New Member - Considering a Staffy. Have questions.

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 20:52

Hello all,

Little background on myself firstly!

I am not a first time dog owner, had several dogs when I was a child and a couple of years ago my beloved Sam passed away after 12 years. He was not a pedigree of any sort. So, I basically know what to expect from owning a dog, the costs, vet bills, 2x daily walks a day (minimum) etc.

Now, my main concern is that I no longer live in a home with parents and brothers etc, but by myself (I'm 28!) and work Monday to Friday, 7:30am till 4:00pm. Previously in my old household there was always somebody around at some point and 'Sam' wouldn't be left alone for long times very frequently at all.

So, basically would it be acceptable to leave any dog by itself throughout the day within the hours I have advised above? I have searched, including on this forum and can see that some people work 9 to 5's and their dogs seem to be fine as long as they have some form of stimulation, such as a radio on and chewy toys etc.

I have also read that it is best to work in stages leading up to longer periods by firstly leaving for 1hr, then 2hrs, then 3hrs and so on. It would be a puppy I would get and would be taking a few weeks of work to spend time with the puppy and start training and such things at the start.

I am aware that they can get bored and chew a lot, however I have a large basement area which I would be willing to fully carpet and make habitable and comfortable for my dog for times I am away.

My girlfriend also is at mine 3-4x a week and would be there even more if I got a Staffy as she adores them!

Sorry if this has been asked 1,000 times already, as above..I did do some searching but would like some solid answers Smile

Thank you.

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 20:53

Hi &

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by Guest Wed Jan 25 2012, 20:58

Hi and welcome from us and Suki.

A puppy might have a difficult time being left alone for such a long time. It isn't natural for them to be alone and they tend to cry our for attention until they get used to being by themselves. I always prefer to leave them alone for a very short time, 15-30 minutes and gradually build up from there. Is there a freind, neighbor or dog walker that could stop by for a walk in the afternoon?

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:03

Hi jstaff,

Thanks for your reply.

Well, I would be willing to use my annual leave to stay with the dog for a couple of weeks and I am sure my girlfriend would be willing to do the same after mine has finished to extend the period of someone being home.

I totally appreciate that it is best to build of the time progressively and this is exactly what I would do.

There is the possibility of option of a neighbour or family member (only live up the road) to come and walk my dog.

Can you advise up to what age it is okay for them to be left over longer periods and when I could start building up the time it is left alone?

Ps. Is that your Staffy in your signature? It is gorgeous.

by Guest Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:14

Hi there for vets bills consider insurance i pay about £11 a month from Sainsbury's it covers the expensive bills and loss of dog ect

Exercise they need around 2 hours a day when grown as a pup the guide is 5mins for every month twice a day

As for leaving them during the day could you get a dog walker in to break the day up round here its £6 for half hour or could family or friends pop in to walk the dog

I always think a good dog is a tired dog

good luck with it a Stafford is a great dog to own if socialised and trained properly

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:15

I personally wouldn't leave a dog for that amount of time.

Me, I rescued Moo at 10 months and she came to work with me so together 24/7, I changed jobs the other year and have had to rely on family and friends and dog walkers as I am out the house 5 days a week.

Not saying it can't work but 1; I would take on an older dog, its not fair on a pup, and 2; have someone walk them daily whilst you are at work, or at least someone to let them relieve themselves.

Its hard work working full time with a dog so please do lots of reasearch. If you can do an hours all so walk before work and again when home, and get someone to pop in in the day it can work.

Just believe me, its a full time job, on ttop of the one you have.

Good luck and we are all here for advice if ever needed Xx

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:27

Marty wrote:Hi there for vets bills consider insurance i pay about £11 a month from Sainsbury's it covers the expensive bills and loss of dog ect

Exercise they need around 2 hours a day when grown as a pup the guide is 5mins for every month twice a day

As for leaving them during the day could you get a dog walker in to break the day up round here its £6 for half hour or could family or friends pop in to walk the dog

I always think a good dog is a tired dog

good luck with it a Stafford is a great dog to own if socialised and trained properly

Hi Marty,

Thanks, yeah pet insurance is definately something I would take up. There is some scope of a family member and or neighbour popping in and dog walking, I would enquire about this with them before getting a pup also.

