Affection

Is it possible to give a staffie too much affection?
The reason I ask is...I'm retired and we are rarely separated. During our training sessions I get the impression that he doesn't get very enthusiastic when I make a fuss of him when he gets it right. Is he getting blase because affection is on tap when he wants it? Should I restrict the affection to when he has earned it?
He gets much more excited when strangers on our walks make a fuss of him. I find it difficult not to give him attention as he is only 16 weeks and such a cute puppy, e.g. when I let him out of his crate in the morning he likes me to sit on the floor and he climbs on my knee and gives me staffie cuddles before going out for his toilet. But am I making a rod for my own back or am I getting needlesly anxious?

Not an expert opinion by far, but I don't restrict affection to Steff, but I rarely make a fuss over her, call her good girl etc, unless she has done something correctly.. I still give massive affection as in pats and hugs, but reserve "fussing" until she displays correct behaviour..

I don't think there's a problem. Maybe change to treats for training?

I always fuss the dogs and don't see any problems , that's what they are there for

thanks guys. I use a combination of treats and praise for training. Maybe I'm just over anxious as he is my first staffie and they do appear to be "different".
Heading home to Aberdeen tomorrow and will post some pics of Bacchus on holiday in Glasgow.

Definately will hold you on a promise of pics.. I bet he has grown a lot

Kat75 wrote:Definately will hold you on a promise of pics.. I bet he has grown a lot

Better believe it. We are going to visit the breeder next week to pick up his papers and she will see a big difference. He's turning into a real wee dog now.

Maybe he just quietly enjoys the affection? Even so, if he likes affection then it'll be a good thing to him whether he's used to it or not, I should think.

I thought this with Bailey, he rarely wags his tail but giving him praise/cuddles etc you can tell he's enjoying it! It's just a case of getting to know your dog! He only wags his tail if I've been out for a while and come home or if he sleeps somewhere else and then comes in my room in the morning etc

The only problem I can see would be seperation aniexty when you aren't there.