Different Type of Protection Training for German Shepherd vs Malinois

Welcome to our latest podcast episode where we delve deep into the world of dog training, specifically comparing German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. If you're passionate about dog training or considering one of these breeds for protection or family life, this episode is a must-listen!
🐾 Key Highlights:
Training Differences: Discover the unique training needs of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Learn why each breed requires a different approach and how this impacts their performance in protection, police, and family settings.
Breed Characteristics: Unpack the inherent traits of each breed. Understand why German Shepherds are predisposed to work with and for their handlers, while Malinois exhibit high prey drive.
Practical Insights: Gain valuable insights from real-life training experiences and stories. Learn from the mistakes and successes of seasoned trainers.
Breed Selection Advice: Get expert tips on choosing the right breed for your specific needs, whether it's for family protection, police work, or simply as a loyal companion.
🔊 Featured Expert:
Join Hans, a renowned dog trainer with years of experience in training both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. His expertise and anecdotes offer invaluable lessons for anyone interested in these breeds.
👂 Why Listen?
Whether you're a new listener or a returning one, this episode is packed with educational content and practical advice.
Understand the nuances of dog psychology and training methodologies.
Make an informed decision if you're considering adopting or training a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois.
🔗 Links Mentioned:
Four-Part Video Series: www.alpinek9re...
Personalized Online Coaching: www.alpinek9re...
To Purchase Instructional Videos: www.alpinek9re...
Call or email Hans if you are interested in a puppy or adult dog :
(602) 332 - 4404 [e-mail]
Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: / 443424269392662

[@Noahsark17]

This explains why I see so much working german shepherds, behaving exactly like the Malinois. No! You do not need high drive for work. I intentionally developed my Malinois to operate in middle drive, and high in certain training modules. What a fascinating topic! The raising, training and environment, will dictate. Thanks Hans. We Love you❤

[@jel0995]

I have a Belgian pet. I have a gsd k9.. he’s the only one in my department, he is the best. I notice Me and him have a stronger bond than the Belgian handlers. It’s funny because I wanted a Belgian originally when I found out I was getting k9. But now I wouldn’t trade him for any dog. He’s 105lbs and all black, he has a presence. Great video!

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thank you for letting me know. It is a great encouragement to hear from people who actually work with their dogs.

[@Arivmario]

Love to listen to these videos while driving home from work. 💪💪💪

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you like them!

[@marka1712]

This is the best description of the differences between gsd and malinois I have heard. It’s like I knew it but couldn’t put it in words. I absolutely love listening to Hans and reading his comments on fb as well. Truly a great ambassador for the working gsd

[@hans-alpinek9real]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and reading

[@cydppalley2644]

I am a first-time subscriber. You popped up on my KZbin and I'm glad you did. Looking forward to watching all of your videos. Thank you very much. Watching from Albuquerque, New Mexico 👍

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for tuning in :)

[@Seaspray127]

I am no expert, certainly not the way Hans is. I have owned a German Shepherd and I own a Malinois right now. The German Shepherd was the perfect level to be a personal protection dog and a house companion. May Malinois is seemingly quite mad. He doens't know what to do with himself if her doesn't have something to destroy. He can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't recommend him for the faint hearted.

[@Mr.Bathelus832]

There’s Malinois that are medium drive. Which makes the dog perfect for protection and companion

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Only a few these days.

[@lukeryuzaki2328]

@@Mr.Bathelus832 There are many more component when judging a dog and overall breed mentality than just drive. Medium drive, but weak nerve that easy triggering is no where perfect for a house dog for example. Or the dog is not clear headed, that it doesn't seem to have an off switch to distinguish different scenario is a problem. Most importantly as Mr.Hans said, Malinois as a breed is a self satisfying selfish breed. Where as generally the true German Shepherd which some lines like the old Czech Shepherd is bred to bond and please the owner. The ultimate reward for the dog is that bond and please the owner. Not treat, toy, play reward, relationship where the dog dictate (the dog is the leader) what it rewarding...

[@jw-vx8im]

Hans great video. Could you please do a video on training Mastiffs v shepherds

[@SherPunjabi86]

Yes!

[@notlukas1981]

im deciding between a mal and a shep, this was very helpful thank you

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lukeryuzaki2328]

If you can afford it, there is no questioning going with a well bred German Shepherd from a reputable source like Mr. Hans. You and everyone should think hard before getting a Malinois. Malinois is the type of breed that may require you to change yourself to match the dog, instead of the other way around.

