Couldn't of put it better myself Becs

Are you 1 of them in the balaclava's Becs

You're kidding Russ, I'm nowhere near experienced enough to competently handle a mal

Yer i know it was Becs!! im not that forgetful!
Good explaination too

thanks for explaining that

Interesting.

One question - why do the dogs not release on command? In this sequence the handlers are pulling the dog/s off. I thought the point of a police/attack/pp/miltary/Sch. etc. dog is that it is so highly trained and under such superb control that it will 'out' on command, despite drive strength.

SB, this is one reason why I don't particularly like malinois (this is only my personal preference) - I've seen a few good mals who out correctly and without hesitation, but far more who go into overdrive. This is one of the reasons why handlers are in danger of the dog coming back up the lead at them - many mals don't appreciate being told to stop, or any kind of physical correction (e.g. being dragged off by their collar). I don't know of any dog quite like the malinois - some are brilliant, some seem to be a little 'psycho'.

Personally, I'd work a dobe, a correctly temperamented GSD or a (heavy, slow) rottie over a mal any day. I value accuracy and control over super-high drive - but then I guess I'm not a police officer in mortal danger. I'm sure many mal enthusiasts would argue the reasons in favour of a dog with this temperament and personality, but I've never been convinced. Even in play bitework with Satch, if he's sent for a bite-bar (i.e. stick) he can only go on my command and is expected to (and does) out/release immediately. Personally I don't see the point in having a dog who will turn on you when you try to out.

I've never had a mal (and never would!) so I'll ask a few friends why they like them with regard to the psycho behaviour

Becs

Thanks for the reply Becs. I have no experience of Malinois and it did seem a trifle odd given the high regard expressed (which I share) for precision trained man-work dogs.

I should be interested to know just what anyone who works with Mals finds so superior about them given their apparent temperament and what appears to be an excessively high, and difficult to control, drive.

SB

Hi SB, I've just emailed a mal handler about it (the chap I mentioned in the security photo thread) and I'll ask on a protection site I'm on. The only thing I can think of it that they have an unwavering commitment to the work - once sent, they'll (literally ) fly into any situation without regard for their own safety, which I'm sure is useful and valued in real life situations (as opposed to SchH etc sport). That said, I've heard similar things said about well-bred dobes

Anyway, I'll post whatever views I get back from mal handlers

Becs

Thanks

Was just wondering if it is a charcteristic of the breed, a characteristic of particular lines, or a result of training methods?

I can understand the necessity for a rapid and decisive take-down in certain situations - but I sure would not like my dog to try and take my arm off afterwards

I just hadnt seen quite so graphic videos before. Am being a wimp! They are so brave and trained to an amazing level.