The dog would be walked and attempted to be tired out before I left for work lol.

janey wrote:I personally wouldn't leave a dog for that amount of time.

Me, I rescued Moo at 10 months and she came to work with me so together 24/7, I changed jobs the other year and have had to rely on family and friends and dog walkers as I am out the house 5 days a week.

Not saying it can't work but 1; I would take on an older dog, its not fair on a pup, and 2; have someone walk them daily whilst you are at work, or at least someone to let them relieve themselves.

Its hard work working full time with a dog so please do lots of reasearch. If you can do an hours all so walk before work and again when home, and get someone to pop in in the day it can work.

Just believe me, its a full time job, on ttop of the one you have.

Good luck and we are all here for advice if ever needed Xx

Hi Janey,

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah I totally understand, it wouldnt be a decision I would take lightly, this is exactly why I am researching and not going out there and impulse buying.

Yes, it would get a long walk / excersise before I go to work and after. Also, as above I may be able to get a family member to help.

I am currently reading a thread on here and some people who are single and live by themselves work 9 to 5's and their dogs seem fine. I am still reading up though:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t13651-how-many-hours-are-your-dogs-on-there-own

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:31

Your certainly doing the right thing by doing your research, I would suggest getting an older dog though Xx

by Guest Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:32

Gee wrote:Hi jstaff,

Thanks for your reply.

Well, I would be willing to use my annual leave to stay with the dog for a couple of weeks and I am sure my girlfriend would be willing to do the same after mine has finished to extend the period of someone being home.

I totally appreciate that it is best to build of the time progressively and this is exactly what I would do.

There is the possibility of option of a neighbour or family member (only live up the road) to come and walk my dog.

Can you advise up to what age it is okay for them to be left over longer periods and when I could start building up the time it is left alone?

Ps. Is that your Staffy in your signature? It is gorgeous.

I wouldn't leave an 8 week old puppy by themselves for any amount of time. It all really depends on the dog as they all adjust to things differently. If you don't have your heart set on a puppy there are plenty of older dogs in shelters or people looking to rehome. If you are going to be at work that might be the best option and you wouldn't have to toilet train or worry about teething and training.

We started to leave Suki alone a little bit at a time when she wass 5-6 months old but she was about 18 weeks old when we got her. Some dogs are fine by themselves from 9-5 like our old English Bulldog but with Suki we don't leave her for more than 3-4 hours because she has too much energy

by **Kathy** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:37

Gee, This all sounds like a plot just to get your girlfriend in your house more often Laughing

Would you consider a rescue dog. They are quite often more suitable and there really are so many there to be rescued.

A crate may be an idea that is their own place to chill out and have a lovely snooze.

Staffy's are a real people dog and thrive on your company. They want to be with you 24/7

Have a good look around the forum and website there's loads of useful info to read up on also don't be afraid of the search facility many questions already answered on there too. Have fun Smile

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 21:41

Jstaff,

Well I did want a puppy because all the dogs I have actually had, I never had from 8 weeks etc, they were all a good few months old.

It wouldn't be 8 weeks by the time I go back to work and the girlfriend, would be more like 12 weeks but maybe this is still too young?

At what age do you suggest to get a dog that could be left alone for firstly 1hr, then 2hr etc and built up over time? I would consider an older dog, depends on the age.

Kathy,

Nah, I just know she WILL be around all the time and has even said herself!

Would a crate be needed if the dog has a whole basement area to itself? How long are they okay to be in a crate? I thought it would be better if the dog had free space to roam without a chance of it hurting itself?

