23/10/2026
πRAGNAR AT 10-MONTHS: BIG PAWS, A GENTLE HEART
From Team
Ragnar, at 10-months old, you are giving us plenty to talk aboutπ₯
Most people see a young Belgian Malinois and notice your ears, your athletic build and that unmistakable look of readiness- Then they see a tiny Yorkie sitting on your back, and suddenly they have a few questionsπ€ (picture provided by baby-sitter)
WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?
You allow this little character to climb on you, jump on you and even nibble your ears. Apparently, somewhere along the way, you accepted the position of miniature companion, occasional climbing-frame and very comfortable mattress.
But behind these amusing moments is a valuable lesson about characterβand about our responsibility as the people raising you.
A PICTURE SAYS MORE...
In the first photograph, you are curled around your little companion, resting together. To us, this is a lovely glimpse of the familiarity developing between you. The photograph captures shared rest; our daily observations add the story of your patience.
In the third photograph, the Yorkie has taken things one step further and settled on your back. You appear to be carrying on with your nap. Your little friend seems to have found the best seat in the house.
πYour gentleness deserves recognitionβand protection.
TOLERANCE IS VALUABLE
Your willingness to tolerate this contact is encouraging. In these familiar circumstances, you show us that a large, energetic young dog can share space gently with a much smaller companion.
That does not mean the Yorkie is βthe bossβ, or that you are weak. These moments do not establish a hierarchy. They give us a glimpse of how you behave with this particular friend.
And, Ragnar, your patience must never become an excuse for us to let the little one pester you.
HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY
Even when it looks funny, ear-biting and climbing need boundaries. You deserve uninterrupted sleep and the freedom to move away. The Yorkie also needs to learn that friendship includes giving another dog space.
Our job is to notice the small changes: a body becoming stiff, a head repeatedly turning away, an attempt to leave. We should respond before you feel the need to make your discomfort more obvious. A photograph captures a moment; understanding you means watching the whole interaction.
DESENSITISATION
Then came your rather large farm audience.
In the second photograph, you are lying on the grass facing a gathering of cattle across the fence. Your ears are up, your attention is on them, and several have come forward to investigate.
You certainly attracted a crowd.
For you, there were unfamiliar smells, large bodies and movements to take in. For the cattle, there was a fascinating visitor on the other side of the fence. During the encounter, some even licked your faceβand you allowed the contact.
It would be easy to say that they fell in love with you. That is certainly how the moment felt to us. More carefully put, they approached and investigated you, and you tolerated their attention. Their licking alone cannot tell us exactly what they felt.
Still, there is something wonderfully memorable about a young Malinois receiving a face wash from a cow.
What kind of dog allows that, Ragnar? A dog who, in that particular moment, appears able to cope with something unfamiliar.
A dog showing promising tolerance and curiosity... A dog whose developing character gives us good reason to keep investing in thoughtful, positive experiences.
This is not something we can explain through breed alone. Individual temperament, previous experiences, learning and the circumstances all matter. Nor does one peaceful meeting mean you are now comfortable with every cow, in every setting. You have given us an encouraging experience to build on.
Our aim with farm exposure is to help you become comfortable around livestock while remaining responsive to your handler. You should be able to notice an animal, observe it and then turn your attention back to us.
Gradual exposure means working at a distance and pace you can manage, rewarding calm behaviour and allowing space when you need it. Close contact is never the test you must pass. Calmly walking away with your handler is just as valuable.
With animals as large as cattle, distance, suitable barriers and careful supervision remain essential. That face wash was a memorable encounter, not a training exercise everyone should try to copy.
β’ Three photographs.
β’ Three glimpses of the dog you are becoming.
Curled beside the Yorkie, you show us a quiet moment of companionship.
With your tiny passenger on your back, you give us a glimpse of your toleranceβand remind us to respect your boundaries.
Facing the cattle, you show us curiosity in a very different setting.
At 10-months, you are still growing into yourself. We cannot expect every day or every new encounter to look the same. Our responsibility is to keep guiding you, listening to your body language and giving you experiences that help confidence develop without pressure.
Ragnar, we value your energy and enthusiasm. We also value these quieter moments: when you settle beside a small friend, observe something unfamiliar or simply rest while life carries on around you.
TAKE A LESSON FROM IT
You are teaching our readers something worth remembering: A dogβs character is revealed in the everyday moments, too.
And yours, young man, currently includes a Yorkie on your back and a cowβs kiss on your face.
Team K9 Intervention
Growing together, one experience at a time
