"Anna + Aisha the Malinois"

I met Irene Howcroft of Ruidoso Malinois at a Police Canine Conference where she was one of the conference speakers. I found her to be one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable presenters. Its not very often you come across someone who is extremely intuitive about the breed she trains and the methods she uses. Wanting to know everything about training a protection dog l sat up and listened. When you need help you remember those who made an undeniably lasting impression. I contacted Irene. She listened carefully to my story and said, " Anna, I have the right dog for you". Irene was right. Aisha is a female Malinois that is extremely vigilant in her protection ability. She is very obedient and lovingly affectionate. Irene and her loyal team are at the forefront of excellence in training both dog and handler. My whole experience with Ruidoso Malinois was wonderful from start to finish. I want to also thank Tony and Matt for the amazing training sessions. The handler direction was excellent and customized to my situation ( we had a few good laughs too ). Aisha and I have a special bond that will continue to grow in the coming years as well as my friendship and appreciation for Irene and her staff.

"Ruidoso Malinous and the dog i bought there"

I picked up my puppy a little over two years ago, he's now a full on partner with me in life and i wouldn't trade him for two times his weight in gold. I have had a few outstanding dogs over my life and This Ruidoso boy is by far the best dog i have ever had. Irene put my through the wringer before she allowed me to buy him which as a past breeder of top field trial whippets I truly appreciated, the wrong dog with the wrong person is always a disaster waiting to happen and the right dog with the right person enhances the lives of both
When I need advise on training directions, do's and don'ts Irene has always been prompt and helpful in her responses to me.
My Malinois has changed my life in so many positive ways and while for me function is always more important then form he is a stunning dog to see which is something I did not expect. He exudes power and carries himself like a prince. He is always a good ambassador for the breed no matter where i go.
When i drove to the Ruidoso Malinois facility i found it to be well kept and clean, the dogs in good flesh and in good sized enclosures, all pluses in my book which speak highly about the owner.

"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.

"Wonderful Experience, Amazing Dog, Great People!"

Coming from a science background I use facts, evidence, and common sense to make decisions and come to conclusions. As such, when my mom and I decided we wanted to get a protection dog, I did my due diligence looking at many facilities and trainers. However, I was most impressed with Irene and Ruidoso Malinois. Of course, I was dazzled by her dogs, the training videos, her philosophy, and all of the glowing reviews. Nonetheless, what struck me as a true testament to Irene’s character was the fact that she posted a copy of a lawsuit that had been filed against her previously on her site. The charges were determined to be unfounded and the suit was dropped. Additionally, Irene won a countersuit. Most proprietors only want to advertise the positive aspects of their business, but Irene was willing to put this information out there in order to let her clients know that she is on the level and has nothing to hide. I found this type of honesty refreshing. Moreover, it was remarkable the way she would respond to those who had left negative feedback, not with harsh words, anger, and emotion; but with facts, logic, documentation and/or their lack of documentation. In doing so, it demonstrated to me that her reputation truly matters to her, which is hard to come by these days.
With all the research behind me, I contacted Irene. We discussed why I felt we needed a protection dog, our home and family situation, as well as our lifestyle. It was evident to Irene that we required one of her dogs, but because my mom has Parkinsons, in addition to a host of other medical issues, it was imperative that we have the right dog. Luckily, Irene prides herself on carefully matching her clients and dogs. Irene assured me that she actually already had the perfect dog, Ardy. She described him to be mild mannered and very loving, yet still incredibly fierce when necessary. Furthermore, Irene informed me that due to my mom’s condition, Ardy could even be trained to be a service dog. I was overjoyed! This was going to change our lives!
Irene and I spoke several more times as we worked out all of the details regarding training, payment, documents needed, etc. She was incredibly patient and helpful, always taking the time to answer my questions or address any concerns. I found her to be very thorough and completely professional. In fact, there was a hold up at the bank with part of my payment. When I called Irene, I was very frustrated and upset, yet Irene was nothing but kind and understanding. Throughout the training process, Irene regularly updated us as to how Ardy was progressing.
When my mom and I arrived the first morning for "handler school", we were filled with anticipation and a bit of nervousness, not knowing exactly what to expect. Irene greeted us warmly, but was concerned that my mom was much frailer than she expected. She did not think it was a good idea to have her handling the dog, so she wanted to make me the primary handler. She was exactly right! While some people may have been angered by this, I work especially hard to keep my mom healthy and safe, so I was greatly appreciative for her honesty. Again, this served to demonstrate her integrity and desire to keep both her clients and dogs protected. Although my mom was not actively participating in all of the training, Irene and her team consistently made sure she was involved. My mom felt like she was just as much a part of the training as I was. It was an outstanding effort, which made the experience all the more fulfilling. As for me, the trainers made sure that I was not only comfortable, but confident when handling Ardy. It was an extraordinary experience!
To conclude, I simply want to say that if you want a phenomenal dog trained by somebody who has a passion for what she does, her clients, her dogs, and surrounds herself with outstanding people, then you won’t go wrong with Irene Howcroft and Ruidoso Malinois!