I am trying to get answers on the age training a dog to be left for longer periods (as above) so not sure on a rescue dog, depends on the age.

by **gem** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:02

When I got my dogs I took at least 3 months off work and then cause I lived in a busy house with 3 teens they were never really left alone its so hard on them to be left so if you cant provide a home with someone popping in 2-3 times to walk and give stimulation when your out at work then its a good idea to get a older rescue dog.
Im sure you can provide the love , walking, food and vets fees but the stimulation is so important for a youngster to grow up happy.
My 3 kids would all love a dog they have homes of there own Ive put them off as they all are busy working and I know they will regret leaving pets home alone Smile

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:06

I appreciate the comments and the recommendation of an 'older' dog. Can you advise on how old is old? LOL

6 months, 1 year, 2 years?

I would want as young as possible.

by **steve76** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:18

our dog,marley is 11 months old and still got quite a bit of puppyish behaviour left in him, he hates being left alone for more than a few (4 max)hours at a time

by Guest Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:19

Hi & welcome to the forum.

Gee wrote:It wouldn't be 8 weeks by the time I go back to work and the girlfriend, would be more like 12 weeks but maybe this is still too young?

At what age do you suggest to get a dog that could be left alone for firstly 1hr, then 2hr etc and built up over time? I would consider an older dog, depends on the age.

I'm afraid a pup of any age ideally shouldn't be left alone for more than an hour or two at the most. The puppy stage is really up to 6-12 months old! If you can't get someone to pop in two or three times during the day, you should really consider an older dog. Even then, most rescue centres would expect you to arrange for someone to pop in during the day to let the dog relieve itself & have a little company for half an hour or so.

Staffords are extremely sociable dogs, and crave human companionship. To leave them for long periods 5 days a week would be quite emotionally damaging to them.

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:29

If I am totally honest if I was in the same work situation I wouldn't have opted to get a dog.

I am totally relient on my family/friends and walkers to help me with Moo.

Of course that wasn't always the case as initially she came to work with me.

So as for age, Moo was 10 months, now nearly 3 and in the next month will be the first time she is going to be left, mums away and I can't afford walkers every day, but I am able to pop home for lunch and a friend is picking her up at 4 when he finishes.

It can work but its hard, you can't leave any dog when you first get them for a set amount of time, they adapt to you, which can take years.

It can work but you'll need a routine set in place first, and be willing to give up your life for it if I'm honest.

If you can do that then maybe start your resaerch in a rescue centre. Go there and meet the staff and the dogs and there maybe one suitable to your life style Xx

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:34

Caryll wrote:Hi & welcome to the forum.

Gee wrote:It wouldn't be 8 weeks by the time I go back to work and the girlfriend, would be more like 12 weeks but maybe this is still too young?

At what age do you suggest to get a dog that could be left alone for firstly 1hr, then 2hr etc and built up over time? I would consider an older dog, depends on the age.

I'm afraid a pup of any age ideally shouldn't be left alone for more than an hour or two at the most. The puppy stage is really up to 6-12 months old! If you can't get someone to pop in two or three times during the day, you should really consider an older dog. Even then, most rescue centres would expect you to arrange for someone to pop in during the day to let the dog relieve itself & have a little company for half an hour or so.

Staffords are extremely sociable dogs, and crave human companionship. To leave them for long periods 5 days a week would be quite emotionally damaging to them.

Well this last comment really puts the last nail in the coffin?

Staffords are extremely sociable dogs, and crave human companionship. To leave them for long periods 5 days a week would be quite emotionally damaging to them

I find that remarkable considering there are members on this very forum suggesting they work 9-5, Monday to Friday and own which I assume are happy dogs.

All is not lost though, because I may be able to get my brother to pop in. He gets a dog this week and is a student and will obviously be walking his own dog, so could take mine throughout the week too (that's the plan).

So really, I would be looking at a dog that is at least 1 year of age and someone to call in through the day from what I am gathering?

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:37

janey wrote:

If I am totally honest if I was in the same work situation I wouldn't have opted to get a dog.

