Re: Staffies

I say a big well done to anyone who has taken on a rescued Staffie and keeps it under control and behaves with it in a responsible manner . It's a chance of life for some of these poor unwanted dogs .
It's not their fault they are overbred by idiots churning them out for the chance of making a few pounds . The other day in the town I saw a poor wee Staffie pup with a horrible man and it occurred to me what chance did this pup have . I think in the right hands from when they are pups they can be great dogs but unfortunately all the idiots seem to get them .
Sadly I am not in the position to take on a rescued Staffie as I have 4 very quiet dogs here who wouldn't stand a chance in an altercation with a Staffie . However if I was in the position of having no other dogs I would definitely consider one as I am a very responsible dog owner .

Re: Staffies

I wouldn't I am afraid my opinion these days is there are so many friendly dogs out there desperate for homes I couldn't take another dog aggressive one over one of them if I were getting a rescue.
Having watched my dog aggressive dogs too I came to the conclusion they are never fully happy dogs either as they are looking for trouble all the time. Give me goofy dopey friends with anyone dogs now and you have a happy dog IMO

Re: Staffies

I think dog aggressive dogs can be happy most of the time just not around other dogs . As dogs are only usually out for walks 2 or 3 times per day the rest of the time they would be quite happy . All the Staffies I know are fabulous with people just not necessarily dogs.

Re: Staffies

Bit of a difference here I guess as I am in a flat mine are walking 5-6 times a day even just round the block for a wee they are on point looking for trouble. My friendly goofs just love to be out there and meeting the neighbours.

Re: Staffies

I do walk mine 5/6 times per day but I do know most people don't

Re: Staffies

It was found in 2007 that the majority of dog-bite accidents happen at home and involve a familiar dog and children under the age of seven. In addition, the prevalence of bites in children is double that in the general population.
I read an interesting article saying that in Jersey all year-one pupils are taught how to stay safe around dogs. It is a scheme called the "Speak Dog and Stay Safe scheme", and I thought it was a brilliant idea. Apparently it has been very well received by teachers,, parents and thoroughly enjoyed by the children.
Most small children have a lack of understanding on how dogs communicate and this is often why they get bitten. For example, a child hugs a dog tightly round the neck. The dog may not enjoy this, they might feel trapped or in pain, so they show their teeth. The child interprets this as the dog 'smiling', so hugs more. The dog is trying to communicate with the child but the child does not understand the signals. Eventually the dog shows an increased reaction, such as snapping or even biting. Being as the child is probably on face level with the anxious dog, its probably the face that will get wounded. This situation could have been avoided.
There are many things some children do to the family pet intending to play, but its not often the dogs way of playing. He might have been asleep, or tried to get away into another room, and only snaps as a last resort, but he'll no doubt get the blame anyway, without the adult even aware of what led up to his behaviour.
Why don't our schools teach the 'Speak Dog' Scheme too? That's how I see it anyway.

Re: Staffies

That sounds like a brilliant scheme ! I have lost count of how many small children want to pick mine up and she doesn't like it. Her reaction is to run away but they run after her

Re: Staffies

So in conclusion are we to believe the Kennel Club have got it wrong and staffies can't be trusted with children? I guess if that is the case we shouldn't be keeping Labradors with children either.

Re: Staffies

I have no idea Baxter, from what I have seen of them they are very dog aggressive that doesn't necessarily mean they will be child aggressive but the fact they were bred to fight makes me nervous about saying they make good dogs for children.

We have small grand niece here and she is used to ours loved old Molliepops and has been a gentle girl with our Chihuahua Betty. Now we have Elsie Labrador puppy and TBH I know none of them would have hurt Grace but that didn't stop me being really careful with them around her.

We always had dogs as the children grew and some were people aggressive but totally loyal to the children. So IMO it has to be on a one by one basis. After all we are told not to stereo type them as killers well lets not say categorically all of them are good with children either may be best thing to say.

Re: Staffies

I believe any dog can get grumpy on occasions, e.g. if we are woken up suddenly, many of us would be grumpy, so why not assume the dog feels the same? We wouldn't enjoy having our hair pulled, so why shouldn't the dog object having his ears or tail pulled, it's intrusive behaviour.
Dogs are so very good at reading our expressions and body language, it's sad some dog owners can't do the same in return.