These dogs become family My name is Vincent and I took the chance to drive from California to New Mexico to get a new dog. The trip was more than worth it and a year later the dog (Kasai) is very happy here at home as am I. When I first met Kasai he was very well exercised, well trained, and had a very good relationship with everyone there at Ruidoso Malinois. I honestly don’t believe that I could have gotten a better dog anywhere else.

Satisfied Retired Army SGM I am a retired Army SGM and disabled combat veteran; I have long admired the Belgian Malinois breed but became slightly obsessed with the breed after seeing them in action during my combat tour in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, post combat, I was diagnosed with PTSD that left me constantly in a state of hyper vigilance; a feeling that there was an endless threat of unknown harm to myself or my Family. This affected my quality of life severely; as a single woman of a certain age, I no longer felt safe taking walks alone, traveling alone. Even attending church was problematic; that strong sense of being vulnerable to a threat I couldn’t name but my brain held me hostage over. I avoided crowded events like the plague. I couldn’t sleep soundly and felt that I constantly needed to be alert and watching for danger. I was wintering in Mexico when I happened upon Ruidoso Malinois during a Google search and I called the owner, Irene Howcroft the next day. From our first phone interview, Irene understood my plight and actually identified one of her Mals, Larry, that she said would be perfect for me. Larry would be ready in a few months; however, I explained I needed to get my knee replaced and heal before I could pick him up and attend the 5-day handler training. Irene, without hesitation, kept Larry for me, until I was healed and able to come for him; she felt that strongly that Larry was my dog. She was right! I traveled to NM to meet and train with Larry; the handler training was amazing. Chris, a Marine veteran, provided excellent training and upon our departure I felt equipped with all the knowledge and tools to bring Larry back to MT. I am so grateful I found Irene and Ruidoso Malinois! I cannot speak more highly of her business, expertise; I’m beyond grateful for Larry. He’s become my best friend; what a sweet disposition he has. I love him and trust him and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual! We spend time taking long walks and he couldn’t be happier chasing after balls. He’s energetic and eager to please, loves car rides and is extra alert for any danger. I haven’t slept this well in years. I now feel confident to go anywhere as long as Larry is with me. I have no doubt he will protect me. I have the best companion, service dog and protector! Thank you, Irene!

Simply amazing!!!!! Where do i start? This place is simply amazing Irene and her staff not only met but exceeded our expectations. We purchased Scotch a male Belgian Malinois trained at her facility. We fell in love with scotch the first day. His bite skills and energy and stamina is mind blowing. Tony his trainer and Matt worked the bite suit put on nothing short of amazing skills and training with this beautiful dog. We spent one full week twice a day training and getting to know our dog. From building searching to daily visits to the store and park just on leash walking and obedience training he performed flawlessly. I would recommend Irene and her staff to any one looking for great training and a friendly atmosphere and clean kennels. Oh and a little inside joke for Tony hope JERRY is doing ok in the local police department.

Don't touch Irene Howcroft and her… Don't touch Irene Howcroft and her kennels with a barge pole. She talks the talk, but don't be fooled. Good reviews are either coerced or written by employees. She and her kennels are a sham. I have spent time with one of her dogs and found this dog over excited, difficult to control, nervous and hungry for love and attention, probably from being locked up for so long. I feel very sorry for these dogs as they appear to be bred for nothing more than the money. Be careful she is not as she appears.

Irene and her dogs are monsters! Irene and her dogs are monsters. Terrible training despite favorable reviews. Invested so much money for dog to attack and bite me and my children. Will be taking legal action especially now since word on the street is that this lady is NOTORIOUS for suing other poor, innocent people. Very nasty woman.