I am totally relient on my family/friends and walkers to help me with Moo.

Of course that wasn't always the case as initially she came to work with me.

So as for age, Moo was 10 months, now nearly 3 and in the next month will be the first time she is going to be left, mums away and I can't afford walkers every day, but I am able to pop home for lunch and a friend is picking her up at 4 when he finishes.

It can work but its hard, you can't leave any dog when you first get them for a set amount of time, they adapt to you, which can take years.

It can work but you'll need a routine set in place first, and be willing to give up your life for it if I'm honest.

If you can do that then maybe start your resaerch in a rescue centre. Go there and meet the staff and the dogs and there maybe one suitable to your life style Xx

Hmmm, it seems with my work schedule it really is not recommended to own a dog, though there are people on this very forum that have similar schedules.

Oh well, the dream was wonderful while it lasted...

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:40

Gee wrote:
janey wrote:
It can work but its hard, you can't leave any dog when you first get them for a set amount of time, they adapt to you, which can take years.

It can work but you'll need a routine set in place first, and be willing to give up your life for it if I'm honest.

If you can do that then maybe start your resaerch in a rescue centre. Go there and meet the staff and the dogs and there maybe one suitable to your life style Xx

Hmmm, it seems with my work schedule it really is not recommended to own a dog, though there are people on this very forum that have similar schedules.

Oh well, the dream was wonderful while it lasted...

Not what I said at all! Just hard work but certainly can be done!

I do it!

Just advise on an older dog! Xx

by Guest Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:45

Gee wrote:I find that remarkable considering there are members on this very forum suggesting they work 9-5, Monday to Friday and own which I assume are happy dogs.

Most of them have someone to pop in during the day.

Years ago I had a dog that was left for about 6 hours twice a week. During those times he dug a hole in the wall three times and destroyed my oh's collection of scale model airoplanes (very expensive ones!). He also used to run up & down the passage for an hour at a time through sheer boredom (I know that because the lady in the flat downstairs used to complain about it).

I'm lucky in as much as I can take my dog to work with me; if I couldn't, I would probably not have got him, or would have tried to get an older dog.

P.S. I'm really not trying to put you off getting a dog. I'm just trying to make you aware of the pitfalls. An older dog would be calmer (hopefully) during the day & would have a better control over bladder & bowel movements. A pup doesn't have full control until at least 5 or 6 months, and sometimes longer, so housetraining would be a nightmare.

by **gem** Wed Jan 25 2012, 22:51

Dont be dismayed we need to work to earn a living there is a dog out there somewere who is idealy suited to you if you can get your brother to walk during the day and you are going to walk morning and evening then ill say you are a great candidate for a rescue who has a life behind bars at least you can give all the essentials. I would look at a dog over 1 years old good luck to you keep us posted .
There are lots of dogs out there in homes that arnt no were near as good a life your offering you have lots of positives and only one negative so go for it if you have thought it through and remember a dog is for life through the good and the bad thumbs up

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:02

I appreciate the advice and the time you have all took to reply. It's why I am here after all, for advice.

Janey,

I wasn't taking a pop at you, apologies if it seemed like that because you were the last person i quoted.

Gem,

Thanks for your comments. That is definitely another perspective of looking at it.

It's not a decision I would make straight away, might be months before I got one if I decided to. I would want to make its room comfortable etc and ensure I have all accessories bought etc.

I would have to discuss with my brother but other than him I really don't have anyone I can rely on to to be honest which is sad.

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:07

Dog walkers Big Grin

Speak to your vets, local shelters, do as much research as poss. It can be done, me and Moo are walking proof.

But it is hard work, worth it as I wouldn't and couldn't be without her now.

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:15

Hmmm. I'll look into it. Not comfortable with the idea of I assume someone accessing my home while I'm at work and to have a key etc.

Bit security concious and u can't trust humans haha.

by **janey** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:18

Hmmm, to be honest then unless you have someone you can trust I wouldn't personally leave a staff for that amount of time.