[@magnuseriksson2724]

Good topic and discussion. The key is always to train the dog in front of you the way it needs to be trained. Many excellent dogs are discarded due to not being able to train the way the prey way.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Yes it’s very sad

[@VonGontaHaus]

Very good video. Unfortunately, the Shepherds are being bred more like Malinois these days. I still believe that the German Shepherd is the better police dog and overall dog. There is a certain neuroticism in the Belgian Malinois that I see. There is also KNPV Malinois and FCI Malinois and they are different. Today's Dutch Shepherd has so much Malinois blood in it, that it's a brindle Malinois. But the German Shepherd named "Pilot" from Horand von Grafrath was brindle and may have contributed to Dutch Shepherd. The Dutch shepherd almost went extinct in World War II and so it was recreated essentially, but today's Dutch Shepherd is essentially a brindle Malinois. I also see Dutch Shepherd mixed with Pitbulls and German Shepherds as well called X-Malinois. The Dutch Shepherd is not really a pure-breed anymore. I think today's training methods are ruining the German Shepherd and Dutch Shepherd. People need to respect the breed as it originally was!

[@tho4747]

In Norway most police dogs are German shepards, though there are some Mallinois too.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Great to know. GSD is the truly a wonderful all around dog

[@HoneyBadger0704]

Interesting video on the differences between the training of the German Shepherds and the Malinois. If I recall correctly from a previous video, you trained for Kimbertal. Would be interesting to hear your perspective on training differences with the Doberman as well.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks for watching. I will make on episode about Dobies

[@HoneyBadger0704]

@@hans-alpinek9real I’m very much looking forward to it, thank you!

[@CoquettaRomero]

We love your content with an 8 year old female GSD slowly aging, and a 30 year fascination with the Euro Dobie, we'd love your expert experience on that breed as well. We just can't imagine a better dog than a GSD... except for the hair with every meal. Thanks Hans.

[@lindal5843]

very nice explanation...eye opening..

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you liked it

[@jimmyj1236]

Hans brilliant podcast!!💪 Czechs also produce great beer 😉🍺🍻

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you enjoyed it! One of the best beers in the world 🌎

[@jimmyj1236]

@hans-alpinek9real I agree Hans my friend is originally from Czech Rep. Another dog man got me hooked on pilsner urquell in a responsible way lol

[@Digger903]

A moderate, sensible dog is a great thing. I've mainly had very driven dogs and they're a lot of work in comparison. My next dog I hope to be a GSD of that type.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks for listening. What breed did you have

[@Digger903]

@@hans-alpinek9real American pit bull terriers, patterdales, lurchers and on my second Malinois. The current Malinois is nearly 5 when he slows down notably I'll look out for a good GSD.

[@raajsarthak2245]

I already have a Workingline GSD. After listening to you Hans, I have taken a conscious descision of getting into training my GSD. Also, planning to get another puppy soon. Lots of appreciation and support to you Hans.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

👍

[@FortiniIII]

This was very informative.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jplotkin3380]

Excellent explanation of these differences that only vast experience can put into words

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@sumerfun01]

I’ve been seeing a lot of working/ipo line German shepherds with very little terratorial drive from the selective breeding for speed and points….a lot of them also hav huge grips and super friendly

[@HeartlandShepherds]

I got my first working dog (puppy) a year and a half ago - a Shepherd. I thought it was a second class dog after seeing a Malinois in action - just because of the Malinois’ pure athleticism. But, after more exposure I have no regrets and am a Shepherd person all the way. It’s the best fit for my lifestyle. The Mals Can be incredible working machines but most of us don’t need one 😂. They seem more sensitive to poor training also. What I mean by that is that their frustration level, because of the high drive, can go through the roof very easily. Good conversation, enjoy hearing your perspective on all things training due to your time and experience. One question, one of you mentioned Greek and also Hebrew. I’m working my way through a Biblical Greek grammar book and getting lost. Any recommendations on Greek starter courses?

[@gleannfolaichte]

Chronos is linear time, which is measured by the clock. Kairos is the right moment, not the quantitative time but the qualitative time of the occasion, the experience of the opportune moment.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks for your input

[@glecrenn]

Another consideration is whether the dog is raised in a home with a family or raised in the Police K9 vendors kennel. It makes a difference in how they relate to the handlers.

[@jens5934]

Very interesting and informative conversation. I wish I knew how to train like you guys. My first dog came from animal aid. Sold to me as a GSD x Bully, but as I found out many years later, he was purebred Dutch Shepherd. Amazing dog, I just wish I could have done him justice with proper training.

[@todosdecoyinternational-k9522]

Correct 💯

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Glad you agree. Thanks for listening.

