First staffy pup, just some general advice needed

Hi guys, got my staffy pup a week or so a go, my first ever one:). Just looking for help on a couple things. Toilet training and chewing. I imagine these are the two most stressful things puppy owners go through.

Obviously I understand it's going to take time for Mika to learn what to and what not to chew and where to and where not to pee but I'm just looking for so helpful advice from people that know what they're talking about:). Mika wants to chew everything, especially my shoes and trousers every time I walk, cute but annoying at times. Any help would be grand and I'll happily answer any questions

Hi! During the first 18 months, I'd keep all your shoes out of her reach (and anything else that you don't want destroying!) I learnt the hard way - still am  

Haha! The problem is she wants to chew them when they're on my feet!

That phase passes - when you're walking along and they're fastened to your laces  

With toilet training, we carried them into the garden every hour/after meals, sat them down, and said 'wee wee', and then a huge fuss and praise if they did anything. They now do it on command   There were accidents of course in the beginning but they get less and less.

We had that issue too. A firm no and then you give her a chew toy instead. If she chew on the toy you praise her for it. That said be prepared to repeat this a few times. Just be consistent and patient.

Yeah that's exactly it, and grabbing onto the bottom of my trousers!

That sounds great:). Yeah I'm expecting lots of accidents, she just poops and pees everywhere lol

Thanks for advice on chewing! Will give it a go:)

Try taking her out every hour and after she wakes up and had a meal. She is still a very small baby so she will have accidents. If she does it where you want her too make a huge fuss and lots of praise. There is also a link with more advice on toilet training on the home page. I found it a great help.
Good luck

With regards to chewing are you able to get hold of stag bars ? these are great for chewers. Try to swap the things she is chewing for something she is allowed to chew. My hubby used to make a tug toy/chew toy out of an old bed sheet cut it into pieces then simply tie loads of knots in it.

Thanks for everyone's help!. Will try out the things you have all suggested.

Will have a look for stag bars too, we just use some of my girlfriend's old tights and have tied a load of knots into them too and it seems to work ok

Here are a few links that may help you out

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/stop_your_staffy_puppy_biting
http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/toilet_training_your_staffie
http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/house_training
http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/socializing_your_staffords

Hope they help

All great advice above, the feet chewing will pass.  

Thanks everyone:D

Rossco91 wrote: Yeah I'm expecting lots of accidents, she just poops and pees everywhere lol

Dogs don't get full control over their bladders/bowels until about 6 months old, although many will learn to 'hold on' quite well by about 3 or 4 months. Mika will be extra susceptible to accidents, though, as she was taken from her mum/siblings too early - her mum would have partially taught her not to foul her bedding & so would have started the toilet training for you! 

Yeah I'm very much expecting some mess lol

Stag bars are fab for chewing and last ages, even with a staffy! They are expensive but because they last a while it makes up for the cost. I can't give my 8 month old anything else as he destroys a pressed raw hide bone in 15 minutes and they are not particularly good for them so stick to the stags

Hi everyone where can you buy stag bars in the uk ????????

You can get them direct from antler dog chews, Puredog, or amazon.co.uk...

https://www.antlerdogchews.co.uk/were-green-and-ethical

http://puredog.co.uk/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stag%20bars#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=stag+bars+large&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Astag+bars+large

Perfect! Was going to ask that question myself! thanks for posting the links, will definitely get a couple of them

My own preference is the antler dogchew site. Some great things there, especially the fallow deer antlers. I've just ordered some bakes from them, they're new.

Pets at Home also sell them. I think they start at 2 small ones for £7

The small ones wouldn't last 2 minutes! I'd go for at least the medium, but preferably the large. Dempsey has a couple of extra large and a fallow deer antler (whole one!).

Yeh I go for the large.....more expensive but they last longer!