About Stryker

Stryker is a handsome Belgian Malinois who is just over 1 year old. (Born 07/08/25) He is up to date on all of his vaccinations, including his rabies vaccine and he is neutered. Unfortunately, Stryker was recently returned to us. The family who adopted him assured us they had experience with Belgian Malinois, but 2 days after bringing him home, they admitted they were not prepared for the breed or willing to put in the time and work he requires due to their 'demanding jobs', something that was never mentioned during the adoption process. Stryker isn't a 'bad dog.' He's exactly what a Belgian Malinois is supposed to be. A high drive working dog who needs a purpose. He needs a job, daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. I had considered training him for IGP or Search and Rescue (SAR), but it was never my intention to keep him permanently. Stryker's story began at East Valley Los Angeles Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, CA. It is a high kill shelter. He was scheduled to be euthanized on June 2nd and I pulled him from the shelter at the end of May, just 4 days before his euthanasia date, as a pull to foster. He deserved a second chance and now I'm determined to find him the right forever home. Stryker is shy when meeting new people, but once he realizes you're safe, he warms up fairly quickly and becomes incredibly loyal. He truly bonds deeply with one person, although he will listen to everyone in the household once he gets comfortable. He is an absolute sweetheart. Because he spent so much of his life confined, first with his previous owner and then in the shelter, he has developed significant kennel anxiety. If left in a kennel, especially in a new environment, he will destroy it, including the tray. At my home, he's only kenneled when I leave the house and when I'm home he's free to be with me. He loves to sleep in the bed with me and get super offended if I tell him to get off. Hahah Over time, he's begun accepting the kennel as long as he has a bone or something to keep him occupied. In a new home, however, expect to start from square one. If he cannot go with you when you leave, I do recommend safely crating him while continuing to work on his kennel training. Otherwise, he may become destructive inside the home out of anxiety, frustration and boredom. About Stryker: ��%BD'�Just over 1 year old ��%BD'�Belgian Malinois ��%BD'�Neutered ��%BD'�Up to date on vaccinations, including rabies ��%BD'�Good with other dogs ��%BD'�Cats: Unknown ��%BD'�Children: Iffy, so a home without young children would likely be best ��%BD'�Extremely loyal and people oriented (once he gets to know you) ��%BD'�High working drive Please do your research before considering Stryker or a Belgian Malinois in general. Too many people want one because they saw them in movies, on social media, or during a police K-9 demonstration. These are not dogs that are content laying around all day or spending hours in a kennel. They were bred to work. They thrive when given a purpose and can become destructive or anxious without adequate exercise and mental stimulation/enrichment. I'm looking for an experienced Belgian Malinois owner who truly understands the breed and is committed to giving Stryker the life he deserves. I will be asking questions because finding the right home is far more important than finding a quick home. If for any reason the person or family Stryker goes to cannot keep him for ANY reason, no mater how long they've had him, I can take him back and do require that he comes back to me. Not a rescue, not a shelter or Humane Society and not rehomed on your own. There is a rehoming fee to help ensure he goes to someone who is financially prepared to care for him. Belgian Malinois are incredible dogs, but they are expensive dogs and not inexpensive to own or care for. If you believe you're the right fit for Stryker and can provide him with the structure, training and a job or active living, please send me a message. Let's find this amazing, handsome boy the forever home he's been waiting for.

Contact

Pennington County
Rapid City, South Dakota

Kendall Hughes: 615-553-6743

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