You have lots of options and your gonna have to explore them, otherwise it may not be right for you at the moment Xx

by **steve76** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:19

depending where you live, there are also puppy creche's/ day care that could look after the pup while you were at work

by **Gee** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:20

Yup,

My brother is the only option for me really, not looking good.

Hey Steve,

Wouldn't be a pup now mate.

Well, thanks for all your help everyone.

by **gem** Wed Jan 25 2012, 23:49

YOU HAVE A LOT TO OFFER dont be disheartened think things through, make plans, prepare and look for the perfect pet to match what you have to offer Big Grin

by **Gee** Thu Jan 26 2012, 07:36

Thanks for the advice Gem.

In relation to getting a dog around a year old, is it possible it could have some personalitie issues from be abandoned / rehomed etc?

Would it still be possible to change its behaviour and teach it new commands etc without much trouble?

I assume any dogs up for adoption have to pass some type of behavioural test maybe like what the RSPCA do?

by Guest Thu Jan 26 2012, 10:07

They are a very adaptive breed and learn things very quickly. It would most likely take the dog some time to settle and learn to trust you but it shouldn't be a problem.

Behaviour problems can exist espically if you don't know the history of the dog and how it was treated before.

by **linzy** Thu Jan 26 2012, 10:22

I've seen a lot of ads on Gumtree for people looking to 'time-share' a dog, which sounds silly, but maybe you have an older neighbour or something that would like the company of the dog during the day, but not want to commit to having a dog full time?

by Guest Thu Jan 26 2012, 14:00

Oh please don't give up the idea, you sound as if you would be a very responsible dog owner.
I am fortunate in some ways that my two staffs were brought up from pups while I've had to go out and work. The difference was we always had the older dog for company and as I work shift work, they are not left for long periods of time as my hubby gets home at normal hours.
Do you have any other friends that have dogs that you can share "doggy sitting".
Are there any dog organisations/clubs in your area where you might meet like minded people who you would get to know on a more personal basis. Some of them might be able to help or know of other supports available.

by Guest Thu Jan 26 2012, 14:37

You know what......u sound like such a sensible person and if a pup is what u want then go for it! So long as u take as much time off as possible when u first bring pup home. I would say to crate train pup as soon as u get it. Up to about 7/8 months old a would sugest getting some one in to walk it or just be with it AT LEAST twice while u are at work ie 10:30 and 1:30 prefferabley one more visit as well but whatever u can arrange. Obviously would need a walk before u go 2 work and one when u get home. I think u will be fine u seem like u have your head screwed on! lol

by **Gee** Thu Jan 26 2012, 17:12

Dogalogs88 wrote:Oh please don't give up the idea, you sound as if you would be a very responsible dog owner.
I am fortunate in some ways that my two staffs were brought up from pups while I've had to go out and work. The difference was we always had the older dog for company and as I work shift work, they are not left for long periods of time as my hubby gets home at normal hours.
Do you have any other friends that have dogs that you can share "doggy sitting".
Are there any dog organisations/clubs in your area where you might meet like minded people who you would get to know on a more personal basis. Some of them might be able to help or know of other supports available.

I have not totally given up on the idea but needs some more thought and consideration. Unfortunately that saying that goes something like 'you only have a hand full of true friends' seems to be true as you get older. No one I could call on for such things I'm afraid.

My brother is my only hope, but I can't discuss it with him yet and he is getting a puppy for his birthday on Saturday (21st) so can't discuss such things just yet, may give it away!

