It's nice to see this acknowledged. Not just 'fear' but physical harm. Especially when the 'other dog' might be a titch like mine - 10 inches tall and just 4.5kg. Even when other owners insist 'he only wants to play' (as they usually do when they cannot recall theirs) I try to explain that even if they just jump down hard on mine with both front paws they could inflict serious damage.

OH no he's definitely not allowed near delicate little dogs! Thankfully he never shows any interest - once or twice he's thought they were cats and then when he gets closer he realises and thankfully ignores them.

Baxter. It was just nice to see an owner of a bigger more boisterous dog ACKNOWLEDGE that it isn't just their TEETH that could cause a problem! Would there were more like you!

I have to admit that staffs do frighten me a little. It's not at all that I don't like them, I like all dogs but I can't help but have concern for my own dogs safety.
So I'm torn between needing to socialise my puppy with lots of dogs and also being concerned for his safety if we were to come across any aggressive dogs.

He has met a massive off lead staff though and all went well. The staff was owned by a disabled lady who uses a scooter and the dog trots along beside her. She has very good control of him and he stays with her the whole time but I'd still be worried with him by the road, off lead.
And we was charged at by another staff but the owner grabbed him in time, not sure of his intentions but it's frightening as you always want to be able to keep your dog safe.

Again, very interesting points made and experiences explained, thank you.

I've just come back from walking her and have made some observations. We had 3 encounters with dogs. The first one was with another (much bigger) staffie, who was taken on the lead at the same time as I put Ella on the lead. Both walked past each other not taking too much notice. I distracted Ella with her ball and she walked beside me.
The second one was when she was off lead and I walked up a little hill. I saw a man with a lead on the hill but no dog, so I took her on the lead anyway. As soon as I was on the hill there was a huge lurcher. Ella was on the lead so I was quite relaxed. The other dog just looked at her and then kept walking away. Ella was licking her lips and looking away, clearly uncomfortable but the dog didn't pester her so nothing happened. And the third time it was a tiny yorkie on a lead with two girls. That dog tried its best to get to her, yapping at her. She completely turned her body around and showed them her backside. She wasn't on the lead at that point.

From that I'd say she is confused, uncomfortable and, depending on the dog, scared in other dogs' presence. It's as if she doesn't know how to speak 'dog'. She shows calming signals but can't seem to communicate them effectively.

I know a lot of you say that having a dog aggressive or reactive dog is a lot of work and won't let you have relaxing walks.. I might see it a bit different. I'm very intersted in dog behaviour, to the point that I'm looking into making it my job. I've had challenging dogs in the past, just in a different way. She might never be a dog friendly dog, but I'm enough into dog training to work on it properly. For me, having a dog isn't just 'having a dog living with me', it's a hobby that used to take up most of my free time. That's one of the reasons why I've waited so long to have a dog again.
And Ella isn't that bad, I mean I can let her off the lead when there are other dogs around. I just have to be alert and take her on the lead when a dog approaches, until I know her better. Most of the time I like doing things with the dogs on the walk anyway, like training and playing games. I'm not one for just walking and letting the dog do what she wants

I reckon once she's settled with us and knows our rules and everything it'll be easier for her as well.

Shane I spent some time in Bracknell last year. Where it seems every other dog owner had a Staffy. I used to get very worried if I saw one come hurtling round a corner well ahead of the 'owner'. But one incident that sticks in my mind was the time I called out 'Is he friendly?' and the owner replied 'He hasn't killed one of those yet!'

Another time I encountered a Staffy owner and he just pointed at my tiny Min Pin and said 'what is THAT?' lol!

I used to meet up with a disabled lady who had two CKCS and another time when I'd called out the owner said 'he might chase her a bit but he won't hurt her' she answered for me and said 'he might chase her but he won't CATCH her as she can run faster than any dog I've ever seen!'

I have a Greek pal here in Cyprus who says 'God made Bella very small, so he had to make her very BRAVE!' lol!

Shane: it's sensible to find charging staffies frightening. The main part of the problem is that their bodies are so strong they can do real damage. I'd be more scared of a staffie charging at me than a GSD to be honest. Also, the popularity of staffies increase the statistics of bites (to humans and dogs). Hence why shelters are filled with them. On the other hand: does nobody remember what happened after the film Babe came out? Everybody went to buy a border collie only to find out that they are very demanding dogs who will turn into actual monsters if not trained and stimulated enough. And the shelters were full with them. It's sad that trends can ruin a breeds reputation and it's the dogs who suffer in the end. Because staffies are so powerful they are often owned by idiots who have little knowledge of dog training and behaviour and who want a dog to look tough. So in a way it's justified to be wary of staffies. But on the other hand there are a lot of responsible owners with lovely staffies who get a lot of grief from other people.
At the same time I have seen so so many small dogs being aggressive, ill mannered and disobeyant and nobody cares. In fact, most people find it cute, because what could the dog do? What would the worst case scenario be? But at the end of the day it's exactly the same problem, it's just less apparent because those dogs are less powerful and therefore less problematic.

Florence

This has been a very Interesting thread having a dog that can react is hard work but when they show a glimmer of hope and or rehabilitation it makes it all worth while . Everyone has good and bad experiences with different breeds and owners which gives us our own opinions and its nice to express these and recieve others even when we don't agree i feel we all united and help each other. Ps if i have offended anyone i apologize now and would like to say to the op good luck your doggy is very lucky to have u and im sure i am joined in saying we look forward to more piccies and updates

I know you asked this of Sal, but I will answer anyway.

Yes you get people giving you dirty looks and nasty comments, some folk look at you as if you are the devil incarnate and you have the devils own dog.

To be honest I don't care one jot what others think of me or my dog, and if some idiot allows their friendly dog to get in my girls face, then they will get short shift from me, and just let them dare try to blame me for their misgivings.

I an glad Shane you have never had to deal with a reactive dog, neither had I till my girl came along, owning a dog with aggression issues never entered my head, and I cringe every time I hear folk say.... It's not the dogs fault but the owners, if only life was that simple.

Anyone can find themselves with such dogs, even when we do everything right in the early stages...

I know we've been on about Staffies here - ive only met friendly ones round here. But Little Yorkies on the other hand There is one further up the road from me who is often out with his owner on the pavement without a lead on. She has a few times - if i'm not quick enough to cross the road before I see her- gone for Taffy. She grabs hold of him round his neck & has to be pulled off. He's terrified if he sees her now. She's a horror!! Last week I was stroking one in the park while talking to the owner who I know slightly & it bit my thumb. I had some thick gloves on but it still drew blood. The owner just said Oh she's never gone for women before I usually go out of my way to get away from Yorkies now but will make a beeline for large dogs - all the ones i've met have been so gentle.