Tim & Margaret S., Missouri
After exhaustive research on personal protection dogs and Belgian Malinois breed, we contacted Irene Howcroft of Ruidoso Malinois. With the very first phone call, we were impressed by the conversation shared and felt that Irene was the right source to obtain our Mal. She answered our questions thoroughly, and we could tell she genuinely cares for animals and is passionate about her profession. After getting to know us during the phone interview, she told us that she had the perfect dog in mind for us.
We weren't able to meet him until our training in December as we live in Missouri with limited time off of work. Buying a protection dog warranted careful consideration; as with any substantial investment, we did have some slight unease, not being able to see the dog personally before purchase. However, once we arrived in New Mexico and met Irene, all our concerns were allayed. At first introduction, my wife was immediately in love with Irene's recommendation.
We also were quite glad that Irene asked us to stay for 5 days of handler training. It allowed both the dog and us to bond and for us to ask any questions concerning little behaviors as they cropped up. Irene could assess our development and give us tasks to practice between training sessions. We were impressed by her professionalism, knowledge and expertise, and commitment to her animals and customers. Since honestly, 5 days isn't enough time (but due to professional obligations, we couldn't stay longer), Irene assured us that we could contact her for any questions. She stated undoubtedly that things would arise and that she's happy to assist.
In the past, My wife and I have only ever owned stray or shelter animals. A protection dog, an animal serving as both a pet and a guardian, is a new level of pet ownership for us. After arriving home, we've since made calls to Irene for advice. She's given attentive, clear, and excellent responses that have guided us in our transition. Once you purchase from her, you really are a client for life. We can confidently say that the dog Irene selected is the perfect match for us! Irene is a consummate professional, and we wouldn't make a purchase from anywhere other than Ruidoso Malinois. Irene, we could tell you trained him with love and will remember how you kissed his head goodbye. He's a beautiful boy, and we love him dearly!
The Van Holland Family, California
My husband and myself decided to make an investment in buying a protection trained dog for the purpose of protecting our family inside and outside the home. We found Irene online and after speaking with her on the phone we made the decision to buy a Belgian Malinois from her. After speaking with us and learning our lifestyle she chose the perfect dog for us. She made us feel comfortable the entire time and always answered our questions during the whole process. We live in Southern California so we did this process long distance which could have been intimidating if it weren't for Irene.
Upon our arrival to New Mexico we participated in thorough training sessions. We bonded with our dog Ramses within 2 days. He was everything Irene said he was and more.
He is very calm and easy going but after participating in some bite work scenarios we clearly saw his instinct to protect. He may act like a teddy bear with his family, but we know if we require protection he will turn into a grizzly bear. We have a toddler so her safety was paramount. Ramses was so gentle with her. He always defers to us even though he's definitely so much stronger, faster and probably smarter than us.
Irene made us feel like part of her family and we know we can go to her with any questions and concerns even after the purchase was complete. Upon our return home, Ramses fit in like a glove. He is so sweet and gentle with our female Belgian malinois and after only a few weeks they are inseparable. If you are looking to invest in a protection dog we highly recommend you buy a Belgian malinois from Irene. You won't regret it.
Shawn H., Ohio
I wanted to take sometime before writing a review on my dog Vasselli. It's been just over three months since I picked her up and have been living her everyday in Ohio. (She was awesome in the car, just under 24 hours). When I first talked to Irene in December, she wanted to learn about my life style and what I was looking for in dog, to match me with the right one. My biggest worry was the dog getting along with my male Russian Blue cat. Second, I wanted a trained dog, one that could do anything with me, from going to work, (spending time in an office) to going on long walks and three mile runs. I knew for what I wanted it wouldn't come without a price. I looked at the dog as an investment, one to make my life better. In this case you truly get want you pay for.
If you are going to get a Belgian Malinois from Irene you need to realize the time and effort that goes into each dog. Vaselli does everything I ask her to do on command.
Vasselli would fall under the family companion category, but she is much more than that. Over the last month, she's really shown the ability of a real sport dog and learning new things. Yes Irene, she's turned into a retrieving machine with the love of jumping into the water. Her number one playmate is Rhodesian Ridgeback (about 15 pounds bigger) and Vasselli gives her all it can handle.
I would like to tell a little story on how having dog can make people notice things. I have lived in the same home/neighborhood since 2001. I have always run/walked in it from day one. Since I have had her, I've been stopped five times asking how I like living in the neighborhood? I find it funny, that it took a dog for people to notice me. So, now I have rock star dog that everyone wants to stop me, ask about her and want to pet. To sum this up on being a dog owner again after 20 years. It was worth it, I'm really happy Irene worked with me on getting Vasselli. I have a smart, pretty, loving, well meandered healthy 50 pound Belgian Malinois. In which case, I couldn't be happier!
Debbie P., Texas
I recently returned home to Texas from my fourth visit to Ruidoso Malinois with my second purchase. I went looking for a puppy and came home with two fabulous, specialty trained dogs and a new business. From the first phone call I placed, I knew instantly Irene took her kennel and the lives of her dogs very seriously. Working with her and her trainers during my four weeks of training was an incredible experience. Being at her kennel for that length of time proved that day in and day out these dogs of great importance to her. I then understood why she had asked more questions on our first phone call than I. She stands behind the product and services she provides even after you return home. I also believe she is highly skilled at accommodating the needs of her clients, as I can see by the numerous testimonials. It was going to be a challenge to find a dog my first one would get along with. I couldn't be more pleased with the female she recommended and trained. They work well together and are going to be a fantastic team. I highly recommend Irene and Ruidoso Malinois if you are in the market for a loyal, intelligent, and well trained Malinois.
