Bringing A Staffy Pup Into A Family Home
If you already have Staffordshire Bull Terriers as you family pets; you’ll understand exactly how much low and joy that they can bring into a household environment, especially with kids. However, many people see staffies and mixed-breed staffies as dangerous dogs and a worrying addition to any family. This is simply not the case; any dog that hasn’t received the love, training, care, and attention that they deserve can end up becoming a threat to other animals, and more importantly; people. Unfortunately, staffies hold a lot of strength, and can do severe damage in these cases; this is why their reputation isn’t the best with those who don’t know the breed, and any negative headlines haven’t helped this. There is no such thing as bad dogs, there are only bad owners.
A well-trained and happy staffy will make an excellent addition to any household; they will adore each member of the family, can help wear-out the kids each day, and become complete lap-dogs when you’re sat watching the T.V in the evening. If you’re about to bring a staffy pup home or are seriously thinking about it; you’ll need to prepare yourself and the space around you so that the transition is as smooth as possible. Make sure that the whole family is on board and is willing to put their time and effort into training and caring for your pup so that you can all enjoy a long happy life together. The following are some tips, ideas, and advice for those who can’t resist a staffy smile, and want to make sure that they’re doing everything they can to successfully welcome one into their home.
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Be Prepared For Chewing
There are many breeds that enjoy a good chew; that’s why there are so many dog toys out there to satiate their needs and desires. However, staffies are known for their need to naw, chew, and generally keep something in their mouth, especially when they’re a pup. Therefore, you’ll need to stock up on chew toys aimed at strong jaws, and edible chews that will last a long time and are safe for little staffies. This is a habit that will lessen with age; however, your pooch will always enjoy finding something to take off to a corner and much, so you can save your shoes and the kid’s toys by investing in an array of suitable items.
Teaching your pup not to chew household items should be part of an ongoing and effective training strategy. Your dog won’t understand why the cushion or a trainer is not a suitable thing to put in their mouth. Therefore, you need to give them a firm warning and replace the item immediately with something that they are allowed. Positive reinforcement and praise when they do pick up the right thing to chew is another way to ensure that they keep heading for their own stuff and not yours. Take a look here: dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/chewing and discover some more tips on how to prevent your pooch from destroying the house with their teeth.
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The Attention Every Pup Needs
There are many things that you will need to consider before getting a new pup that will apply to all breeds, so it’s vital that you have everything ready for your new family member to settle into your home well. Staffies can be quite needy; they will become very attached to their owners, so it’s more than likely they’ll want to follow you up the stairs to bed each night. Therefore, it’s important that you have some knowledge of crate training, and set up a comfortable and cosy space that your pooch will eventually grow to love; they’ll end up heading here when they need quiet time and to sleep (if there’s not a warm lap available). Again, their urge to chew won’t leave them in the crate, so ensure that you have enough blankets and quilts to replace the ones with holes in them!
When your dog is old enough to get outside and run around your garden; you’ll need to have stocked up on flea treatments, like Advecta so that the family aren’t scratching anytime soon. Your pup will need regular visits to the vets; staffies are naturally curious, playful, and inquisitive dogs, so they are at risk from eating things they shouldn’t outside, and rolling around in all sorts. Vaccinations, worm, and flea treatments should help to prevent any issues; however, always be vigilant when your pooch returns from their garden adventure. Training will come into play when you need you staffy to drop something quickly; this will be particularly helpful in parks and public areas where they’ll be tempted by allsorts on the ground. Keep praising for good behaviour, and they’ll begin to understand what to avoid (most of the time).
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Socialisation Is Vital
Like with any dog; staffies need plenty of interaction with other pups and humans. Lack of socialisation during the early stages of a dog’s life is often the root cause of bad behaviour and aggression. Therefore, it’s crucial that you invest plenty of time allowing your pooch to get to know other dogs and people on a regular basis so that they know how to behave. Puppy classes are an excellent way to introduce your canine to other furry friends, and they’ll soon learn what’s acceptable in regards to how they interact and play with other dogs.
You’ll have no shortage of visitors to the house when you get your new puppy, and this is great; you can make sure that your dog only has positive associations with humans by giving them a little treat each time someone new arrives. Better yet; allow the new guest to give your pup a treat so that they learn to love human interaction and know they have nothing to fear from strangers. Introducing your companion to plenty of new sounds, locations, smells, and sights will also ensure that they don’t grow up to be nervous; it’s often fear that causes dog aggression, so make sure that yours is calm and relaxed wherever you take them.
The more that you get your staffies out and about, play with them, train them, and care for them, the more they’ll become the family member that you couldn’t live without.
