By Kai & Company

When people hear “Belgian Malinois,” they often think police dog, intense energy, or too much to handle. But for me, camping with a Malinois has become second nature—especially when you’ve got not one, but five furry companions who live for the adventure.It all started with Kai, my first Malinois and the king of our home. I spent 15 hours a week training him when he was young, and it paid off. He’s calm, intelligent, and knows exactly when to turn on the bark. Camping with Kai has always been effortless—he adapts, settles quickly, and takes everything in stride (especially if there’s an airbed involved). Then came Penny, adopted through a rescue foster. Penny thrives in nature—sand, trails, rivers—you name it, she’s zooming through it. After her came Louis, our cheeky little Cocker Spaniel who was too cute to resist. We added Nala, our intense but soulful German Shepherd, and eventually Riot, another Malinois from a owner who knew our pack and would fit right in. Our camping trips are part of our rhythm. The dogs settle when the sun goes down. The tent is our home under the stars. Whether we’re navigating forests or playing on sandy trails, each outing includes real-world training—lead walking, recall, socialisation—and lots of treats and praise. Camping with a Malinois isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding. You have to be a leader, not just a friend. I believe in structure, consistency, and strong relationships built on mutual respect. Our weekends are for exploring. School holidays? We hit the trail. And while we have our daily walks in the fields, nothing beats watching five tails disappear into the woods, only to turn back and check in, as if to say, “Are you coming, or what?” This blog is about that life: muddy paws, deep breaths, balance, and belonging. If you’re thinking about hitting the trail with your Malinois (or a whole pack), stick around—we’ve got stories to tell. camping-with-a-malinois