New staffy dad

Hey,

Never had a staffy before, had a cocker spaniel in the past.

Flo, our 8 week old puppy arrived last Tuesday and I fell instantly in love with her and I just want to make sure I'm doing the best I can in terms of training her.

Toilet training is going really well, even in the rain (which she hates. We are slowly getting there with crate training.

But in the last 2 days she has become extremely nippy and is chewing on everything. She is very playful for a short time, then doesn't want anything to do with anyone and just chews anything she can get her hands on (apart from her own toys). I know this is part of the puppy process for her and she it is just something I have to wait for her to grow out of.

Was just wondering if there are any tips on how to stop this.

Thanks for any advise in advance,

Liam

P.s. I can't walk her until her 2nd jab on NYE, which I think is why she has so much energy.

Hi & welcome.

The energy is part & parcel of ANY pup. Just remember that, like toddlers, when they get over tired they can 'zone out' and become difficult.

Watch her carefully. When she starts to over-react,  put her somewhere quiet, with her bed available (a crate is handy if she is okay with it) so that she can relax & sleep.

She WILL nip. That's perfectly normal & the way she would behave with her siblings. If she nips, use a 'trigger' word ("no" or "off" or "leave" - whatever you find easiest) and turn away from her. Stop ALL interaction, don't even look at her, until she's quiet again. If she doesn't stop, stand up & turn away from her. If she STILL continues walk out of the room & close the door. Wait 30 seconds & go back. If she starts again, repeat. And repeat.....

It may take a while, but it's the kindest way to teach her that nipping hurts & is not acceptable.

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Hi from me & Katy Sounds like you are doing a great job already with Flo , if she's going out in the rain to toilet you're on a winner Staffies hate rain
Gilly has given great advise to the nipping issues, Katy was like living with the Tasmanian Devil!
Would love to see some pics of Flo

Thanks guys for the tips. 9 weeks now and seen a huge improvement following what you have said. She is also sleeping alot more now. Only 4 more days till I can take her for a walk.

Awww, sounds like she's settling well.

Any pics you can share?

Didnt mean to send it that many times

So sweet!

Flo is a little cutie

Hey guys,

So training has been going really well and she was a dream over Christmas meeting the extended family and the extended family dogs and has even started to sleep from 10pm till 7am (on occasion). But yesterday and today i have noticed that she has become extremely reluctant to play and is inviting on biting or chewing anything she can get hold of. Her teeth must be in agony.

She is 10 weeks now and I'm assuming that is the age they start teething. I have given her carrots which work for a short amount of time. I've also heard there is a gel you can use for their teeth and that bull horns are also helpful. I feel really sad for her as it is clearly causing her pain and I think is stopping her from being able to fully relax.

Wanted to know your thoughts on the gel and horn. Also any other tips would be appreciated.

Not bull horn - my h too hard for the new teeth coming through. You can get a teething gel which is very helpful. Plus, you can freeze a damp t towel (knotted) and give that as a chew. Tough enough to loosen the milk teeth, but not so hard that it will damage the gums or new teeth.

I completely agree with Gilly! Bull horns are known to splinter so can be very dangerous! A frozen t towel is a safer option for her, teething doesn't last for long

Tea towel placed in freezer and gel on the list to buy for tomorrow. Feel sorry for the lil gal