>In fact, if Ivan would’ve had his druthers, I’m sure he’d have rather lived his life with a family that had a really big back yard and lots of squirrels. <
Maybe most dogs, but a Belgian Malinois is most happy when it has a job to do. They are highly intelligent and if not given something to do, they’ll invent things that are not necessarily non-destructive.
I lived with one for over 15 years. They’re incredible, but they do not do well with pet owners who don’t exercise these very bright dogs’ minds on a regular basis.