Mark and Susan M., New Mexico
Due to some previous security issues, we decided to look into acquiring a protection dog for our family. After much research, we contacted Ruidoso Malinois. The incredible and professional team of Ruidoso Malinois, led by owner Irene Howcroft, matched Devon perfectly to our family and our needs. Devon has a great disposition and is a wonderful companion and friend. The facilities are very well organized for multiple training scenarios. The week long training gave us the knowledge, skills and confidence required to fully enjoy and appreciate Devon.
Our main concern in acquiring a protection dog of Devon's caliber was the safety of our youngest daughter, who is hearing impaired. But they bonded almost instantly and she loves him dearly. He's very gentle with her and we feel EXTREMELY confident in his abilities to protect her, if necessary. Devon also gets along great with our 3 other dogs. Irene gave us specific instructions on how to introduce them and they get along beautifully. Devon is very well-mannered and his obedience training superb. Our Vet was impressed with his manners and also gave him an "excellent" grade on his health and X-rays. He's an absolute pleasure to take on walks or in public. He doesn't overreact to other animals or people and yet there is a strong sense of him being "on-duty" once we leave the house. We love Devon immensely and so happy he's part of our family - he's hilarious, brilliant, sweet and fun. And we all rest better knowing Devon would do whatever it takes to keep his family safe. Thank you Irene, for this beautiful, incredibly trained addition to the Murphy family. (They have since received a second dog from Ruidoso Malinois)
Hal and Georgia W., Mississippi
Irene, there are no words to tell you how much meeting you and being able to let Ann have her amazing Nazura means to us. They are so good together. Nazura is a good girl and wants to be right by her side. This is exactly what we want. They have really bonded. We will have so much peace of mind and feel that she will be safer. We all admire you so much and have so much respect for you and all that you do. You're such a disciplined person and expect that with your dogs and their new owners. We have loved our time with you.
Ann Ross W., Mississippi
I can't express what you have done for me. Nazura has changed my world in the best way possible. My friends have said I look different. Happy again. I feel safe and comfortable here now!
Sultan A-I, Utah
I started looking for a protection dog and when I started my search I came across many websites that offer a variety of protection dogs. I've also asked two local trainers where I live if they knew anyone that sold high quality pure bred protection dogs. After a couple of days of searching and calling a number trainers I didn't feel very comfortable about the dogs nor the prices they offered. I almost gave up my search and considered raising my own pup until I found Ruidoso Malinois.
I gave Irene a call and she was very informative about her kennel. She emailed me everything I needed to pick the dog that I was looking for. After a couple of months I flew to New Mexico to meet Irene and get the training I needed to handle my new protection dog. The kennel was impeccable and Irene looks after her dogs very well. The dogs are trained excellently, and compared to the other kennels that I've considered it is the best training for a protection dog. I was concerned about a couple things before my visit but Irene answered all my questions and concerns about my new dog, and I've learned a great deal during my stay. I'm really glad I got my female Belgian Malinois from Irene and I'm planning on getting a puppy later on from Irene. Thank you very much Irene.
Morgan T., Lousianna
Ruidoso Malinois was our first choice for a purchasing personal protection dog. Several months ago my apartment was broken into, prompting my family and I to begin our search for a protection dog. After getting in touch with Irene and giving her some background information, she knew she had the perfect dog for me. Fast forward... Mona and myself completed handler school together with the help of Irene and Chris in beautiful Ruidoso.
Now Mona lives on the farm with me and is quite the happy girl. She has excellent house manners and obedience. I have the wonderful feeling of security when I'm at home alone since I know Mona is around. Our vet was highly impressed with her health, condition, and manners. Irene knows and loves each one of her dogs. Their is no doubt in my mind that Mona came from a truly loving home. 100% satisfied with our adult female protection dog. My father has since purchased 2 additional Personal Protection dogs from Ruidoso Malinois.
Ed. M., Mazur Properties, LLC
We purchased an adult Malinois from Ruidoso Malinois. I should report that the dog is not exactly as was represented. He is, in fact, quite a bit better! I very much appreciate not being subjected to exaggerated claims. I prefer to be surprised when I get even more than I expected or was promised. Ruidoso Malinois appears to have many fine dogs and there are a good number of people and organizations out there who could utilize them for companionship, personal protection, police patrol, detection, sport, or security purposes. The key to a successful placement is the proper match of dog, handler, and intended application. Even a great dog may not be the ideal match for a given capable handler. The staff at Ruidoso Malinois seems especially adept at determining needs, assessing the handler and then making the best match possible. I sense a genuine concern for the dogs with their welfare put ahead of profit. (Ed has since received a second dog, this one for his wife.)
Jeff L., Colorado
This is one of the best experiences we have ever had. Irene has the best dogs and is incredible with her dogs, the training and her dedication to picking the right dog for the right person is awesome. We spent 5 days with Irene bonding and learning how to handle Qamar. I am so impressed how well trained Qamar is. I think he is even more trained than we are told because he listens so well and is such a kind well socialized dog, even my 9 year old daughter is able to handle Qamar. I have no doubts that this dog will protect my daughter and my family on command and if there is a sudden threat, with no command. Thank you very much Irene!!