Advice?

I grew up around larger breed dogs, I also assisted in some k9 police training. Staffs are a whole new breed to me. Bringing out new pup into our family of 3 boys is quite exciting.

1. Should I crate him at night/when we are out?
2. Where should I let him sleep? (I am fine with my room, not my bed!)
3. Best food/treats?
4. What kind of toys do Staffs seem to like best?
and
5.Best lead/collar/harness combo?

I am anticipating Gnash to be a bigger staff, he was the largest of the 4 in his litter and his father is quite massive and very powerful. I want to make sure I will be able to handle his size/power and will not have a lead or collar break.

Gnash is coming into a family environment and will be trained as such. I do not want an aggressive dog!

It may be a good idea to get him used to a crate early on this can be his bedroom if you like, where he goes for some peace and quiet, time out. He will probably want to sleep in his crate too.

See link below for food recommendations:

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dryfood.html

You may want to use a Kong to feed by, again see link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Kong-Red-Dog-Chew/dp/B002XGAVIA/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1332019903&sr=1-5

We found with Rocky that the Nylabone chew toys last for quite a a long time:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nylabone-Powerful-Strong-Nylon-Chews/dp/B0002ASM94/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1332019985&sr=8-3

Lead and collar harness link below to Julius K9 harness again this is one Rocky uses there are loads to choose from:

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_collars_dog_leads/harnesses/julius_k9_harnesses/194316

Again Rockys collar plain black leather a must have for ID tags:

http://www.wild4pets.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=89_29_33_117&products_id=279

Hope some of this helps I know it's mostly what Rocky has so you can only go on his recommendations

Thanks for the quick reply! It has been a very long time since I had a puppy!

How fast will he get "bigger" right now he just seems so tiny, but I know it won't last long!

I have gotten some nylabones for him and a kong all ready. We got him a mini harness, just for now, to get him used to wearing one.

I saw that Julius K9 and really really like it.

Its like shopping for a baby!

I am a big believer in crates but after the first week Suki has slept in the bed with us. In general they grow in height the first year and then in width the next two.

I'ts best to socalize them with as many different people and animals as early and often as you can.

My mum has a dog who we plan on taking the puppy around as often as we are there (pretty much every day!), we also have a lot of dogs in our area (evident by all the fouling around) there is one in particular, an old basset hound, that always comes by my door to pop his head in and say hello, so Gnash will have to get used to him too!

With my oldest twins being nearly pre teens, we have people in and out on a daily basis. We are car free, so he will be going on walks with us a lot. We also live about a stones throw from a very very large park with lake.

I am assuming this breed will be similar to the GSD with its affection and devotion to it's family?

They are very affectionate and devoted. They are great people dogs.

I am not looking for protection from him, but is this something common with the breed?

I only ask because our previous GSD's were very receptive of our emotions when it came to someone coming too close unwelcome, or strangers nosing around on our property.

I will most likely train him to bark once or twice when there is a knock on a door or window, but would like him to be welcoming of strangers into our home or personal space.