Bringing our new puppy home Sunday!

Hey all!

I'm new to the forum but I've been reading loads of the information and advice you guys have so thanks! What strikes me is how friendly you all are so I decided to register! I thought I'd introduce myself plus I have a couple of questions regarding crate training and general training, if I may.

On Sunday we shall be picking up our new Staffy puppy and I'm a little bit nervous, it feels like I will be bringing home a new baby! I've totally blitzed the house/ puppy proofed everything! I've even taken down and stored my rather expensive dining table set lol.

It will be the first Staff pup that I've raised. Before we've had Yorkshire Terriers (sadly all passed over). But my mother-in laws, blue bitch (her 1st and will be her only litter) had four pups- 3 blue, 1 brindle and white. All the puppies are being homed within our imediate family. I.e my husbands sister, brother and us will each have one. Plus she is keeping one for a companion for her girl.

Anyhoo we decided on the brindle and white girl! Aww they are all sooo friendly - little monsters - but adorable

So this Sunday we shall be bringing our new addition home. She will be just over 8 weeks. We already know her well for obvious reasons.

I will be crate training her from the off, to help potty training and also thats what I've always done with my pups. But it's been a long while since I've done it so I would just like to run any ideas, with you guys, regarding night time and crating.

I have a dog cage but its rather big for her at the moment, and I've always been under the impression that smaller is better in the early days so she wont soil it and she'll feel safer. So I was thinking about: temporarily, using our large cat basket, to crate her during the night but setting my alarm to wake her up or let her out every 2 hrs or so, to go to the loo, from say 11pm-6am. Or do you think this is too long??? It's just because I want to teach her night time is bedtime etc. She will be next to my bed.

I'm not sure with Staffs, my Yorkies loved that when they were puppies and settled very quickly.

Secondly, she will be going to puppy classes alongside her brothers and sisters! ( the trainer's gonna have fun with us lot!) BUT what I was wondering on, is your thoughts on Staffs doing mild agilty classes?? Just for fun? And obviously when she's alot older. In the past, my yorkies had great fun, I/they learnt alot and burned off some energy lol.

Because my experience of staffs on the whole is limited, I only have my mother-in-laws female to go by and my sisters male. Both of whom, on the whole are pretty lazy creatures So any advice is more than welcome!!

Sorry for the long winded post! I've just got puppies on the brain right now!! I haven't done it in soo long, I just want to make sure we get it right.

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Hiya and welcome fro me and Moo

New pup, exciting!! I love brown brindles. I have never crate trained so I can't help on that, but agility with Staffs is great, when a little older anyway, flyball is also a good one and they do love it! Plenty of members here do both.

Anyway, we expect pics, especially of the puppy classes, its going to be carnage lol!

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

A crate is a very good idea, we still have one for Rocky although he dosn’t go in it much these days as he now sleeps on our bed. We did use it more when we first got Rocky from the rescue centre if we both needed to go out for a couple of hours.

Rocky was already very well house/toilet trained when we got him but a crate is still good for this anyway.

As for the puppy training classes also a great idea but hold off on the agilty training until puppy is fully grown at about 2-3 years old. This will prevent causing any damage to the joints or ligaments.

Congrats on your new pup! We have had our blue/brindle bitch a week today and are loving having her join our family. She is my first ever dog although my partner has had dogs from childhood up to his 20's we are 30 now so even for him its been a while. We bought the largest crate we could fit in to our living room which is actually the extra large crate from Argos, her bed fills one side of it and the other side we laid a puppy pad down in case of accidents. We only crate her at night and if I have to go upstairs to sort the kids out etc but she has never soiled the inside of it. She is also happy to go in and out as she pleases so we haven't had to tempt her in or anything. Once she is in for the night thats it, she goes to sleep and isn't out until she wakes around 7am when she goes outside for wee/poo. She is 8 weeks and 3 days and so far happy to wee/poo outside with the occasional accident indoors if I haven't been on constant watch. She will be going to puppy classes at the end of July but we don't intend on doing any agility training with her. Bet your really excited x

"Anyway, we expect pics, especially of the puppy classes, its going to be carnage lol!"

Oh it will be!! It'll be fun! pmsl

"As for the puppy training classes also a great idea but hold off on the agilty training until puppy is fully grown at about 2-3 years old. This will prevent causing any damage to the joints or ligaments."

Yep no worries, I was thinking a long term goal. In the meantime, I will be taking her to other obdience classes. Im not used to 'bigger' dogs I cant just pick up, so walking nicely on the lead is a big must for me! lol Plus, we both will get to socialise more which is always good.

