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The Belgian Malinois is among the most respected working dogs with their high drive, impressive physical capabilities, and obedience like no other dog breed. They are a standard breed in all jobs, from military and police work to search and rescue operations in disaster areas.
This extreme breed of a working dog can also be an ideal companion for the right individuals and families in Pennsylvania. It all comes down to the owner’s experience, willingness to commit to owning a Belgian Malinois, and lifestyle compatibility. If you’re considering adding a Belgian Malinois to your life through adoption, our article is here to guide you through the process.
Read on to learn how to adopt a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania. We will also cover this breed’s characteristics from A to Z to help prospective owners determine if the Belgian Malinois is the right dog to adopt.
How Do You Adopt a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania?
As with adopting any other dog breed, Pennsylvania residents first need to start by finding a Belgian Malinois for adoption. Browse online listings like Dog Academy, contact local shelters and rescue organizations, and ask around to find Belgian Malinois looking for a home in your area. However, note that your search might take some time, especially if you have specific preferences in mind, given that Belgian Malinois aren’t very prevalent in Pennsylvania.
Since Belgian Malinois are among the most popular police dogs, you can also consider adopting a retired police dog to broaden your search. Law enforcement agencies, Belgian Malinois rescues, and dog training facilities in Pennsylvania can help you find a retired police dog for adoption.
After finding a Belgian Malinois for adoption that seems like a good fit, meet them in person to get to know their personality better. This should also present an opportunity to ask the foster dog parent or the organization rehoming the Belgian Malinois more about the dog’s personality, background, and health.
If you’re satisfied with the answers and think that the Belgian Malinois for adoption is a good match, submit your adoption application. At this stage of adoption, you likely will complete an adoption form that asks about your experience, living arrangements, income, and details about your existing pets and family. There may also be specific questions depending on the Belgian Malinois’ individual needs, like if you have experience training dogs for a dog with behavioral issues.
During your application, the shelter or the organization rehoming the Belgian Malinois might also send someone to check your living arrangements to ensure you can provide the dog with enough space. Assuming all goes well and you’re approved, you will pay the adoption fees, sign the necessary paperwork, and bring your newly adopted Belgian Malinois to your Pennsylvania home.
The above summarizes the typical adoption process for a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania. However, note that you can’t just adopt a dog overnight – expect the entire process to take at least a few weeks.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania?The adoption costs for a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania vary depending on where you adopt the dog from and the dog’s age. Typically, adoption fees range between $200 and $750, with puppies having higher adoption fees than adult dogs and seniors. Retired police dogs also tend to have higher adoption fees than Belgian Malinois bred or previously kept as companions. |
How Should I Train a Belgian Malinois?Training with a Belgian Malinois must be consistent and firm. The easiest way to teach a Belgian Malinois something is to find what they view as a high-value reward. While many dog breeds are food-motivated, most Belgian Malinois take playtime as a better reward. Some Belgian Malinois may not even expect a reward at the end and only require you to mark positive behaviors with a cue word or clicker. Once you find what motivates your Belgian Malinois during training, you will have an easier time progressing. However, this can be easier said than done – you can get all the dog training materials you need for a Belgian Malinois through Dog Academy’s online courses. Whether you need puppy training, advanced obedience, or working dog training, you will find it all here at an affordable price with digestible, step-by-step video instructions on how to train your Belgian Malinois. |
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Find the Right Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania for You
We’ve covered how to adopt a Belgian Malinois in Pennsylvania, as well as this breed’s characteristics to help prospective owners make an informed decision.
Knowing if the Belgian Malinois is the right breed for you is important, but all dogs have unique personalities. Therefore, you can’t just go and adopt the first Belgian Malinois you see. Prospective owners must meet the dog they’re interested in adopting to get to know their personality and decide if their temperament and individual needs will be a fitting choice for their life circumstances.
When the day comes to bring your newly adopted Belgian Malinois to your Pennsylvania home, follow a consistent routine for feeding, walks, potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime to help your new furry friend adapt to their new life. This will take away many of their anxieties by setting clear expectations on when their needs are going to be met, allowing for a smoother transition from a dog looking for a loving home to one that has finally found it.
