Minnie is a beautiful young Malinois estimated around 1 year of age currently. Minnie was a stray therefore we do not know her history or background however her behavior gives us some clues. Minnie requires an experienced owner and IS NOT suitable for first time dog owners. Minnie alternates between an antisocial turtle and a sneak attack maligator. Minnie has a serious lack of socialization and is often scared in new situations. She will shut down and freeze - that is the antisocial turtle setting. While Minnie has made amazing progress and no longer belly crawls around new people she still will not allow strangers to touch her. Don't let this mode fool you though as Minnie is still a Malinois and very true to that breed personality. When she gets more comfortable she slowly starts to display more of those traits such as mouthy behavior and high prey drive - this is the maligator setting. Minnie is also a terrible hoarder and will sneak things into her crate - shoes, socks, bottles, leashes, essential oils, and anything else she can get her teeth on. Minnie is searching for a home that values all sides of her and is willing to invest in her the patience and training she deserves. While Minnie is timid and fearful now she is learning to come out of that shell and showing herself to be a highly intelligent Malinois. She will need a home that understands the needs of this working breed and can guide her true as she grows. Minnie is making good progress in her foster home and while she is still timid around new people if you go slow and give her a few minutes, and some treats, she warms up.. She likes to go for walks and if you keep her moving rather than fuss over her she warms up much quicker. When you're walking there is less pressure for her to interact therefore she can check you out on her own time during the walk. Minnie has been introduced to a 6 year old under strict supervision and done well. Minnie is timid with children the same as adults however if a child is respectful of her space Minnie will warm up well. As Minnie gets more comfortable she is becoming mouthy which is a common trait of the breed. This behavior has been redirected into toys however it is important any future home of hers understand this and also redirect the behavior. As mentioned Minnie is a hoarder therefore once she gets all of the toys into her crate she will grab anything around. Minnie is intimated by larger dogs and can be very submissive when meeting big dogs. She loves to play though and flourishes with dogs her size or smaller. If she has at least one playful dog her size around she is much more confident and able to also play with larger dogs. She is learning quickly and takes a lot of social cues from the dogs around her. Minnie has been introduced to cats and simply thought they hung the moon. The cats were less enthused with her attention. With proper introductions Minnie should have no issues living with cats. As Minnie continues to develop and shows more prey drive it will be critical to ensure proper boundaries with the cats however at this point she hasn't had any issues with them. Minnie is at a critical point in her life and is seeking a home with the love and dedication to ensure she becomes the well-rounded, confident dog we know she can be. Minnie is going to need patience, socialization, training, and love to help her gain social skills and confidence in appropriate behaviors. If Minnie has a place in your heart and home please email us at Tierhavenrescue@gmail.com for an adoption application.

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats