Belgian Malinois is famous in its smartness, athletic ability, and unmatched work power. It is a breed that is often used in police, military as well as protection activities and is not intended to come with a sedentary lifestyle.
Underestimation of exercise requirements of a Malinois is one of the most frequent errors that new owners make.
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The following article describes the extent of exercise that your Malinois requires, why it is important and how to organize the right daily schedule that keeps your pet physically and mentally healthy over an extended period.
Reasons as to why Exercise is Non-Negotiable to a Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois was first of all herding breed which was later trained to perform arduous tasks. As a result, this breed has:
- Very elevated energy levels.
- Advanced intelligence
- High motivation to work and do things.
- High endurance and stamina
Working does not mean physical fitness on the part of a Malinois. It is a direct influence on behavior, emotional balance, obedience, and in general well being.
Devoid of adequate daily exercise, Malinois have a tendency to engage in destructive actions like chewing, digging, excessive barking, hyperactivity and anxiety.
The simple definition is that a well behaved Malinois is a tired Malinois.
The amount of exercise required by a Malinois is determined by how much a day do you have?
The average time of exercise of a healthy adult Belgian Malinois is 90 minutes to 2 hours daily and in most instances, more. Malinois with a high or working-line need up to 3 hours a day under the condition of providing mental interest.
Breakdown of Exercise Per Day
| Exercise Type | Recommended Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic physical activity | 60 -90 minutes | Maintains muscle and joints and cardiovascular health |
| Vigorous activity | 90 -120 minutes | Burns more calories and keeps the mind alert |
| Training sessions | 15 -30 minutes | Training builds obedience and focus. |
The exercise must preferably be divided into several sessions during the day as opposed to performing the same in one session.
Physical Exercise What is best with Malinois?
A Belgian Malinois cannot do all exercise. It is not sufficient to make slow walks alone. This breed is active in physical exercises that are at high intensity.
Most Important Physical Exercises of Belgium Malinois
- Running or jogging -Very good to release energy and build stamina.
- Trail walking and hiking -Develops physical strength and psychological activity.
- Fetch and tug games- Fills the need to preys and bonds them more.
- Agility training -Agility is a combination of speed, coordination, and obedience.
- Riding your dog- Perfect when you want to do serious training.
These exercises will sustain lean body muscles, healthy joints and a healthy heart.
Mental Workout: Not Less Important than Physical or Sports
Not only is a Malinois athletic, but he is also mentally intense. Mental stimulation is the aspect that is usually lacking when the owners still suspect that their dog is still not calm despite the long walks.
Good ideas of Mental Stimulation
- Discipline training and complicated instructions.
- Puzzle toys, interactive feeders.
- Scent work and nose games
- Problem-solving tasks
- Protection or sport-based (training on experienced handlers) training.
A Malinois can be very exhausting through mental exercise. Even 2030 minutes of concentrated mental angelic effort can diminish the unwanted behaviors to a considerable extent.
Exercise Needs by Age
Exercise requirements of a Malinois change with its lifetime. Excessive exercise of a puppy or lack of exercise of an adult may lead to long-term problems.
Age-Based Exercise Guide
| Life Stage | Exercise Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Puppies (younger than 12 months) | Short plays, walks on leash, no strenuous jumping |
| Adolescents (618 months) | Training exercises, movements that do not strain the joints |
| Adults (1-7 years) | 90 minutes to two or more hours of daily exercise |
| Seniors (old age of 7 or more years) | Less strenuous activities, respectful of the joints. |
Puppies should not be subjected to marathons or vigorous exercise as it may ruin the growing joints.
Sample Daily workout of a Malinois
To maintain calmness, attention and balance, a regulated routine will assist in keeping your dog at check.
Morning
30-45 minutes running, agility or active play.
Spanking or command training.
Midday
Mobile interactive toys or puzzle feeders.
Short-term training or olfactory game.
Evening
The duration of the brisk walking, fetch or play in a structured manner: 30 45 minutes.
Serene mental activity prior to sleep.
This system diffuses the energy expenditure and does not over stimulate.
The Indications That Your Malinois is Not Working Out
In case breast of your Malinois does not get enough activity, you might find:
- Chewing or digging holes destructively.
- Overshooting of barking or whining.
- Restlessness or persistency of pace.
- Problem in settling in the house.
- Hyper-reactive behavior
These are not bad dog behaviors they just indicate an unmet need whether physically or mentally.
Mistakes in Exercising Owners of Malinois Do
- Relying only on leash walks
- Disregarding mind stimulation.
- Auditory verbal inconsistencies.
- Excessive exercising of young puppies.
- The reduction in estimating the intensity of breed.
The Belgian Malinois is not an ideal choice of a dog to those owners who want a low-maintenance or low-energy dog.
Does Diet and Nutrition Impact Exercise Requirements?
Yes, diet and nutrition has a direct impact on the amount of exercise that a Belgian Malinois is capable of and how well he can recuperate. A well-balanced diet, rich in proteins, is necessary to feed a high-energy breed, as it helps it to build muscles, maintain the health of joints, and endure.
Dogs which are fed poorly might display premature fatigue, less stamina or slow recuperation following exercises. Conversely, excessive weight can result due to over feeding without exercise, this causes stress to the joints and chances of injury are as well high.
Correct hydration, necessary fats and minerals are also very important in keeping up energy levels and active lifestyles.
Do Exercise Managers Need Professional Training?
The exercise routine of a Malinois is greatly beneficial to the owners who have to deal with them and who have to undergo professional training.
The trainers can concentrate the dog, which is very energetic into organized activities in the form of obedience work, agility, protection sports, or working tasks.
It enhances physical conditioning and also increases concentration, impulse control and confidence. The guidance provided by a professional is age-related, safe, and challenging to the mind to avoid burnout or injury.
To the new owners of the Malinois, the good services of an expert can be the difference between a nervous dog and a balanced and satisfied friend.
The Belgian Malinois is a great breed but it is associated with heavy burdens. This is not a dog that will be able to survive on brief walks and periodic games. A Malinois requires physical activity on a daily basis, regular mental stimulation and routines to remain healthy, balanced and well-behaved.
The Belgian Malinois will give you unparalleled loyalty, smarts and performance should you be willing to spend the time, energy and commitment. The key to a successful life together will be to understand and address the need of their exercise.