Promoting Staffy Image

by **Steve** Sat Jul 06 2013, 12:48

Frequently Asked Questions

Promoting Staffy Image

It’s an unfortunate fact that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and bull breeds in general, have had a very high profile in the public media in the last few years, and not usually to the good. As a result, many people are more fearful of our lovely dogs than they need be, and sometimes we as owners encounter avoidance, dirty looks, hostility or outright aggression from these people.

All dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are not a nuisance to other people or their dogs, but as Staffy owners we have to be extra careful with our and our dogs’ interactions with others.

DO

Always be friendly to other dog owners, if only a cheery smile.
Train your dog to have the best manners possible. A ‘sit’ always goes down well!
Make sure your dog has perfect recall, under whatever circumstances. Given the Staffy’s exuberant and excitable nature, and its tendency to go deaf to commands when under the influence of an exciting diversion (you will know your own dog and know what flicks his “deaf” switch), then keep him on an extendable or training lead.
If a strange dog looks as if it wants to greet your dog, and your dog is the same, say “Is it OK for them to say hello?” Both dogs should be on a short lead as they approach each other and allow them to sniff noses. If all goes well, and it usually does, then say something like “There, that’s another nice friend you’ve made.”
If the strange dog’s owner expresses any doubts as to his own dog’s behaviour at a meet and greet, say “Oh OK, no problem!” cheerily, and maybe draw your own dog aside and say to it “Sorry Fido he can’t play today!”
Try to greet any negativity you may encounter with reassuring words. If they cross the road to avoid your dog or give it wide berth, a friendly wave may be all you can do. If they (despite themselves) are obliged to pass near to your dog and give it fearful or hostile looks, make sure your dog is behaving well and say in a friendly tone “It’s OK, he’s perfectly friendly!”

DON’T

Skimp on training your dog. It’s an ongoing process.
Let your dog off the lead unless he has 100% recall.
Let your dog jump up at anyone, even when on a lead.
Shout aggressively at your dog. That gives the impression to the other person that you are scared of what your dog will do, and will therefore scare them.
Let your off-lead dog bound up to another dog, or person.
Answer aggression with aggression, even if it chokes you. Be friendly and polite at all times!