My girlfriend recently attended some puppy training sessions even they we don't have one, as she loves dogs and wants to get involved with some sort of work with them. Could potentially make contacts that way.

blaze wrote:You know what......u sound like such a sensible person and if a pup is what u want then go for it! So long as u take as much time off as possible when u first bring pup home. I would say to crate train pup as soon as u get it. Up to about 7/8 months old a would sugest getting some one in to walk it or just be with it AT LEAST twice while u are at work ie 10:30 and 1:30 prefferabley one more visit as well but whatever u can arrange. Obviously would need a walk before u go 2 work and one when u get home. I think u will be fine u seem like u have your head screwed on! lol

I would really love a pup and would take off as much time as possible and I am sure my GF would help, but it sounds as if a lot of people really don't recommend leaving pup's by themselves for any length of time. Don't think I would be able to get anyone to call in twice a day unfortunately so really wouldn't be fair on the little guy.

If anything, it will need to be an older dog. I always thought I'd wait until retirement, but that's years away and who's to say I'll even reach it lol.

We'll see, you never know. Maybe my circumstances will change at some point and it can be given further consideration.

by Pado Fri Jan 27 2012, 19:45

by Guest Sat Jan 28 2012, 15:59

phew.. I just read all the above posts and to me you sound like you have alot to offer a dog..there are so many unwanted dogs, young and old out there desperate for a decent home..I can't wait to follow your journey!

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 09:21

Pado wrote:Ideally we'd all love to stay with our dogs full time but unfortunately for most that just isn't realistic. Most people have to work a full days work and far enough from home where coming home at lunch isn't an option - and that's just a hard fact.

Yup, it's a hard fact for me!

My dog stays home 8 + hrs ... just him and the cat ... He has three dog doors so he can get out into the backyard to do his business or lay in the sun. As sad as that may sound he has a pretty good life IMO . I get home at 3pm and we are off weekends. He travels with us, gets to go to the dog park - on walks - car rides - for weekends away etc

Yeah, at least he gets to freely roam around the house and even outside! Sides like a good life to me

That being said - he is a rescue and was 10 months old when we got him, he's 3 years old now. My OH worked from home until a year and a half ago so Frank has just been home alone for a year and a half. We actually got a cat as company as we didn't want another dog and wouldn't leave two dogs home alone together anyhow. The cat and dog do play and go outside together and sleep together etc but the cat is gone sometimes throughout the day also, doing cat things

I personally wouldn't leave a pup under a year of age alone (but I hold no judgement to those who choose to do so). We chose to rescue an older dog because we knew at some point he would be home alone.

Well my brother has his puppy now, got him yesterday and within a matter of hours he had pee'ed about 7 times and done a poop about 3, so I can see how much hard work they are and all they want to do it play all of the time! I definitely won't be getting a very young pup. Wouldn't be fair at all.

I know from experience that leaving a young pup alone can cause separation anxiety which the dog will have its entire life (my opinion but I firmly believe so). My Shar-pei had extreme separation anxiety because she was left alone from 8 weeks old. She DESTROYED our home many times over throughout her life and even ate through crates - when transferred to a metal crate she pulled the bars apart to crawl out and got a bar stuck in her neck - I could go on and on with stories :-) . We lived with what we created in this dog for 10 years until her death.

My next dog a Rat Terrier, I was lucky to be in a job where I could take him to work with me - He was never left alone EVER for the first six months - then it was just 30 minutes an hour then two ... when we'd go to the movies or something. He had no issues at all and I firmly believe it was because of how different we raised him. When he was older he was left for more extended periods but had no issues with it.

Our current Staffy -Frank- luckily doesn't have separation issues - although it was a chance we took in getting him - he has never as much as ripped a piece of paper while at home alone - pulled stuffing out of a toy or two but those were his to do that : Was he left home alone from a pup or not, I will never know.

Is there a particular age that they stop tearing things a part or does it simply depend on the dog and it's temperament?

These are just my experience 'stories' to share. But ultimately you will figure out what is best for your situation and you will work it out - hopefully all our replies will help guide you somewhat. Whatever you decide you will not be judged - we're all just giving our personal opinions.

YIKES, sorry for being a

Thanks for your comments.