[@sharonblakeney-mcdonald8217]

Excellent information, thank you, Hans. We have a new member joining the group with a Mastiff. I've sent you a message on Facebook to give you a heads-up about another student joining to learn your protection dog training through your videos.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dongonzales7077]

Excellent video

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thank you very much!

[@dongonzales7077]

Found you just in time. I’ve had 4 German Shepherds over the last few decades. I’m getting my new puppy in 5 weeks. It’s been 10 years and I feel like I’m starting from scratch with my knowledge. Your insights and even gear recommendations are helpful as I prepare. Subscribed!

[@hans-alpinek9real]

@@dongonzales7077 Thank you for subscribing :) Glad you found my teaching

[@ihorburtsev858]

For me, it seems that people in the US don't understand the Belgian Shepherd as a breed. The AKC considers all four variants - Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren, and Laekenois - as different breeds. In Europe, all the variants are considered one breed, but kennels breed each variant with different purposes. If you want a working machine, you buy a Malinois. If you want a dog who is good with the family, has less drive, a bit softer, but still protective, you buy a Tervuren. If you want a dog who forms strong bonds with the owner and is very protective, you buy a Groenendael. If you want a balanced dog, you buy a Laekenois. Breeders in EU are allowed to mix them, but there are rules. For example, mixing Groenendael with Malinois is not allowed (the result will be a "Super Rare Elite Black Malinois"). Additionally, breeders in Belgium won't sell a dog that doesn't suit your needs. Consequently, Malinois are not commonly found in shelters. Though I initially sought a Malinois, after a five-hour discussion with the breeder, we concluded it wasn't the right fit for me. Instead, she recommended a working Groenendael breeder, and now I'm delighted with my dog.

[@richardspinelli1433]

I read your full comment and I understand now! Because my dog is from France and she is a Malinois and is Fawn black mask and mahogany are the only colors that are accepted in this bloodline. And I seen this pedigree going back to the 60s and I'm sure it goes back further. The French guy I got my dog from told me that if the dogs are black brindle or anything else they are mixed 100 percent and are not accepted. My friend got a number of dogs from France and had 10 litters here in NYC Harlem and not a single dog that wasn't fawn with a black mask. I like all four varieties just not when they are mixed with each other..I really like the dog you have too thier gorgeous.

[@ihorburtsev858]

You still don't understand. Let me explain. Everything I am writing is related only to working lines. Working-line Malinois blood is necessary for working lines of other varieties. In the USA mixing is not allowed that's why US working lines of Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois perform bad compare to European. That's why some of mixes are allowed in EU and recognized as a pure breed. For example Malinois + Tervuren. The result of mixing Malinois and Tervuren will be Malinois (in the 1st generation), in the second generation you will find Tervuren in the litter. And this is allowed. The same is for Malinois + Laekenois, Tervuren + Groenendael. Other variants are not allowed (Groenendael + Malinois, Laekenois + Groenendael). If you want to add Malinois blood to Groenendael, you mix Malinois + Tervuren and then you mix 2nd gen of the result (2nd gen will be Tervuren) with Groenendael.

[@richardspinelli1433]

That's how you end up with all these colors..to me they are not true working malinois..the kennel I got my dog from I seen 10 litters here in NYC all fawn black mask. I bought my dog from a French men and he explained that those colors are not true malinois in France..fawn or mahogany black mask and the mask cant be big...I seen dogs in my pedigree and it's all fawn dogs going back to the 60s..I understand genetic code makeups. I do get it..and I even bought a black malinois but got robbed by the breeder..so I like all of them..I'm just calling it what it is.

[@lukeryuzaki2328]

I don't agree on few points. Rules, standards keeps changing with the whole Belgian Shepherd. In the past, when the gene pool was more commingled among all these type of Belgian Shepherd, there would be Tervurem puppies in Malinois parents' litter that would gain full registration. Similarly, Groenendael puppies from Tervurem parents, and vice verse... They're considered one breed and the temperament is not distinguishable unless you look at specific lines from specific breeders. Tervurem can be working machine too. What got Malinois its reputation is because their coat type. A working dog especially for military work should ideally require less grooming which Malinois had advantage over the three other type of Belgian Shepherd. Over time, since Malinois was selectively bred and tested toward police and military work more, majority of Malinois lines are dominated by the gene with working traits for these type of work. Where sheep, cattle farming shrinking in Europe means less and less avenue for other Belgian shepherds. Breeders selectively bred for more house dogs for the other 3 type of Belgian Shepherd. However, it's a stable set in stone type of breed standard because we're looking at same ancestor tree that was still connected not long ago. If one decide to find Groenendael with same temperament of Malinois and develop the lines to be the black long haired Malinois, it can be much easily done. Much easier than trying breed Malinois with the mental stability of the good old German Shepherd.

