Rescued Staffie doesn't like other big dogs...

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum here and I'm looking for some advice please.

We recently rescued a 4 year old male Staffie. We have previously owned a Staffie but haven't owned a dog for some years. He is very well behaved and is excellent around people, children, cats and small dogs. He's a real gentle giant of a dog and we love him to bits.

He's a big Staffie and is extremely strong. The problem is, he hates other big dogs. I walk him on a lead but he 'goes' for big dogs when we walk past them. Not only is this embarassing (it looks like I can't control my own dog), I'm conscious that if I'm not able to hold him, he could actually do some damage. It takes all my strength to pull him away from large dogs. His hackles come up, he growls and barks at them and this behaviour has got to stop.

I'm trying to find a dog class that I can enrol in but in the meantime, can anyone offer some advice? I've tried distracting him with treats when we walk past a big dog, have tried shouting at him, nothing works.

I know that he won't like all dogs but I need to nip this behaviour in the bud and for him to know that this is not acceptable. As a responsible owner I need to feel confident when walking him and feel that I am in control. At the moment, this is not the case.

I'd be glad of any suggestions, thank you.

He's new to you and you to him and being a rescue I'm guessing not a lot of history.

The first thing I'd suggest is letting him settle in, keep up training with him when meeting other dogs, a good sit and stay when one passes. Keep his focus.

Don't shout, and be confident as they can feel your nerves down the lead.

Not all dogs get on but with training you can handle it and may be suprised XX

Hiya and welcome from me and Moo Xx

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I agree with Janey. The best advice I can give you is to find someone who has a well socialized larger breed of dog that is preferably older than yours. Walk them together with the handlers in the middle at first and than gradually bring the dogs together to walk side by side.

After that provided things go well allow them to interact on long leads for a short period and just keep repeating the entire process.

Unless you know the history of the dogs rescues can have some behavioral issues from past experiences but they can be worked through with training, patience and consistancy. I would also do multiple training sessions in the house at first and than outside in a controlled enviroment where you can add different distractions to help with focus.

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

Give him a chance to settle in with you properly first before starting any training courses.

Are you able to socialise with any friendly dogs you already know of. Maybe go to the park by yourself and have a look around at the doggie walk "groups" there are there already. You will be able to easily see the little clique groups of people, try to avoid these if you can with their little fifi and trixiebelle dogs, dont even go there.

There will be some you can mix with, have a chat with them and explain your dogs history, what ever you have and that you want to have a well socialised dog who can get on well with others.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Hi and welcome. Some good advice already given. Above all be calm, be consistent and be patient.

Thank you so much for your replies. Our lovely staffie is around 3 years old and he's had a very sad history. This is his fourth (and last!) home (including stays in kennels), through no fault of his own. His first owner died and he was on his own in the owners flat for days without being found. Then he went into kennels. His second owner had to give him up when he lost his job and he went back into kennels. We are amazed that he's such a loving, trusting dog.

He's been really well trained by someone, he's good around children and he was clean from the day we brought him home.

I'll take your advice and take time with him and will also see if we can walk with another dog (in time). I also know that I need to be more confident when walking him. I'll take this all on board, thank you.

This is such a great forum, I'm really glad I've found you all xx