I have been thinking some more and I would need to suggest it to my mother and brother, but if I do decide to get one, I may be able to walk it in the morning and then drop it off at my mothers while I am at work and pick it back up once I finish. So he would spend weekday mornings with my mother / brother and his Labrador and afternoons / evenings and weekends with me. My mother / brother can then keep him company and walk him, not to mention my brothers Labrador will be there too. Hopefully if they are introduced and get on, it won't be a problem. Just need to get my family on board with that.

Just a few questions.

If I am able to leave the dog at my mothers, is it not advisable to leave the 2 dogs together for any length of time without supervision? If they did pop to the shop or whatever, would it be best to isolate them in different rooms? And to even crate my dog as I don't want to be responsible for any chewed furniture etc, but I assume they really only do that when board and left by themselves for long periods? I would make sure there were lots of toys around anyway.

Out of curiosity, how long maximum do people generally crate their dogs? Do some do it over night?

Thanks.

by Guest Sun Jan 29 2012, 09:39

Lots of different opinions on this and it really depends on the dog. Personally I would never leave a power breed aloe with anthor dog unsupervised. A small disagreement can escalte into a fight with serious consequences and injuries even if they do get along all the time.

For crating over night is okay. A blanket drapped over 3 sides makes them feel more comfortable. You should never force them in though. In time they will go in on their own and feel safe and secure.

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 09:47

Okay, thanks.

Better safe than sorry. My Mom and brothers girlfriend already hold some misconceptions on Staffys due to the media and the 'chavs' they see with them trying to look hard etc unfortunately.

Don't want one injuring my brothers dog to help feed their tarnishing!

Thanks.

by Guest Sun Jan 29 2012, 09:53

I'm always over cautious and think better safe than sorry.

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 10:27

I have been looking around at rescue centres and dogs needing new homes and Staffy X's seem to be popular or unpopular..how ever you want to see it.

I would consider a Staffy X, doesn't need to be a full pedigree, I will rescue a dog regardless.

I was wondering, depending on the breed of dog it is crossed with, could that potentially remove some of the common traits of a Staffy, such as being destructive when left a lone (according to the internet)?

Would you still consider a Staffy-X a power breed if crossed with another breed such as a Labrador and could a cross be deemed as more suitable to be left a lone with another dog?

Guess it really depends on genetics and which come through into the cross breed?

Thanks.

by Guest Sun Jan 29 2012, 10:32

I would think I would still treat the dog as a Staffy regardless with what it was crossed with.

Again I may be overcautious but better safe than sorry.

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 10:50

Cool, thanks.

by Guest Sun Jan 29 2012, 11:17

Gee wrote:If I am able to leave the dog at my mothers, is it not advisable to leave the 2 dogs together for any length of time without supervision? If they did pop to the shop or whatever, would it be best to isolate them in different rooms? And to even crate my dog as I don't want to be responsible for any chewed furniture etc, but I assume they really only do that when board and left by themselves for long periods? I would make sure there were lots of toys around anyway.

Out of curiosity, how long maximum do people generally crate their dogs? Do some do it over night?

Thanks.

I, personally have never left two dogs alone together. I'm not saying that bad things would definitely happen but I'm not prepared to take the risk, especially with a Bull Breed. I'm not just talking about the possibility of fighting, but play getting over exuberant & your property getting destroyed! I've seen so may sofas etc destroyed in just a few minutes. Also, all you need is one little argument over, say, a toy and a fight could break out, and believe me, the results where a staff is concerned are not pretty.

I know there are memebers here who always leave their dogs together & have no problems, though.

As to crates, when we first got Dempsey he was crated overnight & when we left him alone during the day, although during the day was never more than about an hour or so. If it's going to be longer, I'd prefer to leave him in a 'safe' room where he can move around & not get quite so bored. My EBT was a serial chewer and had he been left to his own devices he probably would have killed himself (no joke - his grandfather died from eating something he shouldn't have, and an uncle died from eating his own collar!). When he was about 12 months old I started leaving the door of the crate open overnight, and when he was about 18 months old or so I started to leave the door open for short periods when I went out - shopping etc - and now the door is never shut.

