How Working Puppies Start Training

The Thanglings are 5 weeks old! This week we begin food training, out door adventures, more nail trims, and the pups learn to wrestle with Mama ThanggG!

[sapphiredragon]

Love that you're letting mama Thang still nurse/ care for the puppies. I see too many working dog people remove puppies from their dams at 4 weeks

[FenrirAldebrand]

Goddamn. The head start you're giving these pups is absolutely incredible! I feel like if my Mal had that kind of a head start, especially on the desensitization, he wouldn't have such a fear problem right now at 10 months old. But we've put in a TON of work and it's finally getting noticeably better! 😊

[Danniku]

I've never owned a Malinois, I have no interest in owning a Malinois, but oh my gosh watching you raise and teach the Thanglings is so addicting. You've got a comforting voice and a great way of explaining how and why you do these things. I can't wait to keep watching them grow!

[kathymarshall]

I don’t know what brings me more joy, watching the Thanglings or seeing your pride in them during training and your absolute joy during playtime 😊

It’s clear that this is far more than just a job for you. Not many of us on the spectrum get the chance to make our special interests into a career, but it’s beautiful to see when one of us does! Thank you for being an incredible ambassador for the ND community ❤

[nova]

Pink definitely has her fathers tenacity and spirit that’s for sure ❤

[smitteree]

Gifted puppies.
I wouldn't expect any less with knowing who their parents are.

[ChiefHerzensCoach]

i like how you give the puppy comfort that has "his moments". yes they need a dad to contain their own feelings. as you can hold him, he himself will be soon able to do it.

[rkiwi]

Pink is going to be something special when she grows up, I can't wait to see how she progresses.

[systemiclizard]

Female dogs are so quick to learn new things, in my experience. They’re princesses of intellect, and they know nothing but being the feistiest creatures around. Pink and red are such geniuses, just like the Thang!

[Deedoof]

New title unlocked "Gatekeeper of Yummies". ❤❤

[traceytheisen]

Imagine having such an incredible litter whomever ends up being the 'runt' of the litter will still be a world class dog by any other standard. Just incredible. Oh and have we mentioned SO

[estievorster]

Offspring of a special daddy dog and a special mummy dog...and of course a special trainer the best of the best❤

[celtzen]

Aww the Thanglings are getting so big! Love how Momma Thang plays with them to teach them proper dog manners! Honestly this 4 to 6 week time frame is just the best stage of puppy the lights are coming on in those little brains but they are still snuggle bugs :-) It has been amazing watching them progress with you!

[joytotheworldrandomperson]

Watching the Thanglings slow-mo running is EVERYTHING.

[KS-phci]

As the owner of a Maligator I got as an adult (and is now a super senior), I like to watch these and imagine my dog as a little smart potato too. I love that you just make the noise. I don't like carrying the clicker because I'm not good with it, I click my tongue to mark.

[Please_Dont_Call_It_Frisco]

Look at those beautiful genetics developing. With Matt's inherent skill and full heart, these puppies are absolutely amazing. These pups are destined to be elite representations of the Malinois breed. It's a treat to watch them grow and see how much care you infuse in their early development. Thank you for taking the time to let us watch these deeply personal moments with the Thanglings.

[jimparsons]

I love watching these videos. It's clear there is a lot of love and work that goes into developing Malinois. I've gained a lot of knowledge on puppy rearing.

[PaulaDTozer]

You are an exceptional breeder. Love how you shape the pups as early as possible. I'm learning so much about what a great breeder does to set their dogs up for success. Bravo!

[adamfattal]

Modern Malinois should write and publish a book about the full process of training from start to end. It would be really good!

[nikki_me]

Their lil tail wags are soo precious ❤