Hi VermontLt —
Right you are about the amount of exercise required by Mals. I got my first at 4 months of age - she is now 10 months. I chose this breed for two reasons; first, I’m a sound sleeper and I want to be awake if my front door is kicked in. Second, I wanted a running companion for my regular training runs. I run several half and full marathons every year. Over the past six months, she has taught me many things about myself, training regimens, nutrition, and consideration of the needs of another. At present we walk (not run because of her age and dysplasia concerns) 10-15 miles every day, spread over 3-4 trips.
I undertook to train her myself. We are now working on off leash hand signals. She was potty trained in 12 hours by ringing a bell hanging on the door knob. If, in Winter, I’m slow getting my shoes on she will bring me the leash. She surprises me frequently how athletic she can be.
Yes, Mals can be tough. They require much patience, and understanding their sassing when they are young. They want to be dominant. They will be dominant unless corrected. But, when corrected with proper boundaries, they are thrilled to be a follower in your pack. My girl never runs through a door before me, nor crosses a street without getting permission from me.
I once heard it said about Mals that they are capsulized by three Fs; they are Ferocious, they are Fearless, and they are Faithful. My little girl is my constant companion - even on aircraft. I don’t go anywhere she is not welcome. But, she has very good manners.
She loves to be part of my pack, and accompany me everywhere. I’ve discovered that she is a magnet for children and friends. She is a force-shield to unsavory individuals.
I’m glad I’ve been blessed to have her.
Gwjack
Sounds like my Bella. She runs with my son in law—she is 4.
It’s funny with the GSDs, I get stopped at least twice a week. The men think she is beautiful and they pine for the GSDs they had as kids.
I would recommend any young man get a pretty puppy. They are chick magnets. I am too old and grey to imagine the women were interesting in anything I had to say!