"Congrats on your new pup! We have had our blue/brindle bitch a week today and are loving having her join our family. She is my first ever dog although my partner has had dogs from childhood up to his 20's we are 30 now so even for him its been a while. We bought the largest crate we could fit in to our living room which is actually the extra large crate from Argos, her bed fills one side of it and the other side we laid a puppy pad down in case of accidents. We only crate her at night and if I have to go upstairs to sort the kids out etc but she has never soiled the inside of it. She is also happy to go in and out as she pleases so we haven't had to tempt her in or anything. Once she is in for the night thats it, she goes to sleep and isn't out until she wakes around 7am when she goes outside for wee/poo. She is 8 weeks and 3 days and so far happy to wee/poo outside with the occasional accident indoors if I haven't been on constant watch. She will be going to puppy classes at the end of July but we don't intend on doing any agility training with her. Bet your really excited x"

Hmmm, I might try the big cage first then, yours sounds like shes taken really well. And then if mine doesnt settle, I could try the smaller one. If I may ask, what time do you put her to bed? And do you limit her food and water after a certain time?

Thanks everyone, I will post pics when I get some better ones, at the mo all I have got are just pics of brown and blue coloured blurs! All the puppies are little maniacs at the moment and wont sit still while we are there pmsl

I have done moderate agility training with my dogs from 12, 13months. By this time their bones have fused and they are less likely to be injured by strenuous or high impact sports. Obedience/puppy classes are ideal. Staff puppies are very clever and will soak up anything you teach them like a sponge. I think toilet trips after every feed/drink are essential, plus after she has been running around like a nutter! At night I would take her out every 3 hours rather than two (or u aren't going to end up with any sleep!), as long as you stick to a routine she should get the toilet training pretty quickly. I also like the idea of using a trigger word to make things easier for you as they grow (i use a high pitched 'wee-wees').

And yes lots and lot of photos of her and her siblings

Hi from me and Obi

xXx

She goes to bed when we do around 11 and gets up when we do around half 6/7 x

Hi and welcome to the forum

Ooh a new pup..... so exciting!!

I would definitely recommend crate training, as you say, it helps loads with the house trianing and they soon come to see their crate as 'their space' and it's nice for them to be able to get away for a bit if they feel the need. Many people find dividing the crate into two sections helpful at first. When I was crate training, for the first few weeks, I made the back part his toilet, by spreading paper and pads down, and I put his bed in the front part of the crate. I also got him out every 3 hours for a wee. Of course, they eventually start ripping up the paper :roll:and alot of people feel that allowing the dog to use part of the crate as a toilet can confuse it later, but I found that he grew out of doing his business on the paper in the crate, and it can be a big help for the first couple of weeks. I wouldn't give any food after 6pm, and no water after 7-8pm.

As has already been said, agility classes, and flyball, are great for staffs. They really enjoy it and many are really good at it, but as has been said, it's best to hold off on that until your pup is at least 12 months, so as not to damage her joints.

Good luck with it all, and we're here at any time for advcie or a chat or to let off some steam when she chews up your favourite shoes

Awww grats on ur furbaby !

We use a large crate. My pup has loved it since day one.

Half the crate is blankets etc the other half is newspaper, he didn't need telling where to wee or poop, I guess instinct told him to go on the paper rather than on his blankets.
I only got him up for a wee if I happened to wake up or if he woke. I'm the early days they can't control their wees n poops so it's like pot luck if u happen to get him out when he nerds to go.

My pup is now 16wk and had been accident free for about 4 to 5 weeks in his crate. He had the odd random accident on the floor if it's raining !

Buy a stagbar, these are fab for satisfying the chewing desire.

Hi & welcome.

A new pup - I'm so jealous!

I'd also advise a stag bar - really good for needle teeth/teething!

Hi and welcome from us and Suki. I'd also only take her every 3 hours at night and not feed or give water after 6 or so. A blanket over the crate and small radio should help her to settle

Welcome to the forum Rach from myself, Juno & Jack! Can't wait to see some photos of your pup and hear all the fun stories! My dogs are 1 year (Juno dark brindle with white chest female) & 6 months old (Jack tiger brindle male). Love the brindles, but also I just love them all!
Jack is half Juno's age and is now bigger than her, they grow up so fast! Enjoy your new pup, how exciting for you!

Thanks everyone!

Yeah I'm gonna use the bigger crate and half it like you guys have mentioned, but I'm also going to invest in a puppy pen. I think it will be handy, she's used to one.

Just a quick update on my baby: she had to go to the vets yesterday and she's got a water infection. The vet said she will need to be watched closely when I bring her home, she's on antibiotics and something else. Apparently, the vet said, it's very common in staffs and that as she's had one at this age, she will NEVER be able to be bred! And she'd have to be spayed before 6mths. Which I thought was weird, just because of a water infection??

It doesn't worry me anyway. She is/was getting spayed as soon as she's allowed to be.

Anyhoo, she's a happy little pup, bounding around and eating and drinking. It's only that my mother-in-law noticed she was going to the loo more often than the others so she got her checked out. But we are going to keep a close eye on her and maybe post-pone me bringing her home a few days. We shall 'play it by ear'

I'm really excited now, but hope she gets better soon poor little thing.

I hope she gets better soon ><

Rachb26 wrote:Just a quick update on my baby: she had to go to the vets yesterday and she's got a water infection. The vet said she will need to be watched closely when I bring her home, she's on antibiotics and something else. Apparently, the vet said, it's very common in staffs and that as she's had one at this age, she will NEVER be able to be bred! And she'd have to be spayed before 6mths. Which I thought was weird, just because of a water infection??

It doesn't worry me anyway. She is/was getting spayed as soon as she's allowed to be.

Oh dear, poor little girl! Hope she feels better soon!

I don't want to question your vet, but it isn't any more common in staffs than in any other dog breed. I think it's just your vet's way of telling you to get her spayed.

I know this is a hot & very much disputed topic, but I wouldn't get any dog neutered before it was mature, and with a bitch I would always leave it until after a first season to allow for her lady bits to mature properly.

Caryll wrote:

Rachb26 wrote:Just a quick update on my baby: she had to go to the vets yesterday and she's got a water infection. The vet said she will need to be watched closely when I bring her home, she's on antibiotics and something else. Apparently, the vet said, it's very common in staffs and that as she's had one at this age, she will NEVER be able to be bred! And she'd have to be spayed before 6mths. Which I thought was weird, just because of a water infection??

It doesn't worry me anyway. She is/was getting spayed as soon as she's allowed to be.

Oh dear, poor little girl! Hope she feels better soon!

I don't want to question your vet, but it isn't any more common in staffs than in any other dog breed. I think it's just your vet's way of telling you to get her spayed.

I know this is a hot & very much disputed topic, but I wouldn't get any dog neutered before it was mature, and with a bitch I would always leave it until after a first season to allow for her lady bits to mature properly.

Yeah to be honest I don't really blame the vet for saying that, if it is the case, because let's face it there's enough dogs of all breeds in the kennels. This litter was all planned out, in that the pups were already homed for life before they were conceived - through our family. And none of the puppies will be bred as adults.

Hmmm, I have to be honest again, I don't really know alot about when the right time is to spay. I've just always had my dogs neutered because that's what my vets have always advised. It doesn't seem to have affected them in any adverse way. I know my puppies mum really suffers during heat, and I don't know whether mine will follow suit with her mum...

I just spoke to my mil and she said puppy is doing great already, and not piddling as frequently as before. So it's clearing up nicely.

I REALLY must name her! I keep calling her my puppy! But I think I will wait till she's home and I can see her full personality. I named my cat Rosie before I brought her home and after a couple of days changed it to Ninja because she's a jumping/stalking nightmare!!

Have a look through these - they're long, but worth the read....

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t18747-couple-of-interesting-articles-in-dog-world-about-early-neutering

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t12763-long-term-health-risks-and-benefits-associated-with-spay-neuter-in-dogs

On the negative side, spaying female dogs

if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a
common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis
increases the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by
a factor of >5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds
triples the risk of hypothyroidism
increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6-2, a common health problem in dogs with many
associated health problems
causes urinary “spay incontinence” in 4-20% of female dogs
increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4
increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially for female dogs
spayed before puberty
doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract tumors
increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations

Thanks very much for the links! It's definately given me food for thought

What particuarly stood out for me was the point I outlined in red above. Increases the chance of recurring urinary tract infections - Which of course is what my pup is currently suffering with. So the complete opposite of what my MIL's vet said, which her advice was to spay before six months.

I will do some more research for myself into this point particularly, before I make my final descion. It's just that I am of the opinion that because my pup's had one water infection, shes likely to get more in the future (it happens to humans too) And if spaying early really does increase the chances, as well as all the other negative side affects, It looks likely I will have to post-pone spaying until shes at least 2 or indefinately. Or rather, when she's 2+ I will look to see how she copes with her seasons. But for now I will do some research. I've got plenty of time.

Besides, it's not like she will be roaming the streets alone while shes in season lol.

Ok so just a quick update:

We brought our puppy home yesterday!

Yesterday daytime, she was a little shy and just wanted to sit on the sofa with us. But I made her have a little explore around, nothing too overwhelming. Also introduced her to her puppy pen and her crate at numerous times throughout.

Nightime, put her to bed at 11pm she cried for about 5 mins then slept through till 3.45am. There were no poo's or wee's in the crate. Normally all the puppies would get up at 4am at my MIL's as thats when she gets up for work. So took her out for a wee and poo and put her back to bed as I want her to get up at 6am, when my alarm goes off lol. Boy did she holla then! But I wouldnt give in. I only let her out when she stopped crying. So we will have to work on the 6am thing as we go. But a good first night overall.

And today, well shes completely different! Bounding around, going scatty! Chewing up everything lol. Crazy pup!

I introduced the back garden to her and shes now, so far, doing her toilets out there. She's really smart, and I've been play teaching her to fetch, which seems to be working 2/3 times.

Also I've been making a 'yelping' noise everytime she bites me and she stops straight away. Which is good. She's already learned that 'Ah Ah' with or without a soft touch means no. And she listens now! So yeah shes learning quickly.

Will post up pics soon. She's woke up now in her pen so wihave to put my laptop away now Haha.

Awesome. Thanks for the update. I am jealous of you having a pup around.

Ha Ha! Thanks

I've posted pics of her in the gallery forum now. Hopefully the quality is ok.