About
Meet Coco
A dog with every trait of a Belgian Malinois, an obsession for water, an endless supply of energy, and the kind of drive that makes you rethink what a dog is capable of.
The Short Version
Coco was born in July 2020 and came home at 2 months old. She has never been DNA tested and we have no plans to change that. What we know is that she exhibits every trait, drive, and physical characteristic of a Belgian Malinois. That is good enough for us.
Belgian Malinoiss are working dogs. They need a job, constant stimulation, and an owner who can match their energy. This site documents what that actually looks like day to day.
From the early puppy chaos to becoming a reliable trail companion and water dog, everything here comes from real experience. No generic advice. Just what worked, what failed, and what we learned along the way.
5+
Years Together
88
Swims Captured
28
Trail Runs
636
Moments Captured
The Timeline
Hover over an event to see a photo from that period.
July 20, 2020
Born
Somewhere out there, a puppy with way too much energy enters the world.
September 2020
Comes Home
Two months old. Ten pounds. Immediately starts destroying things and learning commands at the same speed.
Winter 2020
Crate Training & Basics
Three nights of screaming. Then silence. Sit, down, shake by week two. The "maligator" phase begins.
June 2021
First Water
Stands at the edge of a creek and barks at it for twenty minutes. Two weeks later, wading in voluntarily. The obsession starts here.
Summer 2021
Trail Running Begins
Leash manners finally click. First structured run at 14 months. She could outrun us from day one, but the tendons needed time.
Fall 2021
Adolescence Hits
Selective hearing. Reactivity spikes. The recall we spent months building suddenly becomes "optional." Back to the long line.
2022
Full Adventure Mode
Swimming across lakes, running trails off-leash, settling calmly at restaurant patios. The work starts paying off.
2023
Peak Dog
88 swimming photos and counting. Fully trained, endlessly energetic, and the best outdoor companion you could ask for.
2024-Present
Sharing What We Learned
Documenting five years of raising a high-energy working dog. The stuff that worked, the stuff that didn't, and everything in between.
About the Breed
The Belgian Malinois is a herding breed known for intelligence, athleticism, and intensity. They are the preferred breed for military and police work worldwide. They are not casual pets.
They need structured exercise (not just a walk), mental stimulation, and a handler who understands drive. Underchallenged Belgian Malinoiss become destructive. Properly engaged Belgian Malinoiss become the most capable companions you will ever have.
This site exists because most Belgian Malinois content online is either from professional K9 handlers or generic pet advice sites. There is very little from regular owners who chose this breed and figured it out. That is what this is.