Imagine you are walking down the street and you encounter a dog you have not seen before. This dog has a different look: a woolly, rough coat in various shades of red or fawn to gray. Its eyes sparkle with intelligence and curiosity. Interested, you ask the owner what breed he is, to which you get the response, ‘A Belgian Laekenois’. With the increasing number of different dog breeds, it’s no surprise if the Belgian Laekenois is a new introduction to you.
Belgian Laekenois (pronounced Lak-in-wah) is one of four in the family of Belgian Shepherd dogs, but perhaps the least recognized globally. Originating from Belgium, as the name suggests, Laekenois was initially used for herding sheep at the Royal Castle of Laeken. Over time, they have evolved into a versatile breed, performing tasks like police work, search and rescue, and serving as an amiable family companion.
But, with this evolution, there arises a question: Is a Belgian Laekenois a dangerous dog?
Before we label this breed as dangerous or harmless, let’s dig deeper into its characteristics and what makes the Belgian Laekenois behave the way it does.
The Belgian Laekenois is known to be an intelligent, alert, and loyal dog. They are very trainable and have an in-built protective instinct, which makes them excellent as guard dogs. However, the same protective instinct, if not managed right, could lead to the dog becoming overly suspicious or aggressive.
A crucial point to note is: a dog’s temperament is tempered by its upbringings, training, and socialization, just like human beings. So, it’s unfair and unwise to categorize the entire breed as dangerous based on isolated incidents.
So, how to ensure your Belgian Laekenois becomes the affectionate, confident, and disciplined pet it can be? Here’s some useful advice!
1. Start early: Socializing puppies by exposing them to a variety of people, experiences, sounds, and environments can help them grow into well-rounded dogs. Beginning this as early as possible can help to make your Belgian Laekenois adaptable and friendly.
2. Reinforcement-based training: Reward-based training can be beneficial in teaching your Belgian Laekenois manners. Being intelligent, they learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement like treats, praise or playtime.
3. Keep them busy: Belgian Laekenois are work-oriented by nature. They need mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy and well-behaved. Ignoring these needs can lead to the dog developing destructive behaviors out of boredom.
4. Quality time: Spend quality time with your Belgian Laekenois. They are people-oriented and thrive on love and companionship. Neglecting them could result in behavioral issues.
5. Stay Calm and Assertive: They can sense their owner’s emotions and mirror them. So, leading with calm-assertiveness can help your Belgian Laekenois to stay calm too.
To sum it up, nearly any dog can become dangerous under specific circumstances. But a well-socialized and adequately trained Belgian Laekenois is more likely to be the loving, loyal companion all pet lovers wish for. Always remember: having a dog is a long-term commitment and a huge responsibility. A dog, ultimately, is what you make of it. So, make it right!
In conclusion, the Belgian Laekenois breed is no more dangerous inherently than any other dog breed. Any dog can be a hazard if not properly trained or socialized. However, by understanding the specific traits and needs of the Belgian Laekenois, and with a proper investment of time and care, you can ensure your furry friend is more “Lassie” than “Cujo”. After all, every good dog deserves a fair shake, don’t they? With proper love, care and discipline, your unique and intelligent Belgian Laekenois can be the perfect addition to your family.
