staffordshire bull terriers?

Question

my fellas friend is getting rid of his staffie. its due to a dominance issue, (a new baby and not properly introduced). the dog is only two years old. my question is, can a staffie be a good pet for a family if its an adult dog? i have three children and the youngest is three. should i rethink getting this particular dog? i'm not slating the breed as i realise its how you rear them that influences their behaviour, but has the damage already been done with this two year old dog? the dog hasnt bitten but has growled at the baby when its toddled near him. hence the reason for getting rid.

Answer 1

It depends on how much time and effort you can put into the dog and how your children react aswell. If your looking after the dog for the weekend, explain to your children some important rules.

1. Not to bother the dog when he is sleeping or eating.

2. Do not play rough, boistrous games with him

3. No teasing

4. No mauling/pulling of the dogs hair. face, paws etc.



You must supervise the dog with your children at all times and as your the responsible adult you will have to be vigilant on listening for the dogs warning growls if things start to get out of hand. I would seek the help of a professional behaviourist on his behaviour if it continued. Generally ( if properly raised ) staff's make great family pets who are particulary devoted to children. All the best.

Answer 2

I can only answer as a Staffie owner, never had a Am Staff: 1) Which breed is stronger? I believe the AM 2) Which breed is easier to train? Both are soooo quick & smart, generally very food motivated!! 3) Which breed is better with children? Don't think there's any difference if raised right!! Mine adore my 2yr old, even my rescues!! 4) If a intruder did break into my house, could a american staffordshire terrier protect my family if the intruder threatened us? 5) If a intruder broke into my house, could a staffordshire bull terrier protect my family if the intruder threatened us? Lol!! Sadly they'd be more likely to lick them to death!! But they have a fierce bark!! 6) What are the temperament differences between the two breeds? Don't think there is one, Staffies in general are just the most loving dogs... They really do believe they're lap dogs!! Whether it be my 14" female or my 16" 3 st female!! Lol!! Please rescue tho, there are so many in shelters, one of mine is a foster, but it really will be a miracle if we can get her a home... :(

Answer 3

It's not like the dog is broken or anything he has his issue.. His happens to be dominance.. Are you experienced with a dominance issue in a large strong dog?

Depending on the experience and knowledge in your family about dogs.. If you introduced properly, trained etc. You might very well find that you have a dog that is nothing like the dog when he is in his current home.. Some people tend to hmmm.. make a dog ill so to speak.. Allowing and encouraging inappropriate behavior because they don't know better or realize what they are doing..

So if you have experience and knowledge, then I think it would work out good.. If you are doing this and hoping just the change of home will change the dog, then I would say don't do it..

What I would do, is to hire a behavorist, meet with them, the current owners and the dog.. Let him see how the dog acts, what triggers this behaviour and see what his evaluation of the dog is and how he thinks the dog might fit into your life and situation.

Answer 4

i have just rescued a staffie 18 months old 6 months ago i have allways had them for the past fifteen years never been a problem with my kids as babies but particular with other people children cause very protective of mine that was my first staff this latest staff is a ***** loves everyone child or adult no aggression at all except other dogs and cats go and see this dog foryourself and go with your instincts this staffi i rescued was ill treated and is fine

Answer 5

I have a female staffy aged 2 who has had pups and she is great round children that visit we do not have any, the fact your friend is getting rid for 'dominance issues' I would NOT have him round children as young as yours. I believe the dog should be introduced to children not children to the dog. I would not be able to live with myself if one of my children had been mauled by the dog there is enough bad publicity already be careful

Answer 6

I love the breed and they are for the most part great with kids but if he growled at the baby maybe he is not the best dog for your house or maybe the baby scares him sad i know but it happens get him evaluated my a dog trainer or somethings you can do your self first try to take food from him, put your hand in his mouth, pull at his ears tail and skin do what ever you can think a kid would do to him sounds mean yes i know but do it ifr he snarls at any of these things do not get him thats how i got my pit i tested her that way and she did not snarl at all shes great with my kids

Answer 7

it how you introduce any dog to a baby,

if your nervous around the dog the dog will sense it and sometimes be tense and sometimes that make them growl as they take your nervous about the new baby and take it as a threat to the home remember a dog never grow up more than the age of a 8 year human so it's how you act that helps....

make a fuss of him and the baby not just the baby as it then thinks it's a threat...

Answer 8

ABSOLUETLY do not get this breed of dog UNLESS you are 100% experienced or are willing to learn about this breed and take obedience classes with your own kids! This dog is not properly socialized, you are right. And THIS is why there is a problem with these dogs. Be very careful. This dog and breeds related to it are VERY protective of their families. They LOVE their people & kids and do not like to be alone!

Answer 9

SBT's are really good family dogs generally speaking but this one has shown aggressive tendencies toward children i would not take the risk... Unless you have older children and ytou have the time to train this dog..

Answer 10

Have the dog evaluated by a qualified trainer FIRST. And start obedience classes. Never trust any dog to not bite.





http://www.leerburg.com/301.htm

Answer 11

Well as long as you handle the dog with care and be loving with him/her and introduce the dog to the kids one at a time..Not all at once maybe scare the dog...Let it smell each one and approach them if it likes and everything should be fine...

Answer 12

i know it's not totally relevant, BUT, good sensible answers. Not the usual crap.

Answer 13

Good senable answer. Don't even think about it!

Answer 14

Hasn't a staffie just savaged a baby in a pub in Dorset?

Answer 15

tough decision....idk what to say....maybe you could try it out longer and hope the dog gets used to the baby and other kids...but idk....be careful....i really think i'd say no.....