Making great progress with the Malinois

[brembo]

Peppy has been here for awhile now, how long exactly would require me looking at a calendar and doing math.

Anyway, she is doing fantastic. There is a lot of dog packed into a smallish package here. It's very gratifying watching an animal discover and learn new things. As I have mentioned before, this animal was a working dog and missed out on some aspects of companionship during her working life. Being immersed in home-life is the main thing and it's the small stuff that stands out.

Shower/bath time. Man, this really gets her goat. I work in a factory and come home covered in hydraulic oil and various other industrial wastes. I mean coated, I have to degrease my shower weekly. So I shower, then soak in an Epsom salt bath (it's a very demanding job). Peppy will come and go dozens of times while I soak. She likes to rest her head on my shoulder and chatter her jaw, obviously excited about something. I haven't figured out what has her so wound up but she has a great time.

Doggie social etiquette- Uhm, tiny bit lacking here. This is directly related to her hardness I think. Since nothing but NOTHING startles or unhinges her from her goal she is often a bit pigheaded when seeking her goal. Particularly when I am messing with Banjo this trait manifests. I'll be rubbing Banjo in his sweet spot (right behind the ears and on his eyes) and his chest will suddenly sprout a second head. Banjo is easygoing, very tolerant but even a relaxed confident dog has limits. Interfering with his sweet spot rub is borderline and he'll rumble at her for this. Does Peppy react? No, not even a little. At night Banjo likes to be my pillow. Peppy likes to rest her head on my neck. Banjo is fine with this as long as they are on opposite sides of me. When Peppy ignores the Maginot Line I get deep chest rumbles from my pillow and from Peppy? Nada, it's like Banjo is in another room.

I have to give it too my GSD tho, I was very worried that the force of nature that is Peppy would walk all over him and force him into the background. He is very very very in-tune with me, more than any other animal I have ever had. He is completely satisfied to simply lean on me or just have me in sight. Peppy will try to monopolize my attention sometimes and Banjo rebuffs her by blocking access. No rough stuff, he just makes himself a physical barrier. She'll go over/under/around in her attempts to get my attention and Banjo being a smart dog is more often than not successful in fending her off for awhile. Banjo really shines at being pack leader, he's....careful. Slow and gentle and I never thought I'd say that about him. With me he is brutal sometimes, he loves the rough play. With Peppy he uses his superior size and strength but I see him pulling "punches" as it were. She's no slouch when playing but is outclassed, his power wins over her speed. I'm so proud of Banjo.

Peppy is coming around to the idea that not all is work around this house. She still has a very intense work ethic and will default to doing her job for attention/care when a bit stressed. However more and more I see her relax and take that little breather. She is learning that all her needs will be taken care of without performing. It feels good to see her loosen up some and enjoy her toys. She is now nibbling at my fingers in the manner dogs do when showing affection. She especially likes to roll over on her back and bat at my hands and pull my hand to her mouth and nibble a little. She is in velcro mode these days. At my side all the time and has a fit when I am out of sight. The ruckus when I get home from work is intense. Banjo has always been an excited greeter, Peppy is in a league of her own here. They both shower me with toys, whining, growling and exaggerated greeting displays. I won't lie, it's a great thing to come home and be treated this way. I think by the 6th month or so she is going to be a relaxed dog, one with a tough as rawhide core. She obviously loves being a companion dog and risking anthropomorphism I think she is trying to become a household member.

I'm stoked to have two such animals. With Banjo I get that rock-steady majestic personality that exudes confidence and stability. Peppy is the walk-through-fire to get the job done type and she is dying to a pet as well as a working dog. Once Peppy latches on to the pet mentality she is going to be stellar. Banjo is already there, 8 years of a head-start helps. This combo is going to work and I'm glad I took the leap and agreed to adopt Peppy.

[RocketDog]

I can't even imagine what it will be like after she's been with you for a couple years--her bond I'm sure will be just as intense as her work ethic. How lucky for the dogs that they have you--

and how lucky for you that you have them.

[TechieDog]

cool. I like your post. It gives some insight into having both a GSD and a Mal and their differences, something I'm interested in.
Sounds like you have two good dogs. Enjoy.

[Castlemaid]

What a great update! How wonderful to see Peppy's true personality have a chance to come out and shine.

[brembo]

Originally Posted by Castlemaid

What a great update! How wonderful to see Peppy's true personality have a chance to come out and shine.

She is an eye-opener for sure. SO. FREAKING. INTENSE. I have to be oh-so careful when interacting with her to not trip the "work' toggle. I worry that work for her, while a seemingly comfortable place for her, causes stress once the work is done. I'm not big on rewarding with food, it's my own thing and very likely at odds with the most effective training scheme. I reward with praise, over-the-top praise and genuine pride. Dogs can read that. Food is something I do not want them obsessing/worrying about. They get fed twice a day come he11 or high-water, it's a routine to remove as much stress as possible.

I might seem to harp on stress, but IMO it is the biggest hurdle in having dogs that are truly happy and healthy. Stress causes jumpy and reactive animals, I want calm and thinking animals. GSDs are generally considered one of the more contemplative breeds, so I had an easy row to hoe there. Mals have the rep of following commands as fast and doggedly as possible, so my path is going to be a bit more tricky. I'll do it though, there is way too much dog there not to give it my best effort. The rewards I foresee have me very excited. A Swiss Army knife of the dog world. I guess I am trying to craft an off switch for a Mal.

[Lmilr]

That is so exciting! I'm so glad she's working out so well for you and Banjo
I absolutely love that Mal personality...they can really keep you on your feet but it's so worth it!