Esquire Dog Training Services

07/01/2022

Fourth of July Plans...

04/13/2022

03/10/2022

03/03/2022

02/20/2022

There’s a viral post going around about the new movie “Dog” featuring Channing Tatum, and the fear that after seeing this movie, which features a malinois, many people will run out and get one. It’s a legitimate concern, because the same thing has happened in other films, like 101 Dalmatians.

Many of you have sent me the post, and I do like it; but I’m cautious to share it because it’s 100% correct but the language towards the general public is pretty judgmental. And I know that’s the point; but I like to word things a little differently.

Belgian shepherds come in 4 coat types - long-haired black Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois, and the long-haired fawn Tervuren. In the US they are separate but in all other countries they are the same breed, just different coats. Even in the US a litter of Belgian Malis may have longer coats (tervs) etc

The breed was originally bred for herding, but their flexibility, intense intelligence and biddability quickly became picked up by military and they served in both world wars and still do to this day. They excel in all dog sports, as well as protection, service dogs and search and rescue. They are incredibly brave, sensitive, and exceptional. They are NOT easy dogs to have.

Living with a Belgian is a full time job. I waited for years to be ready for this level of drive and intensity. I have also had a police K9 prior and have had German Shepherds my entire career; but Aslan is a completely different animal. Even the most experienced of handlers will feel challenged and out of their depth at times with this breed.

The fear of the movie creating a surge of people wanting a malinois - or any Belgian variety, is very very real for us as trainers, vets, animal professionals. Although we already see a massive amount of unpreparedness for even “regular” dogs, the thought of malinois in pet dog homes is terrifying. It’s also dangerous. When these dogs get older and their drive becomes no longer livable, shelters and rescues (who are already overrun) will be filled with dogs that need very very specific experienced working homes.

They are absolutely beautiful, and their intensity is addicting. But you could say the same about a Ferrari, beautiful to look at, but not the smartest choice for a family of 4.

Go see the movie, and admire the dog. But please, educate everyone you know on the reality of life with these dogs, they will test every nerve you have, they will put holes in every pair of pants, they will need to work. Be honest with yourself on if you truly can do that, every day, for the next 12 years. It’s okay if the answer is no, that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of a dog, it means you’re responsible.

02/03/2022

Due to unfortunate messaging over the years, coupled with a lack of knowledge, and compounded by the human tendency for denial/delusion, what should be obvious and commonly accepted is anything but.

A few of the messages:
-There are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Wrong.
-Any dog can be “fixed” if you’ll get your energy right. Wrong.
-Every dog should be saved. Wrong.

The knowledge gap:
-We have a chaotic house, with lots of kids running all over, and we adopted a highly nervous but “sweet” herding breed. Bad.
-My dog challenges everyone in our family, and has bitten us all, but is great with my trainer. Bad.
-We got a guarding/working breed so it can protect the family, even though we’ve never had a dog before. Bad.

A bit of denial:
-He only bites us when we kiss/dance/move too fast/leave the house/vacuum because he had a traumatic early life. Delusion.
-She’s guards her spot on the couch, her toys, and her food, and will bite us if we get too close, but it’s only because she never had things of her own before. Delusion.
-He always growls at or bites my husband, but I’m sure he was abused by a man before I adopted him. Delusion.

Can people improve? Absolutely. Can dogs improve? Almost always. Does that mean that all fits can be made healthy and happy, or are wise? Nope. People and dogs come in many flavors, and many of these flavors work wonderfully well together, some work with certain other flavors, and some (human and dog) don’t work well at all. It’s a sad reality, but a reality nonetheless. We should be choosing the dogs we share our lives with based on an honest and informed assessment of who we are, what our lives look like, and what dog—both breed and individual personality—fits that reality best.

Ignore the silly messages, do your homework, and lose the denial.

Fairytales in dog land often end up as nightmares.

12/25/2021

Merry Christmas 🎄

12/15/2021

Don’t find what your looking for in store? Amazon Prime has some you can have next day!

canineaesthete.com

10/29/2021

Truth!

10/22/2021

10/07/2021

This!

I’m going to share a training secret that is one of the most important I know — and it describes one of the worst dog training mistakes I have made, too. When dealing with a dog, there is nothing more damaging to a relationship than assuming willful disobedience.

09/09/2021

The Fall season is around the corner! Get out and go hiking/walking with your dog. If you need help with leash manners and basic obedience, please contact Esquire Dog Training Services. We offer pet dog training in Monmouth/Ocean/Mercer counties and surrounding areas. Training includes: canine manners, puppy training, leash walking, socialization plus other common issues. Have over 25 years of experience in training dogs of all sizes and breeds. Positive reinforcement and humane methods used.

Contact [email protected] or call/text 732-992-8606 for additional information and to book a session.

"A well trained pet benefits everyone!"

https://www.facebook.com/EsquireDogTrainingService

08/23/2021

🤣🤣🤣