[@richardspinelli1433]

@@lukeryuzaki2328 I got my dog from a French breeder. Scentry kennels. Fawn,or mahogany with a small black mask. And that's it. I saw the pedigree and it went back to the 60s all fawn dogs. I've seen 10 litters here and it's all of the same. When I asked him about the other colors and blood lines. He explained that they have all been mixed at some point. I've dealt with some big breeders in the United states. And they mix thier dogs and still paper them up as malinois . I think 99 percent of the malinois here in the states are mixed up. KNPV dogs are mixed with Dutchy and GSD. This lady was breeding her dogs straight to a GSD and papering them up KNPV. And thier are European lines that are herders too. And German lines. Some French lines. A true malinois is hard to come across these days.

[@danielportillo3205]

Now my question is with the current breedings of MALINOIS and dutch herders and becoming pretty much the same dog. My question is to hans what was the difference back then or originally

[@williamchee6873]

Han’s knows so much about Dogs !!! Also sells The Best imported German Shepherds !!! I learned so much from this video - Thank You Han’s !!!

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks so much Bill!!

[@777archbishop]

Kairos (opportune time) and Chronos (quantitative time)

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed the episode

[@gehausecabinet5073]

Hans, is there such thing as an overly socialized personal protection dog?

[@sjbclothing5886]

Please make a video about Rottweilers and protection training

[@hans-alpinek9real]

We will do one for sure. Thanks for listening :)

[@blackout4203]

Traing differences in Rottweilers & GSD's?

[@hans-alpinek9real]

I will do a video on that. Thanks for watching

[@bluewave2024]

Genetic line is key. Does your Shepherd or Mal have a proven genetic line or not?

[@gaborsvagrik4754]

Han’s is tired of saying this but genetics 🧬 is NOT everything. It’s a combination of both. By your standard only a fraction of dogs would be able to be used for actual real life work. Han’s trains dogs that’s might not posses the genetics you are referring to and make them warriors through training.

[@gaborsvagrik4754]

By the way u need to get explain to all of us what exactly you mean by right genetics. And please be specific

[@bluewave2024]

@@gaborsvagrik4754there is a big difference between training a dog to bite a sleeve and what happens in the real world. Is that dog willing to continue engaging in combat once it's out of its comfort zone? AKA hurt, kicked, punched, slammed, stabbed, etc? A lot of these dogs won't and that's why a genetic line that is proven to do that is so important. I have trained hundreds of dogs to do work but only trust the ones I breed because they will fight until it's over or called off, THAT is the hard part, you can't train that.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

So what is training for then?

[@michaelalderman-uz2gd]

HANS CAN I ASK YOU WHO BREEDS THE BEST SHEPARDS IN THE UK, WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE A LIST OR CONTACT OF BREEDERS PRODUCING DEFENCE DRIVE HEAVY GERMAN SHEPARDS, THEN ID HAVE A REASON TO BUY SOME OF YOUR TRAINING MATERIALS

[@kassandrasilver]

I have been living with Belgian Malinois canines for 17 years. I have three young Malis (2, 2.5, 3.5) at present. They are Malis number 71, 72, and 73. Raised from pups. I've trained two of them to be Service Dogs. (I have ABI). The third I am training for scentwork. Super easy to train. They take longer to bond, but they DO bond. Where I think you are right: Not necessary (or a good idea) to try to "amp them up". They are on full throttle, naturally. And, I have NEVER been bitten. (except by a Chihuahua years ago). Super intelligence. Very "Intuitive". Easy to train to do almost anything. Downside: injuries. They throw themselves at whatever they are asked to do and can hurt themselves, even playing ball. Still, you could not pay me money to take even the best GSD.

[@zcalex7660]

The reason why the swedish military uses the gsd is because of the offswitch they have that the belgian does not have

[@hans-alpinek9real]

There is a reason why GSD is the most recognized breed in the world 🌍

[@zcalex7660]

@hans-alpinek9real yeah lovely dogs most versatile breed out there the gsd. I'm currently looking for my first gsd been living under threats 3 years now and my cane corso house guard is getting old.

