Staffordshire bull terrier pup?

Hi I wonder if any one can help me? I would like to get a Staffie within the near future. I have read a few books and looked up some information on internet sites about breed characteristics. Through reading articles i have decided to get a staffie that has all papers and is KC. I would like owners of staffies to let me have any usefull tips regarding training etc Also where can i get a list of breeders local to my area I live in South Yorks and would travel up 2 40 mile i each direction.
The only thing that worries me is that ive read that they hate being left alone and the become very destructive I work 3 full days per week but i would be able to tke a good walk in Mornng and afternnon has anyone found theres to be destructive?? Please help

There will be plenty of people along to help you soon.

Id just like to say welcome to dogweb! and good luck on finding a pup!

Hiya and welcome to dogweb
as an owner of 2 staffs, i would have to tell you that they crave human attention and do not like to be left alone for long periods, they can be very destructive if they become bored. They are however (in my humble opinion) the most loving, fun and wonderful breed, and i would not have anything else (apart from maybe a boxer as an addition to the staffs )
Can i ask why you have decided on a staff as opposed to a different breed? (just curious )

They are the best but you do need to research them and make sure they are the right breed for you
Also to be aware of any *potential* issues that may arise (for example dog aggressiveness- would you be comfortable with this etc) Not that they all are becasue I think all our lot on here are big sops

I too own a stafford (a rescued one) who is fab. He can be left most of the day on his own provided we leave him with a chew and some toys, however we do find he sleeps most of the time cos he's a lazy lump lol

As for training, well Jas was a bit slow on the uptake of some things, let's just say he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed lol but we got there. He is very entertaining and loves his cuddles and walks.

hello and welcome
As the owner of a rescue staff- they love people and crave human company. We have not had a pup so cannot comment on that side of the destructiveness, but we are quite lucky as Bruno was used to being left in his previous home and like Staffy above he does sleep when I am not there ( also quite a lazy lump)., However when I am here he always want to play - they whine, moan, mump about until they get what they want. BUt they are the best dog you will own ( sorry all you other DGwebbers but ya know its true LOL LOL )


However I would suggest considering a rescue too as they are still alot of staffies in rescue who are well bred etc - obviously no good for showing but if you dont plan on doing this then you will be giving a home to a fantastic breed....

My bruno is dog aggressive however and this is a big thing to consider as to some extent many staffies are like this....
dani

hi there

we have a recuse staffie, he was 2 when we got him and hes lovely. never had one before but now would never be without one. i would say the same as the others on here about when we leave him he sleeps on his bed but i always give him his toys and treats but he sleeps. does jump and has his mad 5 mins . he's fine with other dogs and walks off lead. a star in dog training aswell much to the teachers surpize.........lol (but thats another story)

would also agree with brundog there are so many of these dogs in rescues that are well bred and just need a loving home.

liza

Having just survived the first year (almost) of our first puppy (a cocker spaniel, not a staffie), I would recommend that consider how you will manage the first few months - it would not be fair to suddenly expect a puppy to be left all day; you will need to make some arrangements for any breed of pup to be let out for toileting, play and company at regular intervals during the day. We acheive this through staggered lunchbreaks, flexitime and the services of a pet sitter for the first few weeks.
If given regular, stimulating play and restricted access to the home when unsupervised using a playpen or similar, then destruction should be kept to a minimum - although our pup managed to tear up the kitchen lino while we were playing next to him Its part and parcel of having a puppy, but one reason why so many young dogs end up in rescue

In my experience (and I know that this might be controversial) - there are 'spokespersons' for any breed who claim that 'their' breed doesn't like to be left alone . While I agree that different breeds have different temperments; I also think that the individual temperment of the dog plays a big part in their tolerance to being left, as well as the habitulisation/socialisation when very young; and by that I mean before they leave the breeder and first few weeks in a new home.

By finding a breeder who is supportive of your plans for your puppy, and understands that you will be leaving him or her for short periods, the breeder can advise you of the temperments that have been selected for in their litter, and help you chose a pup that is likely to be best suited to your home environment.

Good luck

Staffys really are *people* dogs though and they do need the interaction- if there are people there who can pop in throughout the day then thats fine/better (maybe a neighbour/friend/family)
Having said that i wouldnt advocate leaving *any* pup alone when young for long periods

Dont 100% agree with this- I fail to see how a breeder (no matter how good) can distinguish between a pup thats happy to be left alone and one whos not- although they can distinguish little quirks perhaps in their personalities

I was thinking more about avoiding a puppy that shows signs of being highly strung; or the case on one of Molo's siblings, the one who was rowdy and whiny all the time I agree, breeders do not have crystal ball , and any dog will get distressed if left for long periods.

Also, if the breeder has begun to 'leave' the pups without human company for short periods, they will know which cope better than others; just a thought