Been thinking about it all night. I see what Muttzrule means. I myself am disappointed that it's come to this but I'm just trying to do the right thing. I see how taking him to a shelter may help them see what goes on for the dogs but that wouldn't help Money.

I would have loved to help out by having him overnight and taking him for walks in the day but we're leaving London very soon, moving all the way to Nottingham so it's not a possiblity. Alexandra, that is the very thing that makes me feel bad. I'm aware of the rescue situation and am still prepared to go to a breeder for a puppy BUT with Staffs I feel differently because there are WAAAAAYYY to many out there already. I'd never buy a Staff myself for that reason.

The dog aggression is something I feel I could manage. I've seen what he's like with other dogs but I'm strong enough to handle him. Hopefully training and careful socialisation would help. Do you think castration would take the edge off his aggression or do you think it's a learnt behaviour now? I'm really trying to balance this up. He is a lovely dog and I'm sure the family won't get another dog. Going to speak to my boyfriend again. Maybe I could get my Akita later on, it would be a bitch anyway so I think they'd be ok.

Thank you all for your replies, had some very constructive advice. Never know, you might get some pics of me and a happy Money soon

With china she certainly calmed down about 3-4 months after being spayed...

She would go for any female before then but now anly takes against those that dont want to be dominated!!!

She is a complete tart so loves the boys...

at 2yrs old there will be learnt behaviour but you are catching him young enough to train him out of it....

should the training go very well you maybe able to get that akita but dont set your heart on it like i did with getting sox...that didnt work out and i was devastated...

But i think she may get on with another later on...

Alex
xx

Thanks Alexandra, that's very helpful. If I did get an Akita, it would be in about a year, when Money would be settled in his new home. Money is aggressive towards male dogs that are bigger than him, he thinks he's some sort of warrior. I very rarely encounter loose dogs in the area we're moving to but I'd still have to him at times when there are less likely to be dogs around. I'd be prepared to do that.

hi tee

i took on a dog aggressive staffie called bruno - he was narly two when we got him and we were his 3rd home - I ADORE him and once you get a staffie - you wont go back.....

but it is difficult to have a dog aggressive dog - bruno is castrated but was when we got him so no idea if it made worse or better - he can be fine with bitches though... just depends on the introduction - i think its a lack of socialisation.

he is great with people and my baby - he is now 6 and just as loveable - a great big lump but still dog aggressive - we found it impossible to get a training class to take him on though ..

we just find big fields to walk him in and he gets his love from his humans !!!

good luck in your decision.

Can I just say..

Just because a dog is dog agressive doesn't mean it won't take to a pup..if you do it very very carefully over a longish period of time..
My rescue dog has an issue with other dogs but she took to our pup but we were very careful and they were introduced really slowly and now they are best buddies

I would adopt Money...

If you did, you'd more than likely end up with the feel good factor, rather than resenting him.

As you know rescues are already full of staffy types, this unfortunately means staffy owners are finding it increasingly difficult to get rescue places. Some rescues PTS's dog aggressive Staffys. If he was lucky and manage to get a place in a rescue with a non destruction policy, the reality is he'd probably just sit in kennels for months on end, unfortunately most new adopters tend to only want to adopt dog friendly Staffs.

If you can honestly offer him what he needs for the rest of his life, my advise would be go for it

This is a tough decision that really only you can make really,people can give you lots of advice but at the end of the day you have got to think of the dogs well being aswell as your own.
Staffies are known not to be dog friendly but with the right training some can change, you will have to take on board that he has been mistreated in the past and will need lots of time and patience too.
If you have any doubts about taking the dog on then don't be pressured into doing so as you may regret it in the long run and it will not be fair on the dog, Its not a easy choice to make.

Hey everyone, your replies have been very helpful so thank you. I'm still not sure what we're going to do about Money but have a little while to think it over. He won't be rehomed right away but I know it's in the near future. If I don't take him on myself I'll do my best to help the family rehome him privately. I would be upset and disppointed if he had to go into a rescue because I know the odds of him finding a happy home quickly are against him. We'll see anyway, the main thing is that wherever he goes, be it with me or another family, he is well cared for.

If he does end up needing a new home might be worth getting rescue back up, so that neutering, microchipping and home checks etc are carried out.
Best of luck with whatever you decide :smt001

Have to be honest and say that i've never owned a staffie, but i've known a few and agree that they are great family dogs, i'm not going to give you any advice on how to decide what to do ,as having read all the replys and advice you've been given , i have nothing worth hearing to say except what ever you do decide ,be sure its what you really want and good luck