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Johan is approximately 8 years old and is a handler’s dream . He is people focused and wants to learn. You absolutely can teach old dogs new tricks! Or at least he is ready to brush up on his old ones. No one really knows what Johan (meaning “champion”) has in store for the future. Johan is a Malinois who found himself in a shelter when his owner had a medical emergency. When no one came for him, he found himself on the euthanasia list. He was a favorite at the shelter, so much so that when our evaluator showed up, he was MIA. Come to find out, he was assisting with clerical duties in the shelter office . While he does better with slow, appropriate introductions on neutral territory when he meets new people, he LOVES the attention he receives. Just keep the pressure off and follow his lead; he is a Malinois after all. This is a dog who wagged his tail on the exam table at the vet once everyone passed his examinations! Peanut butter? That’s another key to his heart. Johan’s preferred rewards for hard work include treats, ball play, and the aforementioned peanut butter. When out on woodland walks, he will also locate lost toys and bring them back home. 

This Maligator is smart as a whip . After a week in foster, he knows sit, place, down, and is getting a leash manner refresher. Ball is life, but he also loves to play with the resident Tervuren. While he can be a little forward with her, he takes her corrections well and will back off when asked. Johan comes with a fabulous off switch once his mind and body are exercised!

Due to Johan’s prey drive and protective nature, he will NOT be placed with children younger than 13 or small, prey sized animals (cats, chickens, small dogs, etc.). He needs a family who understands the necessary boundary setting and exercise for a working line dog. 

Don’t let Johan’s age fool you. The shelter and veterinarian estimate that he is 8-years-young, but upon meeting him, you would swear he’s only 4 or 5.

ABMR thanks you for taking the time to look at our malinois available for adoption.