"Our experience with Ruidoso Malinois…"

Our experience with Ruidoso Malinois was exemplary. Irene asked a lot of questions during her screening process. Irene has a serious nature and seems very passionate about her work. My brother is disabled. Irene took the time to ensure she matched up the dog with his needs and abilities. Irene is overly cautious in the safety department. Irene made special accommodations so that we could stay as long as needed to become confident handlers. Her staff were all very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We were especially impressed with how well the grounds where the dogs are housed and trained were kept. The kennels were clean and disinfected. Dogs have clean water and food daily on a schedule. Ayko has become a very important part of our daily lives and family. We are so grateful for him. He is highly intelligent and well trained. Thank you Irene for the love and passion you have for your work.
The Elledge family

"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.

"Ruidoso Malinois"

Ruidoso Malinois
We recently purchased a Belgium Melinois from “Ruidoso Melinois” located in Ruidoso, NM, Irene Howcroft owner.
Our experience was very rewarding because of Irene’s professionalism and personal involvement. We were able to buy a new family member Rocco. We wanted a melinois who would be a protection dog and at the same time fit in our family and our three small terriers.
Irene’s handlers who trained Rocco were absolutely the best. After arriving at handlers’ school, they worked with my husband and me to teach us how to handle Rocco, our protection dog. They guided us with friendly recommendations and encouragement. Trainers took their time to answer all our questions and definitely went out of their way to help us establish a solid bond with Rocco before the departure.
The transition of Rocco from kennel dog to family dog took place during our 7 days in New Mexico. We came back to our home in Missouri and Rocco has become a valued family member and provides us with constant love and protection blanket. He is great with the little dogs, very playful and high energy dog that is always on high alert doing his main job of protecting our family.
The whole experience has been outstanding.
Irene continues to help us with all questions concerning Rocco.
We highly recommend Ruidoso Malinois and Irene’s Howcroft

"Incredibly Pleased With My Jerry-Pup"

I wanted a blend of protection-companion. I thought my list of desires from a dog was impossible to achieve – sweet yet ready for action, silly yet compliant, a hard worker with an off-switch. Most people think these traits in a Mal are mutually exclusive. Irene, I want this to be both a thank you to you and your amazing trainers as well as a testament to others who might be considering your services to help them understand, from a customer, what they can expect. Really, I just want to brag openly about Jerry, because Jerry is literally the bestest boy in the world.
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When we first met, I was clear that I was concerned that a highly trained protection dog would be a bit robotic and lacking for personality. You assured me that this was not the case with proper training, and Jerry is proof positive of that. He is a complete goofball around the house and is known by name by all of the 200 or so people who live in my building. My first day in the building, I met a Retired DEVGRU operator who ran over to tell me how a Mal that was deployed with his unit had saved six of his men by identifying a machine gun nest in Afghanistan. As the gentleman closed the distance, Jerry confidently came between us and only allowed approach once he realized the conversation was pleasant. Jerry is so kind to other dogs that he drop-rolls his ball to them upon meeting them, but is fearless to the point that he was attacked recently by someone’s overweight retriever while walking down the sidewalk and he simply pawed the other dog’s face, shoved it to the side, and kept trotting down the sidewalk – his ridge hairs didn’t even move.
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In the house, Jerry is quiet, patient, and calm. We play with Kong balls. He’s so smart that he knows the curvature of my floor and can roll his ball from the bedroom clear to the kitchen and arc the ball to hit me in the foot – his way of assuring I know he wants to play. He can discern footsteps on carpet outside of the door to the point that he knows if it’s a building staff, neighbor, or stranger. He only alerts to strangers. He waits at the door for me on hearing my car 16 floors down – I confirmed this via my Nest Cams. Jerry doesn’t get on the couch nor the bed during the day. He barks once when I leave to let me know he’s anxious that I return. When I get home, he plunks in my lap at the door for a snuggle fest.
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Jerry is intact, but he doesn’t mark and isn’t dog aggressive. He probably has an unhealthy interest in brown squirrels…what can you do… When it’s snowing outside, I show Jerry his snow boots (essential for a Mal) and rolls into my lap to give me his feet to boot up. When it’s cold (Colorado mountain cold), he waits for his jacket. Jerry adores my girlfriend and molds his demeanor to her – more gentle, slower, cuddlier. When he goes to her office sometimes, he stops by every office for a head rub and a chortle. He’s the only dog allowed there, including the two owners’ dogs.
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In short, Jerry is a dream come true and we’re a team.
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For those considering Ruidoso Malinois: I have referred three people to Ruidoso. One, my business partner, opted to go another way (it’s a competition thing). His “protection” dog was had from the pound (a pitt/yelladog mix) and trained by “some mossad guy” and is no longer allowed in the house. Ever. They now have three chihuahuas that are darlings, but ultimately useful as furry doorbells. The other two wanted protection dogs but had never met one until Jerry. Both are now client of Ruidoso Malinois.
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Jerry is part of my EDC and my life. If you think a real protection dog is for you choose Ruidoso Malinois. Focus on being a team with your dog when delivered, and you’ll be hard pressed to be disappointed. The key is to know that your dog will only be as good as the bond of trust between the two of you. Mals are incredibly intelligent and have real emotions on the order of a 5-year old child. Be that Team and you'll enjoy your Mal completely.

"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.

"I’m very grateful to have found Ruidoso…"

I’m very grateful to have found Ruidoso Malinois, Irene matched me with the perfect dog. She fits right in with my family and our lifestyle. Irene is extremely passionate about her dogs and their training. I had a wonderful time at handler school and I would highly recommend Irene to anyone looking for a Belgian Malinois.