ready to go into the world. Also, by keeping puppy two more weeks allows to play, interact and know the puppy’s personality, which will help decide what role/home would be best for that puppy.

Whats is the goal of breeding?

When breeding the goal is to improve the working dog and retain top talent out of each breeding to train and further the Malinois Breed Betterment Project. Further, breeding allows the development of new dogs that will replace retiring dogs, and it alleviates any stress accumulated on active working dogs which improves their concentration and performance.

Are first-time Belgian Malinois owners considered for the placement of a Malinois puppy?

Its determinen whether someone is ready for a Malinois puppy by asking questions that reveals prospective owner’s habits, lifestyle and past dog experience. This will help discern better whether a Malinois is a good fit, and if so, that information can be further used to determine the intensity and energy levels best compatible for them.

What’s the difference between puppies bred from ‘Kennel Dogs’ and ‘Active Working Dogs’?

Unlike most breeders, our main focus is the training and the supplying of trained working dogs for professional applications and breeding as a secondary function to support that. In contrast however, for most breeders breeding is their primary purpose. Dogs might come from good champion lines and have AKC titles, however the quality of life of the ‘breeding dog’ is not a good one.