Gee wrote:I was wondering, depending on the breed of dog it is crossed with, could that potentially remove some of the common traits of a Staffy, such as being destructive when left a lone (according to the internet)?

Would you still consider a Staffy-X a power breed if crossed with another breed such as a Labrador and could a cross be deemed as more suitable to be left a lone with another dog?

I think all dogs have the capability of being destructive, especially if they are bored. That's why it's so important not to leave them alone for very long periods. It's just that staff (and staff x's) have such powerful jaws that they do significantly more damage! I doubt that the crossing with any breed will change that. That's why crates are such a good idea, as long as they are used properly.

As I said above, I would never leave 2 dogs of any breed alone together, although others do. The breed it's crossed with doesn't have too much influence on the possibility of disputes or over exuberant play.

I think it's fantastic that you're asking so many questions. I know you'll get conflicting replies a lot of the time, but that's the way we make decisions, isn't it? By listening & choosing the option that suits best.

If you see a dog you like at a rescue centre, ask them if you can take the labrador with you to meet & greet so taht you can be sure that they get on well. Also, before you take your new dog to your mother's, take them both for a walk together & then quietly & without fuss take them both into your mother's house. You may need to keep the new dog on a lead for a short perios until they both settle down a bit, but otherwise they'll be fine.

by Guest Sun Jan 29 2012, 12:16

Yes as Caryll said I would be wary about leaving 2 dogs alone... Staffys play very rough and I talked to someone at my vets who left their old and young staffy home alone together.. they must have started playing and the younger one actually broke the older one's back... how horrific ! I can vouch for that as when my 2 play it doesn't take much for Winston to send Jethro flying on his back... we always supervise them playing as there is such an age difference... not worth the risk.

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 14:25

Thanks for the replies.

Hmmm, when it comes to concerns with The potential of horrible fights breaking out and the potential of huge damage to furniture due to their strength, would it be best to avoid a bully breed altogether? Sad

No matter what dog I got, it would be loved all the same bit there are no specific ones that interest me at the moment apart for a staffy / staffy X.

I know any dog can be destructive etc but of course certain breeds have certain tendencies too.

Basically I dont want any dog I own hurting my brothers or ripping my mothers house apart lol

by **shakespearesdog** Sun Jan 29 2012, 17:10

I suggest you get an older dog. Not necessarily old old, but about 12 months. There are a lot of poor staffs being offered for free in the ads that are used to being left in yards and alone in flats and all sorts.
Once the older dog is settled in you might be able to get a puppy then as the puppy would have the company of the other dog and not be lonely. Smile

Staffies do chew yes but most grow out of it by about a year, possibly slightly longer. My dog doesn't chew anything while I'm out but he was a nightmare as a puppy!
No staffy worth there salt would be people aggressive. Its simply not a trait in the breed. Or that of any dog descended from fighting dogs. A handler would have to grab his dog in the middle of a frenzied fight and trust that he would not get bitten.
If you have a male and a female staffy its unlikely they would have a big fight. More likely if you had a same sex pair which I wouldn't recommend.

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 19:53

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I've gathered now it's probably best to get one around a year old.

I meant I didn't want a dog to hurt my brothers dog, not actually my brother lol

by **gem** Sun Jan 29 2012, 20:58

No 2 dogs are the same a bull breed is a fantastic dog and a staffy/staffy crosses are great I have 2 they are left together if we are in or out never had any problems Ive never crated mine not saying there is anything wrong with crates and both mine have never chewed. Maybe this is just good luck but to be honest Id recomend the breed for a great family pet.
The only advice I would give is whatever sex your brothers puppy is then you get the opposite sex and you hopefully will not see any problems. Big Grin

by **Gee** Sun Jan 29 2012, 23:12

My brothers puppy is male but I want a male too. Never had a bitch. Not that there is anything wrong with them, it's just my preference.

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