[@michaelalderman-uz2gd]

HANS HELLO MY FRIEND DO YOU HAVE ANY CONTACTS FOR BREEDERS OF DDR CHECK DOGS IN THE UK

[@michaelalderman-uz2gd]

HANS REALY APPRECIATE SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE, ARE DUTCH SHEPARDS AS HIGH PREY DRIVE AS MALLS, THANKS IN ADVANCE

[@jw-vx8im]

Be interesting to hear also about the knpv lines

[@quinncolby]

Hans sells PPD GSD’s this is completely biased. I have had GDS’s & now a Mal. Build a good relationship and you will have a good dog. Mals are filling the shelters. Stick with GSD’s they are actually way easier than Mals to train & live with.

[@christophergentile7464]

What can I do with my 8 year old old dog trying to challenge me; female dog wraps front legs around my leg and snarls at nips at me. Getting nervy

[@jw-vx8im]

Book a consult with Hans it needs rehab. I'd do it quick before this behaviour escalates

[@christophergentile7464]

It’s been happening on and off for about a year.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Contact me at this number and I can help. [phone]

[@coreymckeon1867]

Koine (Ancient) Greek. Kairos versus chronos. Chronos is the equal spacing of time. Kairos is time remembered not by equally divisable units, but instead by moments that are signifcant. Like Lenin's quote, "There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen." Ancient minds tended to think of time more as kairos versus our post-englightenment, materialist reductionistic, scientific minds which think more often as chronos. Kairos moments are ones tinged with anticipation, there's something emergent or exciting happening, could be good or bad.

[@Mr.Darkside-d4j]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thanks for listening

[@MuradKablan]

Please make a video on rottweilers

[@hans-alpinek9real]

We will make one in the near future. Thanks for listening :)

[@richardspinelli1433]

My GSD is smarter than my malinois by far. And she is very dangerous. She has bitten me multiple times. Her father is the number one dog in protection sports in France. She doesn't bite out of being vicious she just has alot of drive and she thinks biteing is the answer to everything..Now i i trained my GSD from nothing to be a protection dog. And it took work but my dog was afraid of his shadow outside. Now hes a beast..But i tell you what he tried killing her when i bought her here. So the GSD is the same amount of dog as a malinois. is. And we have been in trouble and my GSD lead the dance..she looks better on a sleave and bites much harder. But my GSD is the better protection dog. And smarter dog by far.

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Thank you for sharing your story here

[@51187corey]

You can not make these generizations. Anyone who does clearly does not know what they are talking about. Who is this person. Also, to say you're not even talking about sport as if it's not important. The foundations of all of these great dogs come from sport. If it weren't for dog sports you wouldn't have your working dogs

[@hans-alpinek9real]

If you want to learn who I am, check out this video. This will fill you in www.alpinek9real.com/hans-alpinek9-dog-training-story

[@michaelalderman-uz2gd]

COREY YOU GOT THAT BACK TO FRONT YOU WOULDNT HAVE SPORT DOGS IF IT WASNT FOR WORKING DOGS, IT SEEMS THAT HANS HAS SLAGGED OF YOUR PRECIOUS PREY DRIVE DOGS AND YOU DONT LIKE IT, TRAINING DOGS FOR SPORT IS GAY, TRAINING DOGS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION IS FOR SAVING LIVES

[@jimmyj1236]

So first off schutzhund the origin of modern dog sport was a test for the stud dogs. It was never intended to be a sport. Anyone who has handled and has worked a dog in real situations can tell you this, there is a huge difference. In sport the pressure isn't real the dog understands that it is a game. In real life situations for instance if your deployed in a combat situation its constant stress with uncertainty of the situations. Its the equivalent of sparing with equipment in a gym in a controlled environment with 16 oz gloves and head gear versus being attacked on the street by a person or persons that want to kill you. Your now in a real fight. Of course your training as boxer gives you the advantage if your able to control your emotions keep your composer and fight. Now you could train for years in the ring sparring but it's big difference when it's either in the street or on a big stage your nerves might get the better of you and you lose or worse your killed. Big difference btw a sport dog and real dog. No different from real fighters versus the guy who plays around in the ring but has never really been tested. A fighter is fighter when there is real opposition real pressure so are real dogs. Big difference btw a clatter stick and baseball bat.. If I'm in a situation where my life and my dogs life is on the line. I want to be certain that the dog knows this is for real and were about to go to fight and this isn't a game this is life or death. Make no mistake there is a big difference

[@carlodanao8131]

@51187corey You have it on backwards. There is no dog sports without working dogs.

[@Blazingbird1]

Thank you for your Wisdom 🫡 🇺🇸 💯✈️ ALL THE WAY SIR

[@hans-alpinek9real]

Very welcome